- Bitchu aoe Chikatsugu 1308-1334
- Chikatsugu is a representative smith of the Chu Aoe Bitchu province School. It is said that he is the son of Aoe Yoshitsugu. Chikatsugu seems to have traveled some as he received training in Bizen as well as Bingo province before returning to Bitchu.
- Chikagatsu has signed this work with a two character signature. It displays the very fine hada of the Yamashiro School. It is 62.2 cm long. The sword displays bo-hi both sides, a longish kissaki, itame hada well grained with ji-nie and utsuri attached. The hamon is gunome/midare with kinsugi and sunagashi. It comes with beautiful fitted mounts.
- This sword came from an American Marine who acquired it from a Japanese officer. The sword was passed on to the Marine's nephew, who sold it to a dealer. The shirasaya has a sayagaki stating that this sword is appraised at 100 Gold Pieces.
The Japanese Sword Society of Canada
