Another Tang Translation

[swatmaster68]

Sorry again to ask for another tang translation. This is on a rinji-seishiki shin gunto. Also, what is a good way to tell hand forged vs machine? Thanks in advance!

[ghp95134]

義永
Yoshinaga

昭和十九年二月
Showa 19th Year, February

-- Guy

EDIT:
Markus Sesko lists one Showa smith named 義永 Yoshinaga:

YOSHINAGA (義永), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshinaga” (義永), real name Nagase Kunikazu (長瀬国一)

A different source lists Yoshinaga's license date:
義永 長瀬国一 S18.10.28
Art name: Yoshinaga
Real name: Nagase Kunikazu (長瀬国一)
Licensed: 28 October 1943

[DaveR]

If it's a traditional blade it should have a star stamp, non traditional will have a Sho stamp, or just possibly a Seki stamp.

[Bruce Pennington]

I don't see Yoshinaga on Rich Steins list of RJT smiths, so it could be gendaito without the star. As I understand it, the RJT blades were the only ones getting star stamps.

By 1944, though, if there are no stamps near the tsuba (handguard, and you will have to remove all the tsuba and seppa to check) then it's likely to be traditionally made. After the Army Sword Dept took over the sword industry in 1942, the blades seem to be more consistently stamped, if non-traditional.

But the real answer to your question involves studying the looks of traditionally made blade vs non-traditional. The traditionally made blades have more fine detail to the "grain" and activity in the hamon. Where the non-traditionally made blades are more dull, even when they have a "fancy" hamon. And still, the blade may have all the fancy detail, yet if the smith used non-Japanese steel, it should be stamped as non-traditional. So, no "easy" way to tell unless you find a stamp.

[ghp95134]

I don't see Yoshinaga on Rich Steins list of RJT smiths,....

But he is listed on Dr. Jinsoo Kim's site Seki Kaji Tosho:

刀匠名 Smith Name
義永 (Yoshinaga)

本名 Real Name
長瀬 国一