Kantei-Kai

In 2023, I founded the Touken-Togishi Kantei-Kai. A kantei-kai is an appraisal competition, where several swords are laid out to view, but with the tsuka (handle) still on, so no one can see any possible mei (signature) on the nakago (tang). Participants submit bids to the judge (myself) and receive points based on how close they came to guessing the maker of the sword.

Kantei is a great way to expand your knowledge of nihonto, and it’s a lot of fun, especially within our group, who are all quite relaxed and keen to have a chat.

After the kantei is complete, I’ll announce the answers and give a brief explanation for each sword. Each participant will receive a booklet containing some pics and all my research/key points on each sword to take home with them.