The Tang (Nakago) Filing Marks (YASURIME)
The tang (NAKAGO) is the end of the blade opposite to the point which usually contains information regarding the date, signature of the maker, owner's name, school/village, result of cutting test etc. Another distinguishing factor on various Samurai sword tangs are the filing marks. These consists of a series of straight lines that were applied by the swordsmith by using a file on the surface of the tang.
The Japanese term used to describe the markings is Yasurime. In 17th century, some decorative filing works on the tang were developed. Some smiths intentionally made beautiful looking filing marks on their tang. In some case, the filing mark is a factor to identify the smith. Each swordsmith had his own working styles on the tang.
Gyaku Taka No Ha— This design of Tang file marking is known as the "V" pattern due to the fact that it's line are very similar to the letter. This is a fairly common pattern.
Kesho— This is a more complicated design. The file marking are made in three different directions.
Kiri— The pattern formed by this design consists of a series of horizontal lines. This is a fairly common type.
Higaki— Known as the "X" pattern due to the fact that the file marks follow the same pattern as an X. Also known as the checkered pattern.
Katte Agari— A file pattern consisting of perpendicular lines at an angle. The downward direction is from right to left. Very similar in design to the Sagari pattern except for the angle of inclination.
Kiri Sujikai— This pattern consists of one side with a straight set of lines then the other side angling downward.
Sujikai— This pattern consists of a series of perpendicular lines at an angle. The downward direction goes from left to right.
Katte Sagari— A file pattern consisting of perpendicular line at an angle. The downward direction is from right to left. Very similar in design to the Katte pattern except for the angle of inclination.
The Japanese term used to describe the markings is Yasurime. In 17th century, some decorative filing works on the tang were developed. Some smiths intentionally made beautiful looking filing marks on their tang. In some case, the filing mark is a factor to identify the smith. Each swordsmith had his own working styles on the tang.
Gyaku Taka No Ha— This design of Tang file marking is known as the "V" pattern due to the fact that it's line are very similar to the letter. This is a fairly common pattern.
Kesho— This is a more complicated design. The file marking are made in three different directions.
Kiri— The pattern formed by this design consists of a series of horizontal lines. This is a fairly common type.
Higaki— Known as the "X" pattern due to the fact that the file marks follow the same pattern as an X. Also known as the checkered pattern.
Katte Agari— A file pattern consisting of perpendicular lines at an angle. The downward direction is from right to left. Very similar in design to the Sagari pattern except for the angle of inclination.
Kiri Sujikai— This pattern consists of one side with a straight set of lines then the other side angling downward.
Sujikai— This pattern consists of a series of perpendicular lines at an angle. The downward direction goes from left to right.
Katte Sagari— A file pattern consisting of perpendicular line at an angle. The downward direction is from right to left. Very similar in design to the Katte pattern except for the angle of inclination.