bmlusk1911

When I saw this, I thought it was either very interestingly shaped or broken at some point in it's history. http://cgi.ebay.com/Japanese-Sword-guar ... 3f07ef6589 Any thoughts?

KM, Just thinking to give another "East Coast" shop that I knew about, granted it's fairly simple but I have had them make mekugi for me and the work turned out great. I've also seen some of their work on Shinken for other members of the dojo. Granted it's apples and oranges compared to nihonto, but just throwing out another possibility. v/r, Brock

Not sure if they've got the correct silk ito, but my dojo does some tsuka work. http://www.nihonzashi.com Currently they're working on a Shirasaya for me, so I'll report back with pictures of their work later.

Praying for all those effected by the earthquake.

Well it seems a consensus, the second kanji is Tsune, and I see that now in the Oshigata....So, how do I change the title of this thread to "Kane Tsune Wakizashi?"

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I'll try doing an Oshigata of the nakago and see if that makes it easier to read. I'm working the weekend, so I'll post that next week. Greatly appreciate all the input!

Mei:

The Blade & Kissaki:

Ok, trying to upload the photos in the thread... Photo in Saya:

I'll try to later tonight. Thanks. Brock

Here's my take on my first blade. Future plans include having a shirasaya, polish, and tsunagi. Length: ~51 cm with Shinogi-zukuri, ihori-mune, Hamon: Suguha with Ji-nie Kissaki: Chu-kissaki Nakago: Ubu, Futsu shape, ~14 cm, 1 Mekugi-ana, Sujikai Yasuri-me, Kiri Nakago-Jiri In Saya: http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0198.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0197.jpg Blade: http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0199.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0201.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0202.jpg Kissaki: http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0200.jpg Mei: http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0207.jpg Tsuka: http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0206.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... G_0205.jpg The Mei is found in my copy of Hawley Publications Shinto Bengi Oshigata supplement, Page 3 with the following information: Kanesada Iwashiro 1624 15 3rd Generation KA 961 SBO Page 22 Oshu Aizu ju Kanesada I hope to have better photos later tonight or next week. Any comments or thoughts are welcome.

Thanks for the quick responses. Glad to know I'm tracking on what to start looking for once I've learned enough about swords.

I realize "There are no Gai-jin experts," as Col. Hartley stated in his lecture quoted in one of last year's JSSUS newsletters. So, I'm not even hoping to achieve an "expert" level of knowledge. The more I've read the more I wonder, "Can a mumei blade's swordsmith be determined from it's characteristics?" Is it possible to determine from the kissaki and boshi, hamon, yasuri-me, and shape of the nakago who was the most likely swordsmith or at least the most likely school? Since it is possible for a master to sign his name to a student's blade, then doesn't a signature attribute a blade to a "school" moreso than an individual? I just really want a "vector check," to find out if my readings are pointing me in the right direction. Thoughts from the student/scholars and collectors in the crowd?

Downloaded the History Channel's special, Samurai on iTunes. This is pretty good, focuses more on the life of Miyamoto Musashi. It has a brief section on swordmaking, but not much detail to that portion. A lot of the historical scenes are done in an anime style, which I don't quite prefer. Anyone else see this special?

I turn 31 on April 7th ..... and I bought my first Wakizashi (the Kane Sada) from a local collector. I picked up my second blade at the Tampa Token Kai last month.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I just finished Dobree's "Japanese Sword Blades," and will probably reread it to see what I missed the first time around. Thanks for the recommendations, I think I'll probably pick up Sinclaire's "Samurai" next.

Greetings to all, I just wanted to post a hello to everyone on the board and introduce myself. My name's Brock, and I'm new to the field of nihonto. I got the opportunity to shake hands with several of you at the Tampa show, and I appreciate the warm welcome and openness of everyone there. Thanks to Mr. Grey Doffin, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Becarra for sharing their wisdom with me. Since that day I've been devouring everything I can read on the topic. One of my favorite thoughts on nihonto came from an article Mr. Doffin wrote about how we are not really collectors but entrusted with the preservation of these artifacts for future generations. I am an Iraq vet, history buff, and general adventurer. Most of my off time is spent with my wife, Jill and chasing after my Shiba Inu puppy, Apollo. I've been especially blessed by marrying Jill! She went to the show with me, and even asked if I wanted another sword for my coming birthday! Gotta brag when you know you've got a great wife. I believe Nihonto will replace many of my other hobbies, since it combines my love of antiques and artwork with preservation of a sacred weapon. My sword collection started with a Model 1860 Saber made by the Ames Manufacturing Co. My wife has since bought me a Model 1840 saber made in Germany and a Kane Sada Wakizashi. I bought a Kane Sumi blade at the show which needs a touch of restoration. I have a Shirasaya being made for it now, and I'm saving up for a good polish for both blades. There's just something about bladed weapons that seems like it speaks directly to my heart! So greetings one and all, I look forward to getting to know you over the coming years. Any advice you have to offer will be greatly appreciated.

Howdy to one and all, The Tampa show is my first experience with a Token Kai. If that was "ho-hum," I can't wait to see a full blown show! I got my start with Nihonto when an acquaintance sold me a Kane Sada Wakizashi, and I picked up a Kane Sumi blade that needs a bit of work at the show. I want to say thanks to all the warm welcomes my wife and I received, and I enjoyed meeting everyone. One question though, I believe it was Mr. Cole Cantrell who sold me two Tsuba, does anyone have his contact information? Thanks in advance, Brock