JamesH

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a link or images of what ware (core steel showing) looks like on a moderately polished sword? I understand the flaw in itself, but have never seen exactly what it looks like. I was hoping to find out so I could identify if I come across it. Thanks in advance, James

Hi everyone, I thought, if I may, I might throw in my 2 cents. I have seen a few blades such as this (better quality of blade, but less deliberately carved mei) offered by a couple of chinese sellers on eBay. Although each of them vows it is a gendaito (traditionally handforged of tamahagane), I have serious doubts about this. I managed to catch out a tanto auction, where almost the exact blade, exact signature was auctioned about 1 month apart. Also, all the blades have approximately the same ko-itame hada, virtually identical shape, and poorly carved signature (with the exception of this one). While I have not tested this, I get the feeling the hamon is very soft, and only slightly harder than the rest of the blade. Overall I get the feeling, that we may be seeing a new grade of China repro, but I could be wrong. The other thing that throws me in that direction, is that all blades are unmounted, even though one of the sellers offering these every now and then, sells many low grade brass casts of f/k and tsuba (the really cheap-CHEAP made stuff). Anyhow thats my own conclusions. James

Hi everyone, Thank you for your opinions. I found it a little hard to compare f/k to a tsuba, but I did manage to find this Soten daisho set for comparison. Tsuba are signed, but its not quite clear if the fuchi are: http://www.ricecracker.com/japanese_swo ... a/sk19.htm Although the seller does not show the mei on the fuchi (if there is one), the difference in craftmanship is evident. I would even say more so on the menuki showing a face of a samurai. Wish I could buy this for 10 ... lol even a 100. I think you may be right, I should keep looking. Not to mention that its not really a ten dollar spend anymore. He relisted at 850 James

Matt, thank you for posting. It does offer an interesting point of view, in relation to the evolution of Japanese swords. I agree that original fame of nihonto was that of superior cutting ability and durability, especially in comparison to other swords/steel of the time. However, while I am a big gunto fan, and to a point concur that during the Showa era perhaps more emphasis was placed on function over artistic expression, one cannot discredit the development of nihonto as a true form of art, which yes particularly flowered during the peaceful Edo Era. While perhaps not intentional, could it be said that the evolution of Japanese swords experienced a schism around ww2 era, and more so during the industrial revolution. Function developing in one direction through the use of modern types of steel alloys (and in some cases factory mass production), and a completely different direction as a form of art, preserving tradition. I welcome you to disagree. James

That is a great image. Eric, thank you for posting. James

I came across this f/k set this morning, and I was hoping to hear your opinions. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Japanese-Sword-S ... 2c54cd573d I know its eBay, but to my (somewhat untrained) eye they look tempting. Thanks in advance, James

Forgot to sign, James

Thank you so much, Franco. I read in absolute awe. P.S. I love this forum !! :D

I am not sure whether it has been discussed here previously, but I was hoping to find out more about the practical aspects of the style and size of the hamon. In my previous experience, which is humble at best when compared to other members of this forum , the majority of nihonto carrying a cutting test mei (especially those with a gold cutting test mei) seem to have a very large true hamon (by "true" I mean not a hadori created one). Does a large hamon mean a stronger, "more practical" blade? I have heard that during the mid-shinto era, smiths began to control the hamon using more advanced claying and brushstroke methods in order to create a more artistically focused hamon line. Also, in my understanding, and I welcome you to correct me if I am wrong, samurai owned more than one nihonto, each with its own purpose. One would not wear a ceremonial tachi everyday, nor an everyday sword (if I may call it that) to a ceremony. I guess what I am asking is, were there any specific sought qualities of blades forged specifically to be taken into battle. Any thoughts or information you have on the topic are greatly appreciated. James

Thank you everyone, you have confirmed my thoughts exactly. The part about practice cutting reminded me of this video, just reiterating the danger of an amateur and a sword not fit for functional use: In terms of restoration, I think you are quite right - it most likely cannot be saved. For me personally, it is quite sad to see yet another nihonto bite the dust, as there are only a limited number of them, and that number keeps dropping every year, whether it be to time, mistreatment or just amateur hands. James

Hi everyone, I am a long time reader and follower of this forum, but only signed up today. I thought I may share with you something absurd I found on greedBay: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NICE-OLD-JAPANES ... 2a0775661e ... Apparently, a sword with "small hagire" makes the blade a "very nice candidate for practice cutting" And here I thought that cutting is something you should not do to a nihonto, especially one in such need of TLC. Its is hard to see from the photos where the hagire are, but do you think the blade could survive as a wakizashi? I appreciate your thoughts. James