JCook

Interesting comments. I should probably have clarified (although it didn't occur to me to do so) that I am certain that the sword fittings were put together by the seller (as in, the individual who sold it to me...). I recall him noting that he had acquired the blade at a show/convention of some sort and then paired it with the furniture. As noted, I did not ask if the fittings were authentic or not. I also didn't ask who had restored/polished the blade as the grain of the blade actually appealed to my untrained eye - he may have done it himself. As for the blade's authenticity, based on how I was introduced to the seller, I am disinclined to question his integrity. Again, I appreciate the comments and thoughts. Jed

These photos were attached in a post in another section relating to my katana, and it was suggested I post them here instead. My question was whether the tsuba is in fact authentic, or is a replica of some sort - I neglected to ask the seller when I purchased the sword 13 years ago. Thank you in advance for your thoughts! Jed The first and last pictures are included to show the outer edge and an interior section - I don't see any seams.

Could you be more specific than that? Weird in what sense? I would be interested to hear an explanation as to why you don't believe it is an authentic Japanese sword. Jed

Mariuszk, Hmmm. Cast or not, I don't believe it is an alloy as it has heft to it, and my understanding is that alloys would be lighter. I will have to check it tonight to see if there are any lines on it that would suggest casting. Aside from an obvious seam, any other methods to determine that? I will probably post this in the Tsuba section with additional photos. Feel free to comment there - and thank you for the reply! Jed

Eric, I only have vague recollection of the conversation when I purchased it (way too long ago). The seller did give me a sheet of paper with some preliminary research regarding the hamon (including detailed drawings of it), province it was made, dimensions, blade shape, etc. Unfortunately, after many moves/reorganizations, I sadly cannot locate that sheet (could be anywhere in my house ). Keith, That is an interesting distinction between shortened (through cutting the tang), and moving the blade up. In all likelihood that is what the seller told me when I purchased it, and I must have simply misinterpreted what he said. I appreciate you pointing out the distinction! Ian, Now that you mention it, the blade does move with more finesse/balance than other katana I have held. Thank you for the observation. Jed *edit* In my first post I noted that I neglected to ask many questions regarding the sword, and the one that I have always regretted not asking is whether the tsuba is an antique/authentic, or a replica. Any thoughts? Thanks again for the comments!

Here are some photos of the tsuba. The second photo shows a signature. Jed

By way of (brief) introduction, my name is Jed and I purchased this sword about 13 years ago. At the time I was still in college and frankly didn't ask any important questions regarding the sword. My interest in Japanese swords stems from my long-term addiction to martial arts of all sorts. At any rate, I have periodically skulked through this forum over the years, and finally decided to join. I thought it would be nice to get more informed opinions regarding my sword. The attached photos show one of the two obvious blisters on the blade (second photo), the other is much less noticeable. It is mumei, and has clearly been shortened. Of note, I am actively considering selling this is sword in the near future, so if you would like to offer your opinion as to value, I certainly would not mind, although I am most interested in opinions of quality based on the (limited) photos. Thank you in advance! Jed *edit* There are no nicks, dents, or chips on the blade. The individual I purchased it from also reportedly restored it. I have always thought of it as a beautiful sword.