Kataba Noko Japanese Single Sided Rip Cutting Hand Saw by Nakaya Seiemon - 210mm

Smith name: Nakaya Seiemon Ⅰ  (初代中屋清右衛門)

Steel: Carbon Steel

Cutting edge length: 210mm

Total length: 550mm 

Blade thickness: about 0.70mm

Blade width: 55~80mm

Weight: 140g

Blade sharpening and adjusting: Unknown

Manufacture Era: Meiji period, late 19th century

Accessories: -

Additional Information: This saw comes from the descendant of a carpenter in the Kanto region. The saw was stored after Metate and is currently in good condition.

Identified by Mr. Tsuchida as a piece by Nakaya Seiemon (Aizu). The stamp 'Hoken/保険' (Guarantee) appears above the blacksmith's mark (read right-to-left). This specific mark was gradually phased out in favor of 'Toroku/登録' (Registered) after the trademark laws were enacted in Meiji 18 (1885).

This blacksmith is featured on page 106 of the book Aizu no Nokokaji (Saw Blacksmiths of Aizu). The smithy spanned two generations. Born in Meiji 10 (1877), the first generation master's real name was Watanabe Seizo( 渡部清蔵) . He came from a family of tofu makers (his father and grandfather). 

He was the very first apprentice of the Nakaya Jukichi I(中屋重吉). After completing his training, he worked independently for ten years, becoming known for his high level of technical skill. Later, he joined a local company, the Ohira Saw Factory. When the factory closed during the Taisho era, Seizo—then over 40 years old—was hired by the local Sato Kiyoshi Shoten (Store) to continue his work. The saws he produced there were widely acclaimed. He passed away on January 22, Showa 22 (1947).