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Yasurimei - Nakago File Marks

Yasurimei are the file marks that appear when the nakago or tang is finished by the sword smith. This is done with a file may be cut deeply or lightly. The styles vary from smith to smith, but are usually the same on both sides. The file marks are added before the smith chisels his signature (Mei) onto the nakago. Some styles are displayed below.

Kiri

Straight file marks from the edge to the back of the nakago. The most commonly seen patern of file marks.

Katte Sagari

 File marks slanting toward the tip of the nakago from the edge/ha to the back/mune. This is the second most common yasuri pattern.

Katte Agari

Opposite of the Katte Sagari, angled file marks slanting from the edge/ha to the back/mune, towards the tip/kisaki.

Sujikai

Steeply slanting file marks. A commonly seen pattern.

Takanoha

Hawk feather pattern. This style is often seen on Yamato blades.

Kesho Yasuri

This style is common in Shinto period and later. Kesho means "makeup"

Katasagari yasuri in the shinogiji and Kiri yasuri in the hiraji

This is a variant of Takinoha.

Sen suki Yasuri

This style is formed with a draw-knife, and is seen in pre-Koto, and early Koto blades. It is also seen on Mino blades from the Muromachi period as well as on yari and naginata tangs.