hxv

Takaya san, NMB members' discount? Regards, Hoanh

Dear David, On the 4th picture from the top, the hamon seems to run off the blade at about 1 or 2 inches above the habaki. It could be the angle and lighting, too. The next time you see the blade, check it out. Regards, Hoanh

Dear George and Morita san, I will post pics and measurements when the sword arrives. Thank you, Hoanh

Thank you Chris. Regards, Hoanh

Dear Paul and Tobias, Thank you very much for the translation. Regards, Hoanh

Hi all, May I get help with translating the sayagaki below, please? Thank you so much. Regards, Hoanh

Morita san, I see. As the American idiom goes, he is no Rai . Do you have any information on what the "Japan Special Sword Forge/Works" was? Was it a private concern whose purpose was to make swords for ordinary customers, or was it commissioned by the Japanese government to produce swords during WW2? Any information is greatly appreciated. BTW, I finally received the invoice and paid it. So, if nothing goes wrong in transit, I should get the sword next week and will post pictures. In the mean time, here is the relevant description from the seller: "The tang is marked with Rai Kunifusa as well as another script that I never could translate. I had the sword authenticated by a sword expert in NYC and I have the paperwork from him. He dated the sword as being hand made and not stamped sometime around 1935." My guess is that the inscription he could not translate either tells what type of iron the sword is made from or is the name of the sword, per George's post. It would be interesting to see who the "expert" was that evaluated the sword and the actual evaluation itself. Regards, Hoanh

George, Thank you for the details. It sounds like Rai Kunifusa's forging skills are not at all bad, but nothing is really known about him. That's a lot to chew on. If I do purchase the sword, I'll be sure to post pictures. I spoke to the seller on the phone and we came to a price agreement. However, the seller has not sent me a Paypal invoice, so I don't know if there is a change of heart. I'll give him another call today. Once again, thank you for you insight. Regards, Hoanh

Dear Chris and George, I happen to come across a sword by Rai Kunifusa for sale (no, not on Ebay or by any member here). I would like to hear your impression of his work. Are the examples you have seen in-hand well forged? thank you so much in advance. Regards, Hoanh

Hi Ken, Thank you. I will keep a log of what worked and what didn't. Regards, Hoanh

Hi guys, After collecting my equipment, trying different set ups and different shot angles, I finally have some decent pictures to show you. Here is my list of equipment: 1. A sturdy tripod for my camera, a Canon Rebel XTi with an EFS 17-85mm lens and a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens. 2. An Ecosmart 24W LED bright White (125W equivalent) on tripod. 3. A 30" diamater Photoflex umbrella on tripod. I also have a Bulb Brite 15W-equivalent LED on recommendation of the readership here, but have not had to use it yet. I set up the Ecosmart 24W LED to shine directly at the umbrella, which diffuses and redirect the light in the direction of the sword. Certainly, the pictures are heads and shoulders above what I could do prior to the new lighting set up (Ecosmart 24W LEd & umbrella) and the Super Macro Lens. However, I do feel that I'm missing something. Some of the pictures are either a shade too dark or a shade too bright. To get just the right amount of lighting, I may have to do 3 shots to get a good picture. I don't have a formula to get it right consistently on every single shot. There is always some amount of trial and error. I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Here are the pictures without any assistance from Photoshop other than cropping & resizing the resolution. Regards, Hoanh

Hi, I think see an arsenal stamp just above the mekugi ana. So I don't know if you can classify this sword as a gendaito. Regards, Hoanh

Very good for you to call him on it. You are lucky as the seller could challenge you to prove that it's not by THE Masamune. You will have to waste time and money on the NTHK/NBTHK process. Regards, Hoanh

May I ask how you managed to half the price after you paid for it in full? Regards, Hoanh

Thank you Grey. Regards, Hoanh

Hi Adam, Yes, I see some similarities with your Ko-Uda, except the sword I am looking at is not nearly as nice, though. One thing I am concerned with is that the hamachi looks almost nonexistent (from the pictures anyhow). I don't know if it can take another polish (it sure needs it, though). Question: To you, is it worth the cost of a new polish + shirasaya (~$2.5K)? Regards, Hoanh

Hi Jorgensen, The nagasa is 20". Regards, Hoanh

Hi, I am looking at a naginata naoshi, possibly as a purchase. I have not made up my mind and would like to seek advice from the readership here. I don't see a turn back on the boshi, so assume that this is really a cutdown naginata. My first impression is that it is late Muromachi. Am I even close? Looks like it has had quite a few polishes in its life. From the few pictures available, can we say anything about it? What school, region, ...? Is it well forged? It's not on ebay, and the seller is not a member of this board. So, please give your advice freely. I have thick skin, plus I have not bought it, so I can take it, guys Regards, Hoanh

Ken, The mei is so worn out that it's hard to see. I think (not at all positive) I am seeing Bishu Osafune Sukesada. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong. Regards, Hoanh

Alex, We need hi-res pics of the nakago so we can read the mei. Even if the mei translates correctly, it's still impossible to verify the seller's account of how he comes in possession of it. Then, there is the question of whether the mei is genuine, i.e., the mei was actually inscribed, or commissioned to be inscribed, by the sword smith in question. That is a much harder question sometimes. However, in this case, since the sword smith is not too highly ranked, if the mei translates correctly, it's highly likely to be a genuine signature. Bottom line: we still need to be able to see the nakago to read the mei. Can you ask the seller for pictures of both sides of the nakago? Also, you need better (close up, focused) pictures of the sword, one small section at a time, on both sides, to see if the sword has any "fatal flaws." Otherwise, you might end up with a sword that is literally worthless. Regards, Hoanh

Alex, Can't tell much from the pictures you posted. You need close up, hi-res pictures for any detail to show. I don't know what you mean by "collectible." Every nihonto collector has his/her own criteria. If what you meant to ask is, "Is it a nihonto?" Then, yes, it does look like a nihonto from what I can see in the pictures. Regards, Hoanh

Sengoku jidai is a time of terrible destruction. The pieces seem to fit, then. Hoanh

Thank you George. You guys have been so helpful. I have lots to chew on and lots new new things to try out. I definitely need a macro setup, though. My 17-85mm focal length is just not cutting it. I'll post pictures once my contraption arrives so you guys can help me improve my skills. Regards, Hoanh

Hi Uwe, Thank you for the lesson. I already ordered the equipment. When I get some shots, I'll PM you for further instructions. Regards, Hoanh

Thank you Ken for the Amazon links. I shall give it a try. Will post results. I promise Hoanh