raiden

Not entirely true, Kiyomaro for one great example. Well regarded by the NBTHK.

[attachment=0]owarai-full.jpg[/attachment]this set.

This is why I believe you cannot compare the papers of these different groups, the criteria is different, no one is wrong, just different.

A friend wanted me to ask this question - will or does the NTHK-NPO shinsa grade the subject of owarai (Shunga) when used for tosogu? or is it like the NBTHK and they will not judge the subject. The owner of such an item would like an opinion/shinsa judgment. Serious question.

Heres a good question, for either NTHK group. Can a ChuJo Saku sword maker still go YushuSaku?

I think for the members of this forum, there should be a list of all current shinsa fees for all recognized groups for everyone to see and use. Just facts, no fiction.

Chris you wrote: Hozon (non-members) total for items that pass: 39,000 yen ~$390 How did you get this number? the chart shows the Hozon pass only at 27,000 yen for non members, and 25,000 yen for members. that is $270 and $250, not the $390 that you wrote.

From what I see, as far as Hozon prices for kodogu as shown on the list is stated as 17,000 jyp, that is about $170 by todays rate. A Hozon is not the same as a Shinteisho. From what I remember , a Shinteisho (69 points and under) is given to an item that is of inferior quality or condition, and cannot achieve a Kanteisho 70 points and above(Chris please provide your groups criteria for your group as I only remember the original NTHK rules) Whereas a Hozon is a beginning step for a blade that can be judged for a higher level depending upon the quality, level of maker and /or condition. For example in most cases, a genuine Kinai signed tsuba that is of average quality will most likely achieve only a Hozon level paper, thus the 17,000 yen charge for members. However, a superior classed tsuba by Kinai may achieve a Tokubetsu Hozon level paper. I think it is not fair to compare the 2 types of papers as the criteria is too different. What is the NTHK and NTHK-NPO prices for a fitting these days for an item that passes for a shinteisho or kanteisho including the submission price?

Not sure if this has been posted before, but if not, it is useful information. Be aware that the prices do not include the costs for sending blades for importation clearance to Japan. What I find interesting is the fact that the cost for a Hozon for a fitting is actually lower than either of the NTHK groups in price when using the yen to dollar rate as of now. I also have heard that over 1700 blades have been submitted to the blade Hozon shinsa last November. By being the sword museum of Japan, they have an excellent library and a host of great advisors and judges. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/articles/nbthk0 ... schart.pdf Well, back to being a Dad! See you all in Tampa.

[attachment=0]nbthk-lecture-tampa.jpg[/attachment]Here is the info for the NBTHKAB lecture for this year at Tampa.

Thats fine with me. I also have the billing invoice for the restoration that was performed, but for privacy purposes, I will not post it.

Finished product with Kishu Teimei tsuba - new tsukaito, saya , tsuba.

Habaki, notice the split on the bottom

Old Tsuba (not that great in quality - late piece.)

Tang shot

Just for fun , and so there is no misunderstanding that happens at times, here are some facts about the Yasutsugu episode that I did for Pawn Stars. The blade is in my opinion a genuine 5 th generation Yasutsugu. It was in need of a professional polish. I had a slot coming up with our very own Shigekazu (Jimmy ) Hayashi and used it for this blade. As you all should well know, Jimmy is a genuine Uchi deshi polisher trained in Japan and he always does an excellent job. The tsuka was in need of a complete re wrap, and it was also sent out to another friend of mine for a rewrap as close as possible to what was the original tsukaito. We were on a bit of a deadline as I was just about to go to Japan for a slight length of time, so it all had to be done in a very tightly coordinated fashion. Now , as far as the tsuba went, the tsuba that was originally on the blade was NOT the original one, it was probably changed a long time ago, as it was basically swimming in between the 2 seppa. It was replaced with a Signed Kishu Teimei tsuba that was genuine. The new owner of the blade also received the old tsuba as well. The seppa however, were of good quality and most likely original as they fit the nakago perfectly. The habaki was severely damaged, and had to be replaced, as well as the old saya. After polish I decided it was better to have a new scabbard made to keep the polish in good condition. I do consulting work for them for quite a few years now, our episode wasn’t scripted (Im not an actor and I definitely cannot remember lines) so we kept it simple. The goal for me was to show and educate the uneducated in regards to Japanese Swords. I cannot spend time to answer any questions (Not to be stuck up, but my son is ill and I am taking care of him), so I hope I brought some light to any previous questions. Happy Holidays.

As far as I know, this shape is seen on blades from the Late Muromachi period just prior to the Keicho period, through the Keicho Shinto time. Wide hirazukuri wakizashi are seen quite often during this time. The Daido school made very large blades as well(I will post one later on our FB page). A few years ago a large hirazukuri katana went Juyo made by Shiga Seki Kanenori.

unrealistic thinking - easy the Katakiriba Sadamune, realistic.........Signed and dated Shintogo Kunimitsu tanto. Soshu!

I used to own this tsuba years ago, I have always believed the signature to be correct.

A gold lacquer setsudan mei is unusual. And yes generally with the better kinzogan setsudan mei , you see the yasurimei going over the gold inlay. Perhaps you can post a pic of the tang?

None of the foreigners that I saw buying were Chinese. They were from the US and Europe and some from a few other areas such as South Africa. In fact there were not any Chinese besides Cyrus that I saw......

So, all of the writing is in gold lacquer? I have seen kinpun attributions with kinzogan testcut signatures.

Is your blade a kinpun mei or kinzigan mei? The Honami Koson blade

All I can say is at the DTI, I saw all types of foreigners buying everything from a $500 tsuba to a over 100k Tokuju. I think with the internet the hobby has actually grown, as well as the interest. More good information is available nowadays as well. I think if it wasn't for the fake Chinese market, there would be more legitimate collectors, I mean how many blades get sold on ebay alone every month? My advice is as always, buy right, safe and study well. Certified blades never hurt if they are from reliable sources.

I buy quite a few Tanaka tsuba, in my opinion from the pictures, this tsuba looks fine and its workmanship represents the Tanaka Kei. I feel that I must say that when someone posts a pic of their item, everyone should be a bit more lenient of their criticism, after all they are either sharing or looking for help. Also judging from a pic is difficult, and is not accurate.