The first photo says ヤスキ鋼 "yasuki hagane," referring to the type of steel.
The second appears to say "常信作" or "Made by Tsunenobu."
I'm not sure who the maker is; a quick search didn't turn up any results.
Thanks very much for this information. Identification and history...excellent. It was rescued from a drawer at my Dad's place. Rust and neglect hardly honors a tradition of craft and business. Time to show this blade some overdue appreciation.