Derek

I'm not saying that I expect these things, only expressing my thoughts. How do you explain zufu then? Why not a short version for all passes? How do you explain nthk explaining fails? I think that if you are stating your mission as "education of students and enthusiasts" these are reasonable suggestions... Again, only a polite discussion between fans of the hobby. I'm sure we all expect the status quo

In the interest of not hijacking another thread..... My suggestions for the NBTHK..... (Not that I am particularly important) I doubt anyone over there really cares what I think. But, on the slim chance they do care, or see this, here it goes..... In my opinion, the NBTHK does a remarkable job, given what is asked of them; unfortunately, I think they are playing catch-up. This is their stated mission: “Its purposes include preservation through study and research of Japanese Art Swords and related items, educating students and enthusiasts of Japanese swords and sword fittings, and support of related specialist craftsman in sword restoration and conservation trades.” As the gold-standard of nihonto authentication, we expect them to be accurate, knowledgeable, transparent, and consistent. At the same time, the shinsa audience has become more global, and I think they have done a less than stellar job of keeping up with that change. As a collector, what do I want? I want to know if a paper is counterfeit. I want to the reason for a fail. I want detail! I ask for three changes: Keep an open, searchable database. List all passed swords by certificate number. (#201703/123456 Katana signed Osafune Kanemitsu 68.3 cm Hozon) A simple sentence on why an item fails. A simple sentence on why an item passed. The database would allow the study of nihonto to flourish. One could verify that a sword for sale or purchase matched the official papers. Also, the sheer volume of statistical data would aid in the future knowledge and understanding of nihonto. If I buy a sword with NBTHK paper, my first thought is if it is real? Is it old paper that could be forged or unreliable? Is it new paper that has been forged? If it is Juyo, I can look up the zufu. If not, I depend on the paper. Why not a searchable database for all swords? I honestly think the time and money invested would elevate the NBTHK to a new height of prestige and relevance. Any reason for failing shinsa should be noted. It seems almost insulting to not include even one sentence. Any detail given provides more knowledge. Really, how difficult would it be to write, “Sword is in good condition, but majority of judges thought the signature is probably gimei." You could then at least know if it is a problem with condition, mei, or whatever. A quick detail on pass should be noted. Again, think of the educational value! “This mumei katana could be O Shizu, but is not quite good enough, so majority goes with Naoe Shizu.” “These menuki are definitely Goto, but no consensus on which generation.” This tsuba looks like one we always say owari to, so owari.” Finally, as a bonus, why not offer additional services for a fee? Like $30 usd for an origami translation on official letterhead? Please feel free to attack my suggestions below, or add your own!

Wow, not a shinshinto guy, but if you are, look at this beauty: http://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords3/KT328489.htm Tokuho, 74cm, published, nice koshirae..... 1.3 m yen

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/16521-nihonto-oil-a-study-part-2/

I did an exhaustive study of oil, which you can search with my name here. Really, any clean, readily available oil is fine. Fujishiro oil was best, but harder to source. Remoil performed great, and is cheap and easy to find.

Yes, It is very expensive to own quality swords. On the other hand, one can attend a show in the US and study literally dozens of quality swords. (Along with the owner talking you through the finer points!) That is why I am a huge proponent of attending as many shows, sword clubs, or just a friendly get-togethers as possible.

I am interested. Thanks for your work on this. D

Dirty dozen. I called it.

What's your guess for the number of people, Joe?

I will be there! I will have a sword or two for show and tell.

Hi. Thanks for your interest. I will have the images back up soon. Unfortunately, I have had several problems with godaddy, which basically deleted my photos, then tried to ransom me to rebuild my site. The content was easy to restore, thanks to my personal back up files. Although I still have all of the photos, it is more time consuming to rebuild that area. I will post here first, once complete. Maybe 3 more weeks, depending on my work schedule. Thanks. D

I had a really good look at that sword in Chicago, and it is brilliant. Not exactly what I collect, but it would be a fantastic sword to own; very healthy and loaded with activity. A great guy to deal with too!

Congratulations, Kevin!

I think Mark wrote a nice summary above. If you haven't attended a show, you should make it a goal as soon as possible. I learn more at one show than I do the rest of the year online or in books. There is nothing like putting your hands on 100 nihonto in a day, and being able to pick the brains of some of the greatest English-speaking experts out there. The lectures alone were worth the trip!

Jeremiah, do you mean the whole show, or just the presentation by Bob and Markus?

Thanks Steve!

Good Afternoon, Could you fine gentlemen help me with a translation to this part of a hozon paper? I can read Menuki, gold dragons, goto. Is there a period or generation listed? Thank you very much! derek

Thank you to Mark, and all the great friends present. I always learn so much, and this one was no exception. If you haven't attended a show, you are really missing an amazing time. Favorites this time: 1- Meeting Joe's daughter, who is the next generation of nihonto collectors! 2 - Finally meeting Markus Sesko! 3 - A fantastic lecture on Owari seki blades. 4- A great discussion with Danny Massey. 5- A collection of a dozen goto fittings representing around 10 generations. Great fun.

Count me in, Joe. Pm sent.

Look, I think this has been thoroughly covered now. Richard, you seem like a nice enough guy. And my friend Joe is one of the best guys you will meet. I think you just came to the wrong forum, which is dedicated to the preservation of nihonto, and got rubbed the wrong way. As collectors, we have seen the damage caused by amateur polishers, so you hit a sore spot. Especially when you titled this as "trusted polishers." For what its worth, I "trust" Mukansa level polishers with my swords. Period. Also, please don't be so quick as dismiss us all as old crusty collectors with no interest in practical blades. I myself have over 30 years of teaching martial arts, swords, tactical law enforcement training, and defensive handgun tactics. I know others on this forum have even more experience than I do. However, I can appreciate both the practical and artistic, and highly recommend that others do the same. With experience, I have learned not to limit myself. As much as you felt others were abrasive to you, I think others here may have felt the same way about some of the things you have said. I think the majority of the folks here are not rich, but sacrifice and save what they can to collect and study. Again, I hope another forum may give you some direction for what you want. Good luck.

After several years participating on this forum, you tend to see a few reoccurring subjects, and among these is polishing. I think Ken hit this one perfectly; this board is devoted to art swords and their appreciation. Richard, I think that you are seeing the reaction of people who truly love Nihonto; your question is probably best served in a different forum. Although new people here can sometimes feel they are rubbed the wrong way, I can promise that if you stick around, you will interact with some of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. Joe also makes a great point about the difference in polishers. A mukansa level polisher can have 6 months to a year wait, and charges $50 to $75 per cm polished, but they are the best in the world. A less accomplished polisher, still fully trained, can have a longer wait list due to the cost savings. The thing we are all in agreement is that a short wait and low price is a red flag for an untrained polisher. As is brought up many times, being Japanese is not a requirement, but the almost 10 years of intense study under a master polisher is, and therefore there are less non-Japanese polishers available. Unfortunately, most of us have seen a sword that has been ruined by someone using a quick and cheap polisher. They have either lost unnecessary steel, ruined the geometry, or been made shiny. Since an art sword only has a few polishes in its life, we all are very defensive in this area, so please don't take too much offense to our replies.

My first reaction was Shimada. Hard to tell by photos. Would be nice to see in hand, if you are close to anyone on here.

I use American Taxi Service almost weekly in Chicago. They have a very good app that functions like uber and is excellent. They even quote you a price before you reserve. (My app is showing $25 one way) A rental car is also easy from o'hare. Take the rental car bus right outside baggage claim, about 5 min ride. Free parking at the hotel, and it's a short drive.

I have had many wonderful transactions with them. As Steven said, usually 2 weeks for deregistration for swords. Shipping is usually another week, so 3 weeks to your door. I think my first purchase with tsuruta San was in 2004, never a problem. I even returned a sword once, and it was no hassle. To the USA is easy, with no vat or tax due. Tracking number too, so you can follow it. Once in a while, I've had them held at customs in Chicago for a few extra days, but usually right through. I would call packing as adequate, although I tend to over pack for shipping. He usually uses those triangle-shaped boxes, with swords in bubble wrap and Japanese newspaper, which always gives me a smile. Papers are usually wrapped around the sword with rubber bands though, which I personally don't like the curve, but small issue. Please pm me if you have any other questions. D

I was thinking the same thing, Joe. Gentlemen, I personally appreciate the time that you spent walking through your thought process. During the last sword show in MSP, Chris Bowen walked be through his thought process as he picked up various blades, and I learned more in that day than I could a year on my own. Much appreciated.