Justin Grant

The blade looks to have been buffed....

The blade photographs horribly ....

I took the tsuka off and took these photos of the nakago. The homon is faint, and straight as indicated earlier. What other pictures do we need? Mostly interested in knowing if this is a knock-off, stamped, etc.

Thanks Jean- Unfortunately, I found this site after I made my purchase. I will hope, actually, pray, this is not a knock-off, and that I dodged a bullet. However, I know I have an option to return it and start over. I will be sure to post pictures tonight! Jg

I understand what you are saying. While I do not have the "experience" most of you have, I knew enough to stay away from e-bay, and other "auction" sites. I spoke to the owner of this company several times, and he assured me this was not a Chinese knock-off before I purchased it, and if it was discovered to be a fake or modern production item, unlike his "expert" assured him, I can return it. He has been in business for many, many years with a retail store. If I was close, I would have had it in had before purchase, however, this was not an option, he is on the left coast, and I am in Indiana. I also know for what I paid, I am not going to get a national treasure, but a decent sword. It will be here around 3pm my time, and I will post pictures of it tonight. I will look at the nakago, and other indicators listed on the top of this site to rule out the obvious indicators of a fake. I do appreciate the kind words, and support, I don't want to be one of the masses by purchasing junk sold as history. Like all newbie in a hobby, I have a lot of learning to do. No disrespect intended, you all are way ahead of me, but I will learn! Justin Grant http://www.stardustracing.com http://www.nitroallstars.com

I purchased it from an antiques dealer in San Franciso. I have two weeks to return it if it is not an old handmade blade. He stated his "Sword Expert" validates all of the swords that come through his shop as handmade and machine made. His "Expert" said it was made in the 1700's and redone inn the current era in the current mounts. If this happens to be a cheap knock-off (Chinese Made) or a machine made blade he will return my money. I have this in e-mail and in conversation. I paid under $800 for it, so I don't expect a national treasure, but a decent conversation piece. As my knowledge grows, I can aquire better versions. What do I need to look at to validate that it is not a knock-off or machine made? I am more interested in the blade and the mounts are secondary. Holding my breath.... Justin

Hi Brian- I will get that tomorrow night, just checked the shipping, and it is slated for delivery tomorrow! I am told it is unsigned, 1700's era blade, faint light forging line is visable. To be honest, I am expecting the worst! Here are a few other non-discript photos. All I have not related to the tuska, tsuba, etc.

The item is being shipped to me as we speak (type) and I will have detail pictures this week. This is the only other picture I have. Why put Tachi parts on it? All new to me, but I am the human sponge.

I am leaning towards maroon and or deep green. Is this an issue? Don't want to be out of style if you will.

Thanks for the education. I assume mine is a "modern" or Showa period piece?

Another Newbie question. I have a tsuba, and it has what appear to be hearts in the corners. The tsuba I have is in my uneducated opinion, not old, but a somewhat modern version. My question is, I have looked at a lot of tsuba, and few have the hearts, is this a school of design, or does it signify something different? Photo of mine. Thanks, Justin

Newbie question, but I just aquired my first katana, and it is an older sword redone in the modern era in para-military style. I would like to put it back to 18th century look. What tsuka colors are typical of the 18th century? Also, tsuba advise would also be appreciated. Thanks, Justin