Recently acquired a Katana in civilian mounts in a leather combat scabbard with the tang markings of Taira Okiyuki in a three character signature. What is known of this smith or school and what books would you reccomend to a begineer.......Best Jimmy

John M Yumoto"s Book was very helpful to me 'As was Fuller & Gregory's book These are a good way to figure out if you are interested in Guntos,or Art Swords.Difficult decision because some consider machine made blades as "Worthless"!!G.

Thanks Geoff.............I have both of these and am ordering The Conosieurs Book of Japanese S The words from Amazon.The last book traced the blade to the Muromachi Period or slightly earlier, Taira Takada School and one of their smiths. The sword actualy straddles the line between the art swords and WW2 Blades. All of the fittings appear very old. Only the leather combat cover and tassel loop apear to be WW2 vintage. Any additional help or info on this school or smith would be greatly appreciated as I am very much in the learning phase of Japanese swords..........Although the blade is in decent polish and very sharp in it worth having a traditional polish done to remove the few unsightly places or leave well enough alone. I know enough not too screw with it on my own............Thanks Jimmy