Perhaps the most famous blades were made by the ancient master Masamune in the fourteenth century, followed by those of his son and grandson. These blades, some reputed to thirst for blood, represent the best of the Koto period, produced prior to 1600. Later masters of the Shinto, or "new," period are generally considered to be not as good. However, the best of the Shinto period masters produced blades better than many of the Koto period. The masters of the city of Osafune in Japan are considered to rank among the best. They produced many blades of the finest quality.