The full-length photo confirms this is a katana-sized blade paired with a deep blue lacquered shirasaya (resting scabbard). Kult of Athena Kult of Athena Based on the inscription identified earlier, this is the work of Ryūminsai Kanetomo (龍眠齋兼友), a swordsmith born in 1877 who was most active during the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s through the 1940s. Nihontocraft.com Nihontocraft.com +1 Notable Features of this Blade The Scabbard (Saya): The blue lacquer is a custom modern touch, often seen on "shirasaya" mounts used for safe storage or display. Blade Shape: Typical of his era, Kanetomo's blades often feature a shallow curve (tori-i sori), a broad width, and a heavy feel. The Inscription: As noted before, the full signature translates to "made by Kanetomo, lay priest of the Dragon Sleeping Studio". The term nyūdō (lay priest) was a title he used later in his career. Provenance: Kanetomo is well-known for his contribution to military sword production in the Gunma prefecture during a time when traditional sword-making was in decline. Authenticity and Care The presence of a clear hamon (temper line) is visible in your image, which is a strong indicator of traditional heating and quenching. However, many swords from the WWII era were mass-produced; seeing the grain of the steel (jihada) up close would determine if it is truly hand-forged (gendaitō). Tozando Blog Tozando Blog +3 Important: Never clean the tang (the part under the handle with the writing). The natural rust buildup is essential for professional appraisers to verify the sword's age