Alex A

Hi Javier, nice Koshirae. The first thing that sprung to mind is the old saying, if it aint broke, don't fix it. I say this because even small variations in tsuba dimensions can have you messing around with seppa/habaki/tsuba (really shouldn't with a good one) to make it all fit good. Difficult to see, but appears your sword has no need for a tsuba with hitsu-ana, so in that case, I would look for a tsuba with no hitsua-ana. That way, looks less cobbled together, in my humble opinion. I like the tsuba you have picked out, just find something along the same lines, without hitsua-ana or plugged hitsu-ana. Does not necessarily need to be waves, lots of options. Just my thoughts, hope that helps Best

Found this on a search, says Antique Japanese dessert fork, ebay listing that cant be viewed now. No idea how old, bad picture

As it looks like a fork, il say fork

Welcome to Ebay.

Haha, chop sticks Thanks for the correction Jean, Live and learn.....http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/grooves.html

From a non-John. John, I can see why you think the tanto is not so old and I can see why you lean towards Bizen, Futasuji-bi (still look deep in pic) and Kuri-jiri also being factors. Is the mei a Bizen biggy?, if so, possible "Kuwana" http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/kuwana.html maybe........... You did say open to speculate, and I like speculating.

Its a good question Jean. When I first started collecting I was impulsive and that did lead to one or two regrets. I'm at a stage now where I find buying swords difficult and look for reasons not to. Ive looked at hundreds of swords over the last few years and always found a reason not to buy. I suppose the triggering factor for me now is finding the "keeper" that you guys seem to go on about. Funnily enough, one sword came very very close yesterday, but I'm a slow mover when it comes to buying

Hi Hilik. I can only offer a rough opinion as to age, i get the impression your tsuba was made in the 1800,s, but made to look older. Mine is just an opinion from a guy with not a great knowledge of tsuba, sometimes such opinions get corrected, rustle a few feathers at the top of the tsuba tree , which is good. I don't mind being wrong, that way we all get to pick up more knowledge. I will be honest, i was in two minds whether it was cast or not , but think the latter. (i think) Best.

I once bought some Ko Kinko menuki (papered) to finish off a koshirae project, in the end I just couldn't do it. As mentioned above, it can be money wasted when you come to sell. Ive said on many occasions I'm going to keep stuff, then sold it when something else as caught my eye. If I truly had a keeper, then I would buy good fittings, not too bothered whether papered or not.

Hi Ken, curious, whats an idea of nakago ana size for the tsuba on these kind of weapons?

Tsuba dont look too old, mid-late 1800,s maybe, crisp edges around Hitsu-ana, general look of the iron. My eyesights not brilliant, but get the impression its not inlay (so to speak) but gold and silver colour surface decoration added at a later date, to spice up a plain tsuba . Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in with a better answer, you did say "anyone" ? Best

Oh, my mix up, sorry.

Wachigai (2 circles), all things continue forever without end. A reference from Shibui swords.

As always, there are exceptions to rules Sometimes existing mekugi-ana were enlarged, easiest way to do this................drill. (if they had one) So, an old blade can have a rather young looking mekugi-ana. Not in the case above though, I think three drilled is pushing the theory a little.

Some discussion here http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/18842-false-papers/?hl=database&do=findComment&comment=194543

Big cat that Rich, no cat expert, but looks like it may have some Bengal or Savannah in it, reminds me of a Savannah/Tabby cross a friend owns. Cat Kantei

I was thinking late Muromachi Mizuta school (Hada, hamon and sori seem to fit)), although Muneyaki is linked with Shinto Mizuta school. (had to come from somewhere lol), best I can do.

Tricky, files wont download for me either. Going with Mino, leaning towards smiths of the O-Shizu, as I see a Soshu influence. Now where does Aprils fool day come into it?

I see, meticulous job at removing the hamon, I will give it more thought, thanks

April fools day hey? , O-suriage and the hamon clearly ends at the Hamachi??, Nakago patina appears strange in first pic, unusual jigane/hamon? Re-hardened is my first thought, please tell me I'm wrong and I will look further into this school

Sad news indeed, my condolences to his friends and family.

You can buy long metal drinking straws for peanuts. Tape one end to suction hose on vacuum cleaner=turbo sucker. lol Everything else been said, might work

Thought the same thing Bazza, i would be wary

No doubt, without any problem and with papers it would be twice the amount or more. I looked at this sword a while ago, got the impression that Aoi was speaking about the lack of boshi, hard to judge from the photos.

Hi Juha, I agree about breathing on swords, try to avoid, wipe with a clean cloth afterwards. Wonder how we would go on with one of these, just a thought, think some folk use them. https://www.heamar.co.uk/magnifying-lamps/60352-daylight-d25040-deluxe-led-magnifying-lamp-xr-5022737250409.html?gclid=CPbP94jt3NICFdUV0wodwCwDTw