Outstanding First Class WWII Gendaitō Sword made by Master Horii Toshihide (Hideaki) NBTHK Hozon Token.

Outstanding First Class WWII Gendaitō

By Horii Toshihide (俊秀, also known as Hideaki, 1873–1953)
Shōwa period, February 1941
NBTHK Hozon Token

This exceptional gendaitō from the World War II period represents the very highest level of modern Japanese sword craftsmanship. Forged in February 1941 (Shōwa 16) by Horii Toshihide, also known by the name Hideaki, this blade stands as a powerful testament to the skill, discipline, and artistic refinement achieved by Japan’s finest swordsmiths during the Shōwa era. Toshihide is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished gendai smiths of his generation and is recorded in Slough’s Gendai Tōkō (pp. 173–175), a reference reserved for swordsmiths of proven historical and technical importance.

The sword is accompanied by NBTHK Hozon Token certification, confirming its authenticity, quality, and value as an object of cultural preservation. The tang is clearly signed 俊秀作 (Toshihide saku) and bears an original date inscription, firmly anchoring the blade within the historical context of early 1941—at a time when traditional swordmaking techniques were being consciously revived and upheld, even amid the pressures of wartime production.

Horii Toshihide and His Legacy

Horii Toshihide (1873–1953) belonged to the elite group of gendai swordsmiths who upheld classical forging traditions while adapting to the demands of the modern era. Unlike mass-produced military blades, Toshihide’s swords were traditionally forged, water-quenched, and meticulously finished, reflecting deep respect for classical forms and metallurgical excellence. His work is consistently praised for its balance, clarity of hamon, and refined jihada, qualities that place him among the foremost masters of Shōwa-period swordmaking.

Dimensions and Form

The blade displays an elegant yet powerful sugata, well suited to both appreciation and functional intent:

• Nagasa (cutting edge): 66.7 cm

• Nakago (tang): 21 cm

• Overall length: 88.8 cm

• Thickness at habaki: 7.6 mm

• Width at habaki: 3.21 cm

• Width at yokote: 2.15 cm

• Kissaki length: 3.21 cm

• Sori (curvature): 2.1 cm

These proportions result in a well-balanced blade with an assertive presence, combining strength, grace, and refined geometry—hallmarks of first-class gendaitō.

Blade Characteristics

Preserved in immaculate full Japanese polish, the blade reveals a magnificent gunome–chōji midareba hamon, alive with vibrant internal activity. The temperline is richly animated with abundant nie and nioi, creating a sparkling, three-dimensional effect that shifts with the light. This lively hamon is both expressive and controlled, demonstrating Toshihide’s mastery of heat treatment and his confident command of traditional techniques.

The jihada is a finely forged itame, clearly visible and beautifully textured. The steel shows excellent refinement and uniformity, reflecting careful material selection and repeated folding. Together, the jihada and hamon create a harmonious visual balance, offering both technical excellence and aesthetic depth.

The kissaki is well formed and proportionate, with a clean and clearly defined yokote, further underscoring the high level of craftsmanship throughout the blade.

Mountings

One of the most remarkable aspects of this sword is its preservation in two complete and original mountings, each serving a distinct purpose.

First, the blade is housed in a high-quality shirasaya, intended for long-term preservation and scholarly study. This plain wooden mounting protects the blade while allowing unobstructed appreciation of its form and workmanship.

Second, the sword retains its original high-grade Shinguntō koshirae, fully matched and preserved in excellent condition. All fittings are original to the sword and remain well aligned, reflecting careful use and respectful handling over time.

Of particular significance is the inclusion of a rare early colonel-grade (general-class) tassel, distinguished by its bright, unfaded orange-brown coloration. Such tassels are scarce, especially in this condition, and indicate that the sword was carried by a high-ranking officer. This detail greatly enhances the historical and collectible value of the piece.

Historical and Collector Significance

This sword embodies the very best of wartime Japanese swordmaking: a traditionally forged blade by a top-ranked gendai master, preserved in outstanding polish, supported by NBTHK Hozon certification, and accompanied by fully original, high-status military mounts. It is an object that bridges the classical sword tradition and modern history, representing both artistic excellence and historical depth.

As a complete and well-documented example, this gendaitō holds strong appeal for advanced collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of Japanese arms. It stands not only as a weapon, but as a refined work of art and a lasting testament to the skill of Horii Toshihide, one of the finest gendai swordsmiths of the Shōwa period.