Derek

This topic has been pretty thoroughly covered several times on these forums; try search for "cleaning" or "oil" on site search function. Much depends on your climate and if your sword has a new polish. Derek

I'll be there. Bringing my allowance, too. :D Derek

Shinae? Derek

Thank you for sharing! Derek

Less than 3 weeks to go! I'm getting seriously excited. Wish me luck at shinsa. Derek

It looks to be post WW2 China. Not necessarily military, some like these are military or given for civilian service. I've seen something like this at military shows $20 or so, but this one could be special, so would need more expertise than I. Derek

Well played, sir. I guess paperwork can be mistakenly switched. Or perhaps the sword is much different in hand. I believe there is "wiggle room" for the attribution of most mumei blades. Very interesting though. Either way, thank you for this informative thread. Derek

Could I ask you which organization hosted that shinsa, Mr Bowen? Derek

IMHO, I would be quite upset to buy the personal sword of one of the most famous admirals in Japanese history, only to find in 5 minutes of internet research that it is unlikely. http://www.touken.or.jp/english/translation/648.htm Derek

A different close-up of sword at his side. Saya looks reasonably correct, not sure about tsuba. Derek

Admiral Togo Heihachiro with sword in hand.

I really enjoyed this topic; I found it very informational as a novice to follow the thought process of experts when trying to ID a blade. Thank you very much! Derek

Complete first instinct guess: late 19th C Derek

Bump this thread in the hopes of hearing from more of the amazing Nihonto experts. I have read this forum daily for many years, and am intrigued at the start of your collecting, and current interests. A special thanks to Mr Sinclaire for sharing his story, as his information on another site started my Nihonto interest. Anyone else care to share your stories? Thank you in advance. Derek

I really love these type of threads. I am usually just a quiet observer, but I will share with this one. I keep one Nihonto, koto, katana, mumei. I only consider selling to upgrade. I am on my 4th sword since my obsession started in 2004. I study the blade every day, and read everything possibly related to it. (Submitting latest purchase to Min shinsa next month :D ) Always saving for upgrade, so I never buy fittings, but do appreciate them. Derek

Thank you Mr Bowen, exactly what I wanted to know! Derek

Greeetings from a long time reader / 1st time poster. Using the search feature answers most questions that I think of; one answer that I can't find however, is the proper way to prepare a sword for shinsa. (NTHK) I am one of those people who likes to avoid surprises, so I actually made an account for this question. Do I bring the sword in shirasaya and disassemble right before submitting? I read on a post several years ago that the blade is submitted completely bare, is that true? Also, should I remove as much oil as possible ahead of time? (Perhaps a few wipes with a microfiber cloth?) Or do the shinsa judges wipe the blade themselves? I assume that less oil = easier attribution? Please share your experiences, for a shinsa novice. Thank you! Derek