Derek

Mr Bowen! I think that 2nd turtle may be worth $80 million! Derek

Wow, I just found out that my sword is worth $80,000,000! I was told it was junk, but now I realize it was really an 11th century prototype blade! It's true, I found an expert to tell me. Derek

A big thank you for taking the time to post this. Derek

With a few of the recent posts that have been a bit negative, I just wanted to remind the veteran posters and true experts how much they are appreciated by the majority of us who read this forum. I have only been a serious nihonto collector since 2001, but I read this forum every day. I take the advice of our experts very seriously. I read every nihonto book that I can get my hands on, attended several nihonto shows, and have been to a dozen museums with displayed swords. Your advice is not lost. Some people do not buy junk to try and learn. Some people do ask the opinion of others before purchasing a sword. Some people do remember to sell from the bottom and buy the best they can afford. Some people buy only from trusted sources. Sometimes it is easy to forget that these experts share their knowledge for free. Experts who have been published. Experts who have held, in their own hands, swords of quality that the majority of us have only seen pictures of. I have not visited this forum every day to see a junk sword, then have another person say, "Cool sword, bro!" I come here to read the honest opinions of true experts of Nihonto. We are blessed to be able to post a sketchy photo of a signed blade, only to have several experts not only translate, but give an honest opinion of it. We get spoiled easily. I often start to write a post, only to think better, and let it go. However, I feel it necessary to make a formal statement of appreciation to all of you that teach me so well. So thank you Mr Bowen, Mr Sinclaire, Mr Stein, Mr Tenold, Mr Weissberg, Mr Hallam, and all the other true experts here. Also, a special thanks to Brian, for hosting this forum, and the mods here. Derek

Please don't take the critiques personally. You must understand that the majority of the readers of this forum are experts of nihonto, and many far beyond that level. Although impressed by your enthusiasm, by sharing your new purchase, you are in effect asking for our thoughts. What you have purchased and shared with us seems to be an ok wakazashi worth about what you paid for it. What can appear as harsh criticism about a new sword you really like, is really only the opinion of experts here; you are posting on the wrong forum if you are just seeking a, "Cool sword, bro!" response. Derek

Hehe, no problem. You can search for "SHEIF" Derek

If you run a search first, you will see that this tanto has been discussed several times. Derek

I BLAME THE INTERNET! Well, seriously, I think the internet has changed almost everything in our world for better or worse. The vast amount of information available, the expert forums, and the ability to purchase swords over the internet has lessened the necessity to actually come together at shows. On the other hand, all of these things about the internet are also amazing benefits as well, allowing me to view nihonto that I would otherwise never have access to, read opinions of some of the most learned experts in the world, and purchase authentic nihonto from reputable dealers. We are part of a relatively small group of serious nihonto enthusiasts; the draw of a sword show is correspondingly small. To attend a show in the US, you are looking at spending approx $400 for air, $200 for hotel, $30 taxi each way, and entry fee. When you consider the cost, it again lowers the amount of people who can attend. Which I think is the issue that Chris is making. I'm sure a mail-in shinsa makes economic sense, as one can send in the item with shinsa fee at 1/3 of the cost of actually attending the show. Don't get me wrong, as you can read from my note several posts above, I would be the first person in line at an event like a Taikai. If there is enough interest shown here, both in people willing to lend their quality nihonto, and in collectors willing to lend their expertise, perhaps something could happen. Derek

Chris, I just applaud your willingness to hold an event of any sort; anything is better than nothing, as it were. I really like the idea of a shinsa with an educational event attached. Many of us read every nihonto book we can, look all over the internet, yet get the chance to have quality swords in hand very infrequently. Perhaps I could suggest that you could hold a shinsa in Chicago, with an attached event that allows us to inspect swords in hand. I myself would gladly lend my koto bizen sword for inspection, if I had the chance to inspect 100 or so others, especially if was combined with comments by experts such as yourself. I could imagine a table with 20 koto blades from various schools, with an expert explaining the main kantei points. Another table with 20 shinto blades, another with 20 shinshinto, another with 20 war-time, and another with 20 modern nihonto. Or a 30 min presentaion focusing on each nihonto era, with expert commentary, and 20 swords of that era to inspect. Derek

As long as we're living in a fantasy world, why not also invite the NBTHK and Honami as well. Then we can have Santa and Elvis announce the winner. And, in before the old "which-is-better" contest which locks a good thread. Chris, thank you so much for arranging the shinsa in MSP last year, I was really impressed. Sad to hear that there won't be another here. I can see a Chicago shinsa doing well, with the ease of flights into O'hare. Derek

Just wanted to share with everyone the great experience I have had, purchasing my newest nihonto from Adrian Schlemmer from Australia. http://samuraiantiques.com/p1.htm I just received my Osafune Yoshikage, packaged quite well, shipped very quickly, in better-than-advertised condition! Add me to the list of people who have learned their lesson, and now only to deal with professional Nihonto dealers. Adrian responded quickly to every question I asked, worked out a very fair price, and backed the purchase with his professional reputation. I will post photos as soon as I have a chance. Thanks for making a happy customer. Derek

Hmmmmm..... the missing Masamune perhaps? Looks legit. :lol: Derek

http://www.satcho.com/Intro_Texts.htm How about 10? :D Derek

If nothing else, while reading the comments, I followed the link to Lorenzo's website. Wow, I find his work to be amazing..... Especially the Kamiyoshi. Derek

Thank you very much for this. -Derek

My papers just arrived today as well, and they are simply amazing! The quality of the paper, the caligraphy, and photo are all excellent. Thanks again for arranging the shinsa in MSP. Derek

Nice water wheel tsuba here. http://www.nihonto.us/SHIPPO%20&%20GOLD%20ON%20SAHAKUDO.htm -Derek

Thank you very much! Derek

Thank you to everyone who replied. :D I am truely impressed when people can ID a nihonto based on something that my poor photography skills can provide. Katana passed shinsa with 73 pts to: -Derek

I wish I had better photography skills, but the best I can do of the jigane. I fear the sanbonsugi makes this too easy, but I always enjoy reading posts like this. I'll give the shinsa result next. -Derek

Very interesting info, ty. -Derek

I'm always amazed and humbled by the amount of knowledge exhibited by the experts here. Waiting to hear opinions from all the people I have grown to admire..... Cmon guys, I actually have an answer to this one! How about all our fearless Daimyo? Or the experts that got me hooked on Nihonto years ago... Dr Stein, Mr Tenold, Mr Sinclaire? I forgot to thank Mr Quirt, who gave me some great feedback Saturday as well. Thx -Derek

Anyone else want to make a guess, before I give results? -Derek

I forgot to mention, Width at the hamachi 2.83 cm, and Kasane 0.7 cm . Guesses? -Derek

Just returned from the Minneapolis NTHK shinsa, and my katana passed. :D Thought I would share pictures of sword, then I'll post what it papered as. Cheer to Chris Bowen, who ID'd it exactly beforehand. Mumei. Itame hada. 64.6cm nagasa. 0.8cm sori. http://s1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb363/xjrocket/Katana3/ -Derek