Leonard

Mark, I've been to that show more than once, never seen anybody set up as a restoration / polisher. How could I possibly identify them if they're there?

Gentlemen Can't thank you all enough who have contributed so far. This is a dilemma that I'm sure many face, and don't write about, the more input from those of you with background the better for us to learn. Been a gun guy all my life, and for example building the knowledge base of Lugers was daunting, and it's not even in the same ballpark of achieving that with Nihonto. Best to all, Leonard

28 inch Katana, signed Chōjusai Toshikazu kore o seitan = carefully forged, mid 1800's smith. WW2 bring back from father, traditional made not military, gifted to me, no dollars in it. By somebody, lightly sanded blade, and Habaki damaged, impact marks of removal attempt. No visible Kizu or Hagiri, Machi is strong. Hamon is Suguha, and Sori a bit shallow. Koshirai appears much older than blade, Aogai Chirashi saya damaged, tsuka as well. Invest to restore....by who?..I have no clue. Or just leave as is? Regards, Leonard

Many thanks to you all for your share of experience. Best Regards, Leonard

Been doing my best to study Nihonto for a number of years. Considering making a purchase from AOI-ART, but have no reference as to their business credibility, and actual additional cost of shipping a blade to the US. Any experience and insight to doing business with them would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, Leonard

Help on motif of menuki and tsuba with observations or opinions. Thank you in advance for your time.

From Leonard, Bob, Chris, Henry, Thomas, John, sincere thanks for your time and input. Your observations provide so much guidance and inspiration to keep learning it's difficult to put the proper thanks to words. Sincerly, Leonard

Greetings, and I thank you for your time To the best of my ability ( not exactly up there ) I believe these shakudo menuki to be of the Goto school and in a rice flower / bud motif???? Any comments to my accuracy and or the quality of these menuki would be appreciated. Leonard

Greetings again, As per the request from Bugyotsuji, I am posting additional photos. Leonard

Thank you for your time, This tsuba is from a katana that was brought back from WWII by my father. It measures 6.35cm wide, 6.98cm tall, and .476 thickness. Any help understanding it's possible origin and it's theme would be greatly appreciated. I am new to this, and have looked at a thousand photos of tsuba attempting to find a match, have not been able to do so. Leonard