Sword maker marks serve as crucial identifiers of a blade’s origin, craftsmanship, and historical significance. These inscriptions, stamps or engravings appear on blades or tangs and provide valuable information about the swordsmith, workshop, and sometimes even the weapon’s intended purpose. This guide explores the most significant sword maker marks from around the world.
Sword maker marks provide a direct connection to centuries of bladesmithing tradition. From Masamune’s legendary Japanese katana to the “Running Wolf” of German swords, these identifiers help preserve the history and artistry of sword making. Proper authentication remains essential when examining historical blades, as many reproductions and fakes exist in the collectors’ market.
