Daddoo

Well that is unfortunate, I just saw this post today! Next time. Geoff

Hello all, I have been researching my first nihonto and have come across my first difficult question. How much can a smiths mei change over time? On looking at 6 or 7 examples several problems pop up. First, there are many different variations of his name written (at least with Umetada Dansaburo). Second, location of the mei (all appear to be similar). Third, direction of the strokes (in the character "Hira" the small center strokes upward or downward angle). And overall character in general (addition of additional strokes or removal of some). In this case, most of the examples I have looked at have stroke variations in the opposite direction from my piece with the exception of his older work, and more character strokes then in some older work. Is it common for this to be so? I do apologize for my lack of knowledge as to the names of various parts of the mei, I am working on it, and for the lack of photo examples. I am having issues with my photo software. Thank you in advance for your input. Geoff P.

Understood. Thank you sir! Geoff P.

Thank you! So then it would be 1688 10 2 year 2 month day, or a day in february 1700? Is that correct? That link was very helpful, again thank you! Geoff P.

Hello, and thank you in advance. I have been trying to translate the date on my first blade and am having trouble finding two symbols. Gen roku ju ni nen ni gatsu bi. I have "origin ___ ten two year two month __" Any advise as to a good reference for finishing? And also for a good reference for hamon/grain variations? Geoff P.

Brian, I only mean to say that if the Sistine Chapel had been entirely painted by an apprentice and he only signed his name to it wouldn't make it any less beautiful. And more to the point, even if it was painted by a nobody. At any rate, I will keep my opinions to myself. Geoff P.

I am very new to this study and perhaps I am mistaken, but I believe that each weapon should be looked at on an individual basis regardless of smith. In my opinion Paul Bowman says it well in "Long live unpopular schools". Why should I pay more for a less perfect blade just because its marketed better, or because the "in" smith signed his name to it? If it is a fine example of workmanship does it really matter if the smiths 2nd cousin Dorothy really created it and the master smith was drunk and spelled his own name wrong? Just a thought. Geoff P.

Oh, and while I would love to have it polished, I think a bit of research before I dump a bunch of money would be wise. Although a shirasaya has crossed my mind. All in good time. Geoff P.

Yeah he does mention the poor alignment but I knew going into my first purchase that it will be far from perfect. And I have to say that I'm giddy as a school girl!! I'm not really sure what he means by unusual shaped nakagojiri but I'm sure its part of the reason its in a low price range. And learning all I can about a blade I can see and feel I'm sure will only help me to make better purchases in the future. Geoff P.

Hello everyone, I am a new collector who just made my first purchase and while I haven't received it yet, I could use any advise on researching it. Ed at Yakiba helped with my decision on a Hagashiyama Yoshihira. Its been re mounted with gunto mounts and has a Mon(?) of two crossed feathers inside a circle. Likely a family blade? Geoff P