Derek

Update: Now 17 different examples of papered nihonto on the site. 68 high quality photos so far, and more to come!

Hello All, Update: Just added a papered Muramasa O-tanto / wakazashi from a member here! Pictures turned out great. If anyone else has a papered example, please contact me. I will not add names, unless requested. I would guess that more than two of us have one in their collection. Adding more examples this weekend! Thank you.

Thank you all for the feedback! Many of you have sent me messages as well. I appreciate the constructive criticism too! I have only included examples that are papered, too keep things easier on me. I will be adding many more examples, and more photos of the blades already posted. I also will start on a section for oshigata, as well. I will also expand on the Tokugawa section. In my research, I have been surprised to find that the Tokugawa clan may have privately collected Muramasa swords... Another challenge for me has been the difficult issue of generations. There are many conflicting opinions on dates and number of generations. I have tried to present the various opinions. I will also add a section on shape of the tanagobara nakago. Please keep the feedback coming!

I have been working on a labor of love for a few months, a website dedicated to Muramasa: http://www.Muramasa.us I am fortunate to own a Muramasa katana, but frustrated to find sources to educate myself about his work. The material available in English is limited. I tried to put together a comprehensive collection of various sources. I intend to continue updating the site as more material becomes available. I have tried to give credit to all of the various sources, but some I have collected for a long time and may not cite correctly. I apologize in advance for any missing citation, outright errors, or poor grammar! Please give me your feedback! Again, this is an educational website, and not commercial. Thank you!

It would also help to know what part of the world you live.... If you live near a Walmart: get a can of denatured alcohol from the home area, some nice gun oil from sporting goods, and a microfiber cloth from eye dept. Wipe the whole blade (other than nakago) with alcohol and microfiber cloth, then a light coat of oil. Good to go.

Fantastic program, thank you for the link!

I find it interesting that anyone would maintain their nihonto with a substance labeled in a language they can't read, sold by a dealer they don't know.... Microfiber cloth and Breakfree Collector for me. Less than $10 for a 4 ounce bottle.

I like this style. Easy to make yourself though. http://www.seiyudo.com/oi-08116.htm

Your Rembrandt analogy is interesting, but there are a few problems with it. Muramasa was one of those sword smiths that has become legend, so the historical figure stands in a shadow of his story. Unlike Rembrandt, Muramasa can be considered a school of sword making; most sources list three generations, along with students. Even dates are controversial... the earliest dated sword is 1501, but the Nihonto Koza places first generation at the mid 15th C, and Connessiuer's Guide a bit earlier. Even variations in signed blades can cause more "fog".... In this case, my uneducated opinion is that the shinsa team meant, "Sengo school, possibly one of the generations of Muramsasa." Either way, nice blade! Definitely a keeper!

http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/shinsa-information/

A "window" is a sword polishing term for having a small area polished by a professional sword polisher. Generally, a window is used to determine if the sword is worth the time and expense of a full polish. Derek (I know you may have been joking, but I was not sure of your experience....)

Chris, I recall reading something about this limit being unfair to professional smiths. What is your impression from knowing many of the best of them? Do they, on average, make two swords a month? If a smith works for 40 years making 24 swords = almost 1000 swords..... Derek

Just ordered Markus' new book. 15% off with code: FWD15 Older code, but it worked. Derek

Not sure about his source, but Adrian wrote an interesting post on Kazuuchimono swords. http://samuraiantiques.com/new-page-12.htm Derek

I would look at this one: http://www.nihontocraft.com/Takada.htm Nice sword at that price, and a great guy. My 2cents.... Derek

Already discussed at: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18421 Derek

Signature looks good for nidai Kanemoto. Paper is probably correct. I would worry about other areas.... Derek

Like I said, I'll defer to those with more experience with Japanese politics. It's fun to speculate, though. I hope that it is recovered in my lifetime, and in salvageable condition. Whether a GI, the US gov't, Japanese, Freemasons, Area 51, Bermuda triangle, or Aliens..... Derek

Yes Chris, that was my feeling as well. Again, I thought Ian and Clive were very entertaining, but the narrator was less so. The pronunciation of "Masamune" made me cringe. Also, the Honjo Masamune being the finest sword ever made? Hmmmm. We all know of Masamune's reputation, but the show made it sound like he invented everything swordmaking. On the other hand, it was nice to see a new show on television dedicated to nihonto. New people interested in nihonto are always a good thing. My wife, who has absolutely no interest in nihonto, actually sat through the program and asked a few questions afterwards. It is also possible that a program like this may lead to someone finding another nihonto brought home after the war. Even if the Honjo Masamune is long gone, perhaps a different prewar kokuho, or even a nice old koto in gendaito mounts that was taken as a souvenir may surface. Derek

Hi Chris, very interesting subject. You, and a few others on this board, are far more knowledgeable about these things than I ever will be, but I would hazard a guess.... Prewar kokuho and jubi should be allowed to be imported and exported. However, could it get a bit more difficult when something like the Honjo Masamune is involved? I am always fascinated when you describe the front/back nature of Japanese society, so I could imagine the politics that would be at work, given that example. Could you imagine if the Honjo Masamune was located, perhaps sitting in a closet of a deceased WW2 American GI. The new owner sends it to Japan for authentication. What back room politics and negotiation would ensue? I for one, could never see it leaving Japan again, rule or no rule. But I will defer to those more knowledgeable. Love to hear your thoughts. Derek

Hi Ron, The link was just to the preview of the show. The actual program aired last night; it was a one hour show. The parts with Clive and Ian were brilliant. I do take issue about the way the narrator took some liberty with nihonto history. Overall though, very entertaining. Derek

Just saw a Myth Hunters episode on AHC (Renamed from Military Channel) Episode was "Lost Sword of the Samurai" http://www.ahctv.com/tv-shows/myth-hunt ... ters-video Surprised to see a few familiar faces! Clive and Ian did very well! Some of the discussion by the narrator were a bit off, but still a very interesting program. Check it out if you are able. Derek

Hi Darcy. Thank you for sharing all that info. I'm more of a koto guy myself, but I love the character of this sword. Your nihonto photo skills just continue to amaze me. Derek

Same with me. But this works: http://japaneseswordindex.com/nihonto.htm A big thank you to you, Rich. Your site began my nihonto education in 2002. I've been in martial arts for 35 years, and found your site by mistake 12 years ago. A little sad to see it go, but a big thanks to Brian for hosting! Derek

I work for one of the major airlines, usually in MSP, ORD, or DEN. I go through security and customs often enough to know many agents by name. When I travel for pleasure, I am subject to all of the same rules as everyone else, and sometimes travel with nihonto or firearms. I don't have any extraordinary tips, but I'll share a few basic ones: I pack my nihonto in a hard golf case. Firearm cases draw attention. I always have a letter inside the bag with information and instructions labeled for the TSA. They can and do randomly open bags. 90% of the TSA people are good folks, but 10% give them all a bad name. Always ask for a Lead if you have any trouble. They have 2 bars, and are usually trained better and have more experience. Supervisors have 3 bars, but are usually never around when you need them. In my travels, asking questions ahead of time prevents most issues. The mishandled bag rate for US airlines is about 5 in 1000 pax. This seems high, but the majority of these are due to weather miss-connects, and connection flights under 1 hour. (If you have to run and make a connection, the baggage guys sure the hell aren't going to...) So the chances of your bags getting lost are extremely slim. There are thieves who work in the airline industry. In my experience, they are often looking for quick, easy opportunities. There are security cameras everywhere, and we are usually in teams. Laptops, cameras, jewelry are fast and easy. Firearms, swords, and golf clubs are long, bulky, and hard to conceal. Remember, we have to go through checkpoints after work as well, with security guards, and cameras. In some cases, we bypass TSA checkpoints, but we are always observed coming in and out of sterile areas. Obviously, lock your bags, but I recommend using TSA approved ones. I know that bad guys can get ahold of them, but they have at least 7 different numbered ones. Remember, they are looking for quick and easy, not inspecting each lock, then fiddle with a key ring to find the corresponding key. If the TSA have to open your bag, they won't have to hack it off. Above all, every airport has their own leadership, and enforce things differently. I know Federal Aviation Regs better than most security agents, but getting into a pissing match with them doesn't help at all. I just say thank you, I'll remember that, and go on my way. One agent didn't want to accept my airline ID to go through a checkpoint. I am absolutely allowed to use it, but I just said sorry, and gave him my passport, which I had to dig out of a bag. I sent an email later to a TSA supervisor to clarify with his team. Not a big deal. Latest rules are on TSA.gov I tell people to search there for anything special they are worried about, then print it out. Derek