Leroy

Thanks Rich. I have tried to do a side by side, but I'm really bad a comparing kanji. It looks like the Bishu Masasane oshigata you have. What does everyone think? -Leroy

Hi all. I just finished taking a few pics of 2 of my blades. One is the Sukenaga that was mentioned in an earlier thread and another that was made during Showa. It rests in Kai Gunto mounts. Please take a look and offer me any advice on improving my photo techniques. http://public.fotki.com/hiritomi/Japanese-swords/ Here is a pic of the Gendaito mei. It's only signed on one side (katana mei). Any help is greatly appreciated. -Leroy p.s. By the way, all the pics were taken in RAW format pretty much strait out of the camera. The temp had to be adjusted and they were just resized, not cropped (if that helps

was described as "well executed with a moon." I never thought of it as a hawk....hmm. Good observation Milt. The Fuji-san is one of the features that sold me. Both sides of the blade are pretty much identicle. Unfortunatly there is a bit of rust at the yokote and near the machi, as can be seen from the pic. But, it isn't active. Here is a pic of the signature. I love this blade. It will be tuff to part with....IF the time comes By the way, I really need to give Ron Polansky credit for taking good pics.

I have not had a chance to really get some research done. But as you can tell, it's a great study piece. If anyone on the board has any info, please share. -Leroy

to start. Rich Stein's website is a good place to start looking for smiths as well as a TON of other valuable info. It's a cornerstone for alot of people on this board. http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm -Leroy

As far as I understand, stamps usually indicate a non-traditional blade. I know there are acceptions. I am far from an expert. I recently purchased a kai-gunto from AOI-ART. It has no stamps and some decent activity in the hamon. I will try to post pics this weekend. I too have heard nothing but good things from the seller. I was just curious of other's opinions of the blade. -Leroy

Hi there. I have been collecting for over 2 years now. Here is an image of the first sword I purchased. It's Bizen Yokoyama Sukenaga. It was purchased from Ron Polansky who has also retired. It's papered by Fujishiro. Nagas is 69.5cm and signed Bishu Osafune ju Fujiwara Sukenaga†and dated “Genji Gannen†(1864). I have not taken my own pics yet. The one you see was from Ron's website. As you can see it has multiple hamon patterned for endless study. It also has some masame hada alon with mokume. I love this peice! -Leroy

Hi all. What are your opinions on this Kai-Gunto? It's not traditionaly made, but is starting at 2500US. Is it worth the price? The fittings are in pretty good condition. I know they are highly sought after, but... http://cgi.ebay.com/Japanese-Samurai-Sw ... dZViewItem What you all think? -Leroy

Hi all. I just got back to SJ after being away for 6 weeks. Anyways, those of you that use SLR's to photgraph your blades, what lenses do you recoomend? My first attempt I was using a 28-135mm and found this was not wide enough for a katana with my camera mounted on a tri-pod. I recently got a 17-70 and am looking forward to trying this lens out. To len you know, I'm using a Canon XTi. Thanks all. -Leroy

I don't even think that is really a "Yasukuni" sword. It's not signed "Yasu..." as all other Yasukuni swords I have seen. He was a Yasukuni smith. Is it really worth the price?

Thanks everyone for the info. It really helps to clear things up.

THe smiles really get the point across I do carry that book with me. Because I travel so much, it's the only one I found, in english, that is so complete. I just wish there were better pictures in there. Now, if I can just cut back on some of my hours so I cab devote more time to studying....

"Gendaito" after the smith joined the sword forging gods in the sky? Hmm. That's interesting.

I have been wondering for a while: Why do some dealers/collectors refer to post 1945 nihonto as Gendaito while others call newly made swords Shinsakuto I know Gendaito is "newly made" but I always thought Gendaito were nihonto made after shinshinto until the end off WW11. Is there a reason for this? Is it mostly personal preference? I get confused sometimes when wondering the websites and a sword is listed as gendaito, but I see it was made in 2000's. Just wondering! Thanks all -Leroy

I must take my hat off to you. Your photos and knowledge are very inspiring to us, especially us newbies. I'm looking forward to your future kantai. I just hope I get brave enough to make an attempt Thanks again, Leroy

Hi all. I know nothing about fittings, but my interest is increasing. Can someone direct me to phoenix themed fittings? Is there a book someone can recommend me? A website? I have not been lucky in finding much (but I must confess I have not had the time to look harder). I have seen one phoenix fitting, but have not been able to find it again. Thanks in advance.