This special sword is signed ” Toshu ju Masamitsu ” and is a swordsmith from Tosa.  He worked around Genji 1864 and is listed in the Fujishiro’s shinto taikan as shinshinto with a chusaku rating. Special note : Not to add to the confusion but in  Fujishiro a “D” ( Doshu ) is used in place of a ” T ” ( Toshu ) and both can be used.  This a very long katana at 29 3/4″ in mounts that are in very good shape.  Some minor chips are visible on the back of the scabbard that could be easily repaired as seen.  The blade is in excellent condition and is very attractive.  The sugu-ba hamon is very nicely made with tight nie along the entire length.  There is very nice activity  visible in several places and the overall feel of this hamon is of under spoken beauty.  These types of blades appeal to the Japanese taste and are sometimes called “Shibui style”.  The hada is clear and rich with activity.  The steel of the blade is extremely smooth and has a deep texture to it.  The tang/nakago is long with two holes that are meant to hold the sword securely in its handle.  The patina and signature are in excellent shape.  In the picture the sword appears slender but its actually very stout and is almost 30 inches long. The hada is a nice mix of itame and mokume with running masame in the mix. The signature is beautifully struck as well as the yasurime. The Koshirae has a vintage patina on the brass fuchi/kashira. The iron tsuba is finished with cherry blossums. there is brown tsuka ito with sageo to match. The menuki are of dragons which is a recurring theme in Japanese and Chinese mythology. The saya is lacquered in a bright black lacquered finish.