NIOI · sword polishing · Leiden
(01) Kongō-dō · removing rust
000

Japanese sword polishing
and records. Leiden, since 2011.

[email protected]
Oude Vest 141, Leiden

Macro view of the polished steel of Kanemoto, Mino: Sanbonsugi, pointed gunome in threes; Itame with masame along the shinogi-ji.
(e.)Register · Mino · 2026

KANEMOTO

Kanemoto, Mino. Muromachi, mid-16th century. 64.8 cm, Hadori finish.

Move the pointer over the steel
to see the nie catch the lamp

(a.)The record

Measuredand noted

Received: Polish worn through on the shinogi-ji.

6 weeks on the bench, Hadori finish. Before the first stone we photographed both sides, measured the blade and noted every flaw, so the owner can see exactly what changed.

  • (a.)Mei · Kanemoto
  • (b.)SchoolMino
  • (c.)PeriodMuromachi, mid-16th century
  • (d.)TypeKatana
  • (e.)Nagasa64.8 cm (21.4 sun)
  • (f.)Sori1.6 cm
  • (g.)Motohaba3.02 cm
  • (h.)Sakihaba2.15 cm
  • (i.)Kasane0.69 cm
  • (j.)HadaItame with masame along the shinogi-ji
  • (k.)HamonSanbonsugi, pointed gunome in threes
  • (l.)BōshiJizō, pointed return
  • (m.)Nakago18.0 cm, taka no ha file marks, 2 holes
  • (n.)ReceivedPolish worn through on the shinogi-ji
  • (o.)FinishHadori, 6 weeks on the bench
The whole blade of Kanemoto, Mino with its tang, after polishing.
(b.)Before and after

The samefew centimetres

Before: the steel as received, grey with rust and scratches. After: the same section polished, hamon and grain visible. As receivedAfter polish
‹ ›
(c.)Oshigata

The rubbing

Oshigata of Kanemoto, Mino: outline and ridges in graphite, the tang rubbed whole, the hamon drawn by hand.
(i.)Hamon. Sanbonsugi, pointed gunome in threes.
(ii.)Bōshi. Jizō, pointed return.
(iii.)Grain. Itame with masame along the shinogi-ji. The grain is not drawn on an oshigata; it is in the written record.
(iv.)Tang. The signature (Kanemoto) is cut into the tang; incised strokes take no graphite, so they show white.

Rubbing on washi, graphite and pencil, 1:1