Hello everybody!
first of all I have to introduce myself, cause this is the first time I post something on this board. Ive been following the discussions on this board quite regularly, enjoyed it and realized that there is a lot to learn for me. My name is Tobias, I study at university in the south of Germany and am interested in nihonto for about six years. I am 27 years old. my interest came out of my apprenticeship as a carpenter where I used a lot of Japanese tools and realized the outstanding quality of them. Then I bought a lot of books about nihonto, read them and occasionaly found something interesting on local flea markets or antique dealers.
This is the reason for my post: I got this tanto for 100 € about two years ago. nothing to say about this price, I had to buy it although its overall condition is not that good, but at that price... It is signed "Tsuda Echizen no Kami Sukehiro" if I got it right.. I have no opinion if this is gimei or not.. any opinion? the hamon is nearly invisible and there are some minor and a bigger chip in the cutting edge (not through the hamon). The tsuba is choshu I think, made by Yoshi Tsugu? just my thoughts, dont know if I got it right. The set of F/K is matching but I have no idea which school this could be. Menuki and Tsukamaki are missing. The saya is split in half but has a very impressive lacquer technique using mother of pearl splits and coral pieces. The metal ornament is also interesting.
As you can see, my knowledge is very limited and it would be very interesting for me to receive further information on this tanto and read your opinions about it. I will not sell it. Instead it would be interesting to know if its worth a full polish and a new shira saya and how much this would cost. If further pictures are needed, just send me a message.
I hope you enjoy, Tobias
