Antique Nihonto Katana Signed by Sadahiro NBTHK KICHO TOKEN Certificate

加賀守貞廣 (Kaga no Kami Sadahiro) was a swordsmith of the 康継一門越前下坂派 (Yasukuni school of the Echizen Shimosaka school). He was born in 寛永十七年 (1640) in 越前下坂 (Echizen Shimosaka) and made swords in both Echizen and Kyoto during the 元禄 (Genroku) period. He signed his works as 加賀守藤原貞廣 (Kaga no Kami Fujiwara Sadahiro) or 高柳加賀守藤原貞廣 (Takayanagi Kaga no Kami Fujiwara Sadahiro). His works often featured straight temper lines (直刃), and blades with irregular temper lines (乱れ刃) are rare.

This sword has a wide base and tip, with a shallow curvature, and a medium kissaki, typical of the 寛文新刀体配 (Kanbun shinto shape). It was originally a long blade, likely around 二尺六寸 (78.8 cm), but has been shortened. The well-forged steel shows a mix of small wood grain (小板目) and burl grain (杢目), with fine nie (地沸) and chikei (地景). The hamon is a bright, clear 互ノ目乱れ (gunome-midare) with multiple layers of fine sunagashi (砂流) and kinsuji (金筋) that flow along the valleys of the gunome, creating a visually striking appearance.

The sword has no notable flaws or defects, with the only regret being that it has been shortened. As a work of art, it is an excellent piece. The balance in hand is exceptionally good, making it suitable for mounting as a practical sword (武用刀) for iai (居合) and one-handed use.

Bare weight: 769 grams.