Brian

Jean, some interesting research has been done... Note, if any of these break copyright, let me know and I'll delete them Kuji Iron Sands.pdf Characteristic_Feature_Found_in_Typical_TATARA-Product-Japanese-Sword.pdf Control_of_slag_and_inclusions_in_traditional_Japanese_iron_and-steelmaking.pdf

Nothing stops smiths adding various elements and other materials while forging it, to get the desired characteristics. It's not like they are forbidden from altering the recipe while they forge. I don't think it's a huge problem.

Fact is there are pirated copies of many books online, we just try not to mention or discuss it. But I am sure many if not most collectors know there are illegitimate electronic versions of everything from Connoisseurs, to Haynes to Hawley. Am sure Markus battles with it too. It's the nature of the internet. But we try stick to copyright here, and the download above falls within that as Brett said. Grey, sorry they used your description.

Nakago. Not nagado.

Pics of the whole tsuba both sides

This boundary is non-negotiable on this forum. Take it or leave it. There is no circumstance where we will ever say it's ok to use sandpaper on your blade. You may say the whole thing was rusted and no-one would pay to have it polished. So what about the guy whose blade is mostly ok but has one spot of rust? What about the guy who is in a country where there are no polishers? Do we have to form a committee to decide when it's ok and when it isn't? The fact is that we don't advocate amateur polishing. Yes...we all know many do it, we know there are rusty blades that no-one will ever professionally polish. But without a way to determine what's ok and what isn't, the rule stands that we do not encourage this. Since we are a serious forum devoted to the preservation of genuine Japanese swords, this policy will never change.

Impressed.

WW2 sword. Forget fantasies about it being older. Also would likely have another nakago ana if it was refitted. Nothing there suggests older. The hamon appears that way because it has an amateur cleanup/polish. It's just showing the hardness difference. Fairly typical WW2 sword in fair condition.

Really appreciate it Erik. It's a big help currently, especially with us trying to save up enough to upgrade the software and features for everyone. And any new contributions delay me having to start things like advertising or charging for certain functions. Thanks again to those who do contribute.

As Ray said, and I agree with his valuation. A fairly standard and mostly average wakizashi, thousands of these leave Japan every few years, there is absolutely nothing National Treasure about this. Fittings are average, and note that various themes on the fittings were common throughout Japan, the theme doesn't suggest location. Taking it apart is easy, they were designed to be routinely taken apart and it's only 1 wooden peg holding it all together. If you do, do not clean any portion of the tang as that patina is vital to sword appraisal and value.

Stay on topic! And fwiw, no-one CARES about downvotes. Only teenagers and people obsessed with popularity. Give it a rest.

Clearly not the correct habaki for it. Someone got one that fitted roughly and because it was too long, they inset it into the tsuka? It's not sitting on the surface is it, looks like it goes into it a bit? Very odd and bad decision if that's true Since it's TH and a decent sword, it would be worth getting a new habaki made. Not a huge expense considering the price of a sword.

Agree with Grey. A LOT of entry and mid level swords have that identical crack. Judging by the gaps, it may be a replacement that doesn't fit properly, unless the sword has been polished down a lot. But it isn't a huge deal for display.

Any jeweller can repair it. But I would leave it as is.

As per the rules, we require some details and at least guideline prices to be posted. The only exception is those who have taken a dealer subscription, where they have their own "store" and can list as they like.

robcvt is a scammer. Just about ANYONE who contacts someone and says any version of "xxx can help you, contact him at yyyy" is a scammer. He's been deleted.

Just a leather spacer he made to take up the gap.

Yeah, I would also guess removed mei.

Both genuine, and both look worth preserving and researching. Both appear to be older than WW2, and values maybe a bit higher than the entry levels that Bruce mentioned. Do we have anyone out that way that can take a look?

His classic sugata, and one of my Grails. Lovely sword.

Looks great. Having a full workshop here with lathe and knife belt grinder etc, I'd make short work of that. But you did awesome and it looks great.

Wow, that's bad. REALLY badly signed by someone who doesn't know Japanese. As mentioned, the shape is a write off and the whole tang looks to have been modified to deceive....even the extra mekugi ana in weird places. This is one to stay far away from. Is this from an online dealer? I'm guessing it's this one? https://aukro.cz/japonsko-rarita-originalni-rucne-kovana-katana-znacena-mistr-kunisuke-7113242336 Ugh...no. I think it may have been a genuine sword, but has been messed with so much that the value is minimal now.

Whilst way above your budget, this is a steal for what you are getting.

Welcome, and glad to have you on board. Feel free to share some of your other interests in the Izakaya. We have lots of members interested in your other hobbies too.

Good work! Very interesting. Put it into a pdf and send to me and I'll add it as an article with the appropriate credit