Can anyone translate this Kanji (I believe that's what it is) inscription?

[smnaguwa]

Perhaps this is a Kikuichi knife.

[Gobi King]

This what my Onii replied, I asked for the exact translation when he had a min. The kanji indicates:

"It indicates the grade and quality of the blade"

[Tiddlerbasher]

If it's a traditional single bevel yanagiba then sharpen according to this video:
https://www.knifeplanet.net/lesson-5-how-to-sharpen-single-bevel-japanese-knives/

There are a few variations to this method but the link is a good starting point

[SoCalAngler]

Your right Neilman it's a yanagiba, or yana-giba.

I have no idea what it says though.

I had mine shipped from Japan.

[Rivverrat]

 Contrary to what I understood about folded metal, In his 'Best Japanese Knives' he stated that the folding of the metal had more to do with aesthetics than to blade-strength.  

 

For what it's worth.     While this is true today with new powder steel alloys. with S30 & 35 also S90V & the S110v my favorite for pocket knives & for some production or high use. S110V is not for any one who has trouble putting a sharp on other steels. There is little room for error with it. It will go from whittling a hand held single hair to   work sharp fairly quick but will hold a work sharp edge beyond what most other available steel will.

None of the older blade steels no matter heat treat or alloy used will hold an edge as well as the new powderd steels. It's simply impossible. However long ago, depending on who made it the Damascus blades could be better performers than some other methods of long ago ... Jeff

[swill88]

If it's a traditional single bevel yanagiba then sharpen according to this video:
https://www.knifeplanet.net/lesson-5-how-to-sharpen-single-bevel-japanese-knives/

There are a few variations to this method but the link is a good starting point

Thanks for the link!
Steve

[Robert Janssen]

So, i asked japanese grandma about it. It is kind of tricky she said, because it is very antiquated language. Like interpreting Shakespeare in ye olde englysh, but with signs.

First sign is chrysanthemum. Second is katana. Last and second last are scrolls, like a certificate or crest, and seperated.

So all told, she gets like, "katana from the family with the chrysanthemum crest" or similar.

She also got the impression of it being a particularly fine or distinguished item.

So now you know...

.

[smnaguwa]

FYI - https://kikuichi.net/pages/about-kikuichi-cutlery

[Ron Jones]

We need to show all the gamers that translation so they stop calling broad swords Katanas
The Man