O koumori

Yes! Great observation!

Thank you!

Yes Jean, I read it "somewhere." “The guard protects the palm of the hand when holding the sword.” The Samurai Sword – a Handbook, John M. Yumoto "It prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade and brings the sword’s center of balance closer to the handle," Princeton University Art Museum https://artmuseum.pr...ctions/objects/19430 "It protected its user’s hand when he grabbed his sword or prevented its user’s hand slipping towards the blade part when he hits his enemy." Samurai Museum Shop, Shinjuku https://www.samuraim...81K19QIu6Ibei3h4WeIA And there are more. Anyway, I had no idea that this was a controversial topic, so I'll stop "spreading it" and get back to my original question: What function does the tsuba serve on a naginata?

Hi all, I believe that it is generally accepted that the primary function of the tsuba was to prevent the swordsman's hand from slipping forward onto the blade during combat. What, then, was the purpose of a tsuba on a naginata? To catch an opponent's blade to prevent it from damaging the pole?

Very nice carving! I bought a katana at the Chicago show last year - with a questionable "Naotane" mei - strictly for the Fudo Myoo horimono. I like your statue.

4.

Keep in mind that many forging flaws did not appear until after repeated polishing; similarly, higare often did not appear until later, when the sword was used.

Brian, Quick recovery, and happy holidays to you! Thanks for all you do to keep us running... Dan K

Here is a Nagato Sa tachi from Oei period for reference. Dan K

Hello Mike, The Indiana Token Kai meets monthly, usually on the third Saturday of the month https://indianatoken...om/indiana-token-kai Although our December meeting will be our annual Christmas party, the meetings always have some nice Nihonto to look at and learn from, as well as friendly members eager to help people on their journey! We meet at the Morgan County Public Library in Martinsville. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance. Regards, Dan K.

Over the years, I've developed the habit of lightly bumping the saya on a padded surface, koiguchi down, to dislodge any stray fibers or particles before re-sheathing the blade. Seems to work well! Dan K.

Difficult to say without the sword in-hand. The danger of this rust in the hamon is that you don't know how deep it goes, leading to the danger of a fukure, maybe now or in the future. It is a weakened area, which you don't want in the hamon. You mentioned iaido, as does the auction description in several places. Is this your intent for this blade? Dan K

69 + Started collecting 25 years ago Dan K.

Is that the powdered deer antler? No, it's a brand of non-woven lens polishing cloth that is safe for Nihonto. Dan K

Hi, I'm wondering if any members know when -or if- the NBTHK's "Japanese sword care and etiquette" document will be updated with the current thinking about NOT using uchiko? Exquisite Sword Characteristics - NBTHK American Branch (nbthk-ab2.org) Thanks, Dan K

Please remember that alcohol is hygroscopic - it absorbs water from the air. Keep the container tightly closed. Only use a little at a time, and immediately close the container after you dispense it. Use the moistened tissue right away; do not pre-moisten it and leave it sitting around before you use it. Dan K

Sam, I've got an ubu mumei blade that was papered by NTHK-NPO to Den Oshu Hoju (Bunmei). It has the masame hada, as well as the open grain mentioned. Maybe another possibility? Dan K

In my opinion, it's really nice! Dan K

Hi Dan, While at the show, stop by my table- I'd be happy to meet you, discuss nihonto, and answer any questions you may have. I'll be there with other members of the Indiana Token Kai, a sword preservation and study group in your neighboring state. Best, Dan K

In Sesko's 'Japanese Swordsmiths,' there appear to be three generations of smiths with this mei, starting in Oei Bizen. I have a small tanto with this mei. Dan K

I've purchased them from Namikawa Heibei on several occasions with no issues. Samegawa Samekawa (Ray Skin) - Namikawa Heibei Co Ltd (namikawa-ltd.com) Dan K

Yes, I got mine at Border's Books in Bloomington Indiana. First time I understood the distinction between tachi and katana. Dan K

To my old eyes, it looks like the chiri on the bo-hi hi narrows down and disappears at the bottom of the nakago. Also, can't be sure, but perhaps the soe-hi narrows down faster than the bo-hi. Dan K

Japanese Sword Restoration Parts & Supplies - Fred Lohman Company (Japanese-swords.com)

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