The blade is signed “Kanenori” (兼則) with a nagasa of 51.2 cm. Kanenori is a well-known swordsmith lineage originating from the San’ami school, descended from Naoye Shizu Kanetomo, and traditionally associated with Mino (Seki) and later Echizen Province. The lineage is recorded from the Nanbokuchō period through the early Edo period and is noted for producing blades valued for practical cutting ability.
Historical records note Kanenori smiths relocating to Echizen during the Muromachi period and forging swords in active military contexts, including documented field-forged blades. Based on the overall characteristics, this blade is thought to date to the Edo period.
The blade shows an active gunome-midare hamon, consistent with Mino-derived workmanship emphasizing functionality.
Mounted in Imperial Japanese Army Type 98 guntō fittings with a leather-covered scabbard, often associated with combat or field service.
A strong example of a traditional blade by a historically martial lineage, later mounted for use by a Japanese Army officer during World War II.