Hijikata Toshizo's Kanesada Koshirae - Heavyweight Blade
Historical Background
Hijikata Toshizo (May 31, 1835 - June 20, 1869) was the deputy leader of the Shinsengumi, a skilled and formidable military leader who resisted the Meiji Restoration.
Co-founding the Shinsengumi with Kondo Isami in 1863, Hijikata enforced strict regulations as the group's deputy leader, earning the nickname 鬼の副長 ("The Demon Deputy Leader") for his harsh discipline and prowess with his sword, Kanesada.
After Kondo's execution in May 1868, Hijikata led the Shinsengumi through their final battles, from Aizu to Hakodate, against the Imperial Loyalist Army. Despite knowing the struggle was futile, Hijikata was determined to fight to the end, declaring he could not disgrace the Shogunate by retreating.
He was killed on June 20, 1869, in the Battle of Goryokaku near Hakodate, struck by a bullet that shattered his lower back while he was on horseback.
Specifications
This Kanesada Koshirae is an accurate replica of the original sword preserved at the Hijikata Toshizo Museum in Saitama prefecture. Ishime Higo type Fuchi/Kashira and Kuwagata Kojiri are made of brass and the surface is carefully oxidized by hand.
Tsuba is Ishime Mokko style and the theme is "Ume Ichirin"(one plum) which is the flower he loved. Menuki features the theme of Japanese pepper. A black cotton Tsuka cord is bound over a white Tsukasame.
Saya is finished with Anshu Ishime(dark reddish brown, matte finish). Cotton Sageo is also included. A sand-cased, extra-reinforced wide zinc/aluminum alloy blade provides superb balance for the dynamic air-slashing move. Hamon reproduces the work of Aizu Kanesada the 11th. Each parts are uncompromisingly hand-assembled by Japanese sword craftsmen, who are experts in making the genuine Japanese sword, Shinken. The blade is available from 2.20 shaku up to 2.50 shaku. Weight without Saya is approximately 1000 grams (for 2.50 shaku). Proudly made in Japan.
*Iaito are made with an aluminum zinc alloy blade and cannot be sharpened.