Magoroku Kanemoto was very well known by even those not associated with Japanese swords. Even women and children in the country knew him as "Seki-no-Magoroku Sanbonsugi" or Magoroku of Seki, three cedars. While Magoroku Kanemoto is the second generation Kanemoto, he is the first generation of Magoroku Kanemoto. Magoroku later became a common association with the name Kanemoto in future generations.
Characteristics of Kanemoto blades are: Katana is rather short, about two feet, high shinogi ridge, thin back, well balanced, medium curvature that feels most favorable in use. Temper patterns are medium straight and the famous sanbonsugi or three cedar trees that became his specialty. Forging is mokume (small burl) with itame (larger wood grain) here and there on the surface and masame (straight grain) appearing well defined on the shinogi. Boshi line is head shape but later generations made small round. Carvings are rare with the exception of groves.
The bohi or groves on this sword were added at a later time and is machi-okuri.
During WWII, training films were shown to U.S. troops to acquaint them with the enemy and his weapons including the use of Japanese swords. One film demonstrated the capability of the Japanese sword by cutting through the barrel of a machine gun. The sword used to perfom this feat was said to be a Kanemoto sword.
This katana (long sword) circa 1457, is 26 1/8" long, and is O-suriage. As a result of shortening this blade, the original tang was removed along with the signature of the smith. However, it was later identified as Kanemoto and attributed in gold inlay to Kanemoto by Honomi. The Honomi family has been appraising swords since 1334 to present date. They issue certificates (Origami) either individually or in concert. From the year 1600 to 1750 there were 13 Honomi families who met once a month to issue certificates. These certificates were and still are in this standard form.
Honomi origami issued September 1932. It states: "The katana is authentic. The gold inlay signature is an attribution to Megoroku Kanemoto of Seki. The temper pattern is sanbonsugi, or three cedar zig-zag. Kanemoto blades are rated akasaka (Supreme Sharpness). This blade is given a value rating of 100 pieces of gold."
This certificate was issued by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Swords, NBTHK, or Nippon Bijutsu Token Hozen Kyoka. It was issued September 12, 1957 and states the following: This katana is attributed in gold inlay to the swordsmith Kanemoto. Blade length is 2 shaku, 1 sun (25 inches). This item, as a result of judging by this society, is acknowledged to be a valuable sword.
