Hobbes1911

The ebay posting wasn't an attempt of me to buy. I was merely trying to understand some of the flaws of the blades and thought that some of the ebay blades might be a good starting point. I have understood the message to stop all buying and start reading. I have already ordered several books, so that I can start expanding my knowledge. I also have found some helpful websites online with pictures already and "understand" that hagire would represent a special form of tempering crack. However, what I don't understand yet is why some tempering cracks are ok and why others specifically a hagire would be so terrible. Could anyone explain please? Thank you all for all your help. Simon

Hi, I have to admit, I am reading a few of the suggested articles, and am waiting for the books to come in, and I really knew very little about nihonto, not that I know that much more now. As a learning exercise, what would you guys think of this sword: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT ? Simon

Hello, Thank you all for being so helpful. As much as I have always loved the swords, I think I am starting to understand the beginnings of the depth of knowledge associated and needed with this hobby. I will spend the remaining money on the mentioned books. The hint that the sword blade is flawed I understood, but most honestly, I have no idea what I am supposed to look at. As such, and mostly as a learning experience, which pictures show the flaw the best and where is it? Also are there picture books or catalogs that have lots of pictures so that I can start developing an eye for sword quality. Thank you all though, Simon

Hello, I just joined this forum so hello to everyone. Allow me to quickly introduce myself. Ever since I can think I have been attracted to all edged weapons (I've been fencing for ~9 years now), mainly 'samurai swords', but due to my financial standings (I'm 24 and a graduate student) I never really had the chance to seriously even consider becoming a collector, yet have always dreamed of owning several nihonto. I currently live in Michigan US, but will be moving to Boston soon to start my graduate studies. One question I have is if there are any known good stores or museums around the east coast that I can go look at some real swords? Lately, with my admittance to the graduate program I decided to treat myself to a shirasaya mounted blade or even full koshirae mounted blade. And then there was ebay and some money left over from my job, so I did it and bought a blade. I have the collecting fever. It's strikes me about once a year and this time there was some black in the bank account. Yes agree yell at me, however I would like to learn and become as knowledgeable as I can and will try to read the recommended books. I bought a blade in shirasaya mounting and I was wondering if there is a way to possibly obtain a koshirae mounting for this blade. The koshirae was not offered with the blade and I do realize that each blade and koshirae are different. Also I am considering this blade as well: http://cgi.ebay.com/LONG-WAKIZASHI-NAKA ... 439fc24920 Please let me know what you guys are thinking about it - just to stress the severity of the collecting fever and I need to stop, because the black doesn't stretch that far. Any thoughts, directions, advice or other forms of help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much and I am looking forward to becoming a knowledgeable and constructive collector and member of this community. Simon Maisel