Kanetoki Ikuo / 73.2cm

Kanetoki Ikuo of Seki / December, Showa 57 (1982)

Kanetoki (real name: Kanji Kojima) was born in 1925 (Taisho 14).
In 1940 (Showa 15), he entered apprenticeship under swordsmith Watanabe Kanenaga at the Nihontō Tanrenjuku. Shortly after the war, when sword production was banned, he engaged in the cutlery industry. In 1952 (Showa 27), when the Agency for Cultural Affairs permitted the production of art swords, he forged a Peace Treaty Commemorative Sword in 1954 (Showa 29), and in 1957 (Showa 32) he presented a Commemorative Sword to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. He repeatedly won prizes and honorable mentions at the Newly Made Masterpiece Sword Exhibitions. He passed away in 2004 (Heisei 16), having lived through and contributed to the sword world during and after the war.

Ikuo (real name: Masanao Kojima), now active under the name Kanemichi, was born in 1953 (Showa 28).
He began his apprenticeship under his father Kanetoki in 1972 (Showa 47). In 1980 (Showa 55), he was officially licensed to forge swords, and has since won many prizes at the Newly Made Masterpiece Sword Exhibitions. Since 2016 (Heisei 28), he has also served as a director of the All Japan Swordsmith Association.

This particular sword is a collaborative work between father and son. It has a standard weight suitable for iaidō practice. Although not brand new, it has been fully maintained to ensure safe and pleasant use in iaidō.
It is recommended for those seeking a reasonably priced genuine sword.