Japanese Sword by Ishido Teruhide Master Swordsmith of the Ishido Korekazu Line NBTHK Hozon.

WWII-Era Katana by Ishido Teruhide (1941)

This original World War II-era Japanese sword, forged in 1941 by the renowned swordsmith Ishido Teruhide (1900–1982), represents both exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance.

Teruhide was the 10th and final generation of the prestigious Ishido Korekazu lineage, a direct descendant of the legendary Musashi Daijō Fujiwara Korekazu. His work carried forward the traditions of one of Japan’s most celebrated sword-making schools, blending classical techniques with the practical demands of the wartime period.

Specifications:

• Blade Length (Nagasa): 69.4 cm

• Curvature (Sori): 1.8 cm

• Total Weight: 800 g

• Certification: NBTHK Hozon

During the war years, Ishido Teruhide forged swords for high-ranking military officers as well as for civilian use. This particular blade is a rare example, bearing not only his mei (signature) but also his kao (personal seal). Intriguingly, it is signed under the name Ishido Mitsunobu, a name he adopted during part of his career.

In 1943, Teruhide was awarded the rank of Betseki by the Nihon Token Tanrenjo and the Nihon Token Shinbunshi—an honor that further established his reputation as a master craftsman of the era.

As with all swords of the Ishido lineage, this katana reflects refined artistry: a graceful curvature, precise forging, and an enduring spirit that connects it to the centuries-old traditions of the samurai. Both as a work of art and as an artifact of history, it represents a highly desirable addition to any serious collection of Japanese swords.