Brian

Just my humble opionion... It does look like it had acid used to bring out the hada. This doesn't look like a stone polish. Note that acid is used to bring out hada and hamon...not nie and nioi. In fact it obscures ni and nioi occasionally. However I do think this is genuine, and the name Amahide does seem to come up every time we see this prominent hada. It seems to me from the recent posts with this type of hada, that some smiths (Amahide and others) might have used a different steel and/or forging technique that made the hada and hataraki appear different to the ones we are used to. Possibly a hybrid type of polish used back then, or the type of steel/forging led to this characteristic? I am not sure how this sword would be classified..and whether it was oil or water tempered. I do think a traditional polish would be much more subdued though. Brian

The most interesting item does appear to be the tsuba. Milt has a good point..are those lumpy bones on the mimi? Or is it a bamboo theme mimi? Maybe they are a bit regular to be bones, but would like to see a few pics of the mimi if you have them. Brian

Alan, As Reinhard was saying, the process of sharpening and polishing are the same thing. A sword that is polished, will be sharpened at the same time unless there is a reason that the owner doesn't want a cutting edge (I can think of no reason that would explain that) How "unsharp" is it? As for the torokusho, that is just a Japanese licence that shows the sword is registered. It doesn't say anything about the age or quality, and has to remain in Japan when the sword is deregistered and exported. The fact that they made you a photocopy just means the sword was legally exported. To be honest, there isn't much to say about the sword. You were after a cheap example of a Japanese sword with koshirae, and you got it. Not a hidden treasure, just an example of what you were after..a genuine Japanese sword with a few hundred years on it. Fair fittings, blade has had a quick polish that looks a bit heavy on the hadori. You said you don't want to get into collecting. If this one sparks an interest, then maybe the next one will be a step up until you get hooked like the rest of us. Regards, Brian

Japanese dragon = 3 claws/toes Korean dragon = 4 claws/toes Chinese dragon = 5 claws/toes Brian

Peter, My guess is shortened slightly, not greatly. At least a Shinto in my humble guess. That recent extra ana could have been done at any time by someone who remounted the tsuka badly. The lower one is likely the original one (unless it is o-suriage which isn't the impression I get) I don't think you will easily narrow the age down much further in that condition, but likely a few hundred years old imho. Brian

John, lovely looking kozuka, I am holding thumbs there is no damage. If there turns out to be any, then you should approach Po for a full refund. I would look for repaired and restamped nanako, as there doesn't appear to be any missing. Anyways, best way is to examine it closely when it arrives. Regards, Brian

All, Simon asked me to to please ask those that he sent his email address to, and who haven't been corresponding with him, to please drop him an email. He didn't get all of your email addresses on record. Those applicable should have his email address. If anyone else wishes to get hold of him, you can let me know and I'll forward any requests. Thanks, Brian

Well..obviously someone did, whether prior or post haitorei. Overall impression isn't too bad either. Not great work by any means, but I have seen worse. Not all swords were carried by samurai of course, there were probably more merchants and others during those later times that owned them, and if you look at the fashions outside nowdays, it is all too obvious how tastes vary. As Stephen said, without anything new and revealing to add to the swords, I consider this one done. Reinhard, a new topic about this Henri Spörry might be an interesting thread, sounds like an interesting guy. Brian

Maybe he means that the woman depicted is old :lol: Brian

Just as long as you don't get the customs treatment I have received lately. Them: "We are charging you 30% import duty on this sword you just imported" Me: " But it has the correct customs tarriff code and is clearly described as an antique Japanese sword" Them: "We need proof in writing that it is an antique" Me: "What kind of proof will you accept" Them: "Some certificate of authenticity" Me: "Will you let me get a society or organisation to come here and declare it?" Them: "No. We want a certificate of authenticity" Me: "But that doesn't exist. What kind of certificate? It is clearly antique and out of polish, and it would cost me a fortune to send it to Japan to get papers" Them: "We won't accept papers from Japan..they must be in English. A certificate of authenticity" Me: "Umm...can you describe the certificate or tell me what you need, so that I can get it?" Them: "No..we want a certificate. From someone we can hold liable" Me: "So what can I give you now to prove it is antique" Them: "You will show us a certificate of authenticity or you will pay the 30%" A later conversation with them turned up the fact that they won't accept origami from Japan, they would not accept a certificate from the JSSUS or the NCJSC, they wouldn't accept a declararation from the seller. They just wanted some certificate, but couldn't tell me where to get it, or what they would accept. They did mention a letter "From the Ministry of culture in Japan, through the American consulate??!! would be ok. 3 Other collectors subsequently had the same problems. I paid my 30%. A high level meeting had some success, but no real finite conclusion. Right now I am not sure of the status of imports here. Some get through, some not. Mid level swords that are not from reputable auction houses are a problem. They make the rules, and take your cash. You think you have problems? Brian

Reasons to watch the community forum viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2746 It should have been a separate post I guess. Maybe there is a chance of cancelled slots? Brian

As I explained to Simon via pm, there is no need to delete an account. If anyone doesn't want to read or post, then simply don't read or post? Perhaps in the future things improve and you wish to post something..or someone makes an offer you can't refuse? Seems kinda pointless to me to deregister. There are lots of forums I once joined and now don't visit anymore. This is the internet. I think that when someone pushes for an account to be deleted instead of just going dormant, then it is more likely they are only trying to prove a point or make a statement, which does seem a little umm..er.. yeah. Many people have given you good reasons to stay, and thanks to all those who commented, whether good or bad. I have addressed a lot of it via pm's and emails a while ago, and have seen positive changes. Sometimes we just need to learn to have a thick skin, and accept that some will be blunt when telling the truth. It doesn't help anyone's education when we are all afraid to call junk, junk. However I have already addressed the issue of politely telling someone that, and backing it up with an explanation. Rudeness is not tolerated here. If you see it, report it! Bluntness is a fine line, so if you are going to be blunt, then I do expect an explanation of why you are saying that. There are far too many good posts and topics here to let a tiny percentage get to me. Isn't it human nature that we coast through the good stuff, and only climb on the soap box when we see something bad. Oh well..I tried, so in line with Simon's wishes, I will deactivate the account. All the best Simon, wish you well. Brian

They have just added 3 new articles that are well worth a read, including one on restoration/polishing, one light hearted one by Clive Sinclair and a good one on oshigata. Links are at: http://www.to-ken.com/articles/Preserva ... ishing.htm , http://www.to-ken.com/articles/JustKendo.htm and http://www.to-ken.com/articles/drawingoshigata.htm Membership is also open again for those interested. Regards, Brian

I cropped, rotated and resized to make them a bit easier to view, hope this helps someone. Brian

I have absolutely no idea where your mind goes sometimes Milt. Is there a Milt to English translation on Babelfish somewhere? :lol: :D Ok..'nuff of the OT now thanks folks. Brian

drbvac = Dr. Brian Barrett I am not going insane (Even though many of you are doing your best :lol: ) - B -

Hi Eric, Yep, Koto means old sword as opposed to Shin-to (new sword) and shinshin-to (new new sword) Generic terms used to describe the age of the blade. Koto are indeed from before 1596, although yours still needs to be verified to be of that age. O-suriage (shortened) and looks possibly worth a look at by a polisher to see what you have there. The gunto one has a typical Showa-era cast tsuba that I have seen on one of my gunto before. Brian

Brian, Don't go photocopying those monographs just yet They are still in print and I am sure still in copyright. http://www.wmhawley.com/products/monographs/ and http://www.wmhawley.com/products/books/ Regards, Brian

Just went back through this thread, and noticed a post or 2 that I seem to have missed. I will caution everyone to be careful what they state and how they state it. Case in point: Fake: - On this forum it will refer to a sword that has no connection to Japanese manufacture at all, or one that has been made up to look like something it is not. A bad condition Nihon-to is not a fake. It is a bad condition Nihon-to. A bad condition Kamakura-era tachi is not a fake because someone has let it rust and messed with the polish. Togishi have brought back remarkable swords before. A shin-gunto is not a fake. It is a machine made Japanese sword. Even if the mounts are messed with and switched for poor quality originals on a genuine blade, the sword isn't a fake. Fake infers that it is not traditionally made, and was made to deceive. A gunto can have an older nakago welded on to appear to be a Koto, but then that should be indicated in the description. There can be fine lines which we can (and should) easily clarify in describing them, but let's not start using the word fake unless it is in the commonly-understood context. This hobby is difficult enough without complicating things further. It is easy enough to type a few extra lines and explain what we mean sometimes, and it save us a few pages of meandering discussion that is not always necessary. Brian

Thanks Guido, some interesting facts there. So Stephen Spielberg bought a katana from Yoshindo Yoshihara? One of about 500 swords he has made so far. That is quite an achievement. Brian

Agreed, and I have been addressing much of that through private messages, and I must say that the reactions from most have been very positive. We must remember that the internet medium is notorious for not conveying tone very well, and it is easy to be taken the wrong way. I would aslo remind everyone that there is a "report post" function if you deem a post to be arrogant or rude, and each case is addressed fast. Let's all put in an effort to get along, understand the intentions of the other person, and above all, remember that the aim is to have fun, while dealing with a very ancient and serious subject. If anyone has an issues to address, rather contact me or a moderator and let's try and sort it out. Bottling it in until you reach breaking point is not constructive or beneficial to anyone Brian

Simon, I wish you well, and the forum is always here for you if you come across that sleeper Sadakatsu or Shinkai or whaever and feel like a discussion on it. No-one needs to "close" any forum accounts. If you choose not to read or post that is well within anyone's rights, but everyone is welcome here at any time. You know what they say "Times change, people change, currencies fluctuate" so check in from time to time, and you are welcome here anytime. Hope to catch you in Tokyo if I make it back there sometime. Regards, Brian

I think Guido is correct. You don't study inferior swords to learn about top quality blades. That doesn't mean there aren't people out there that collect militaria and Showa-to etc, and we do try and assist with identification and translations since there aren't many places to go for this info. But we don't study those swords in depth. Guido assists like many of the members here, in trying to identify what is the good stuff from the bad blades, and we try and help people to get to a point where they can identify what is worth keeping and restoring, and what might just be a representative piece. The idea is to use the forum as a basis for expanding your knowledge. Get out there and look at the best you have access to. Use books and the internet to guide you, but make sure you see as much as you can in hand. As Guido pointed out, there is always somewhere you can go to see some good swords..or keep studying until the opportunity presents itself. I don't believe it is elitist to say that you should strive to collect the best you can..or at least see it sometime and gain an understanding of what it is all about. The keyword is "study" This forum will continue to assist those who are starting out, or only have lower end stuff. We can assist in deciding if it is a fake, or what the mei says, or whether or not it has fatal flaws, or if it is a possible sleeper. We just draw the line at studing them in depth. We won't discuss the beauty of a machine made Gunto. You might get info on what it is, and what it says, and who made it (all in the appropriate sections of course) but I think that to explain why it isn't a good Nihonto collectors item is vital to furthering the study of Nihonto. I don't think we should mistake elitism for bluntness. Sometimes stating the facts is the easiest way to bring the point home. This doesn't mean genuine elitism will be tolerated, but I dont think we have a problem with that, and when it does occur, then it is dealt with. To get back to this particular thread, the OP was wondering if it had any merit as a possible restoration project. In the end, good advice was given and he decided against it. Perhaps the next person to come across something similar will remember this thread and have learned something. Asking before buying is an important part of what we are preaching here. The rest is up to people to take that advice and learn from it. Brian

Thanks Pete. Edited the Bushido links to correct them. Can't find the menuki article that used to be there, perhaps someone has an updated link or has backed up the article? Here is a short previous discussion: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=844 Brian