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SHOW002 · AS FOUND

源菊虎

Petty Knife 150 mm

Petty 150 mm · Japan

150 MMCARBON STEELDOUBLE BEVEL

Japanese carbon-steel petty with its original dark Western-style handle, three rivets and a metal bolster. Its slender profile and fine tip suit smaller, precise kitchen preparation tasks.

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STATUSAS FOUND
TYPEPetty 150 mm
ORIGINJapan
PERIODUnidentified
ATTRIBUTION CONFIDENCEProbable
ARCHIVE NUMBERSHOW002

01 / MARKINGS / MEI

源菊虎

Observed inscription
泉州 (?) / 源菊虎 / 本鍛錬
Transcription
泉州 (?) / 源 菊 虎 / 本 鍛 錬
Possible reading
Senshū — probable / Minamoto no Kikutora / Hon-tanren
Literal interpretation
Senshū: region; Minamoto no Kikutora: brand; Hon-tanren: a marking referring to forging
Mark type
Stamped marking; additional engraving on the opposite face
Location
Blade face near the heel
View the mark record →

ATTRIBUTION

Probable

The main mark reads 源菊虎 — Minamoto no Kikutora. The Kikutora brand is documented for Murata Hamono in Sakai. Attribution of this particular knife bearing the 源菊虎 variant to that firm remains probable. The individual smith and age are unidentified.

ConfirmedCONFIRMED
ProbablePROBABLE
TentativeTENTATIVE
UnidentifiedUNIDENTIFIED

SPECIFICATIONS

Blade type
Petty
Overall length
260 mm
Blade length
150 mm
Weight
85 g
Grind
Double bevel — confirmed by owner
Handle
Original dark handle, three rivets
Steel
Carbon steel — owner information; exact grade unidentified
Construction
Unidentified
Heel height
Not measured
Spine thickness
Not measured
Saya / sheath
Not documented

02 / Condition & care

AS FOUND

  • Mottled patina and traces of use on the blade faces.
  • Small corrosion pits and local corrosion marks, including near the metal bolster.
  • A small curved notch near the heel of the edge; its origin is undocumented.

WHAT WE PRESERVE

  • Original dark handle, three rivets
  • Markings 源菊虎 / 本鍛錬 and additional engraving on the reverse

04 / Research & provenance

RESEARCH NOTES

  1. 01

    The small upper inscription probably reads 泉州 (Senshū).

  2. 02

    本鍛錬 refers to forging; it does not identify a steel grade or laminated construction.

  3. 03

    The additional reverse-side engraving cannot be reliably deciphered from the available overall photograph.

  4. 04

    The exact steel grade, construction and production period are not documented.

View the mark record →

PROVENANCE

Dimensions, weight, carbon steel, double bevel and original handle were stated by the owner. A more detailed history is not documented.

CURRENT STATUS

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