Wazamono Rankings — Choosing Japanese Swords by Cutting Ability

In the Edo period, a systematic evaluation of sword sharpness was compiled in the book "Kaiho Kenjaku."

Saijo Owazamono (Supreme): The highest rank. Only about a dozen smiths were selected. Osafune Kanemitsu, Soshu Masamune, and Kotetsu are among them.

Owazamono (Excellent): The second tier. Master smiths with exceptional cutting ability, including Kunihiro, Tadayoshi, and Sukehiro.

Yoki Wazamono (Very Good): Third tier. Smiths with consistently good cutting performance, highly valued for practical use.

Wazamono (Good): Base tier. Smiths recognized for above-average cutting ability.

Modern assessment: Today, swords are evaluated holistically — not just for sharpness, but for artistic merit, historical significance, and preservation. NBTHK certification is the most authoritative standard, but Wazamono rankings remain valuable for understanding a smith's technical prowess.

Our appraisers combine this traditional knowledge with modern techniques to deliver the finest swords to our clients.