Alex A

Great idea for a thread, these inscriptions make a sword a lot more desirable!.

Id go late Edo Colin.

I'm a dolphin trainer Anyways, we have both made points, time to move on.

I've read everything you have written so far in all your posts. The impression i get is you boast a lot about your capabilities Just thought a man on a horse as high as yours could put that great knowledge to better use, rather than moaning and bitching on a forum

From another's perspective. Your complaining about amateurs working on armour, they are going to do it whether you like it or not. If you care so much about the armours they are ruining then would it not make more sense to give advice and help prevent more armour being ruined? Obviously see your point but just a thought.

Trouble is, you cant stop these people doing what they do. Must have seen hundred plus swords with bad polish in the UK alone. As mentioned earlier its the Dealers and also owners that don't want shipping hassles or high charges for getting it done properly. Dealers look to make profit so they go for the cheaper commercial finish. Have to say, there are dealers that wont send or advise a cheap polish on a good blade. There are dealers that don't care either way. Ignorant owners don't know what's involved and will send it anywhere, others have a go themselves. Some might say low end mediocre blades don't deserve an expensive polish, what's the point, that guy in the next town (so to speak) will do an ok job. (being honest and not condoning it) Does that seem to be the trend for armour? I cant imagine someone paying an high price for a quality armour that needs restoring, then short cutting on quality restoration, but i guess it happens. I say that because armour comes across as a lot more niche than swords.

Contrary to what some may say, judging sugata from photos can be the most misleading aspect, for me.

Personally, would let it soak in oil and gently go over it with a tooth brush a few times And as above.

Many carrying a Tanto/Katana combo.

Was just looking over old photos of Samurai on Youtube, there's a few on there where fittings don't match. Think maybe some were not so pedantic as we are

Strictly speaking, if you had koshirae made for both swords, then still your Daisho. But who cares, its yours.

Eric, il be honest. Think you may be pushing the boundaries of the term "daisho" Though look to be nice blades, That a Mino sword, who made it ?

In fact, sod it, il have it if still available

Aye, its outstanding. Mariusz, where do you keep finding these gems?, we need to know Never seen so many good old tsuba at such reasonable prices, as what you been selling recently

For me, its two swords used by a Samurai, with the same koshirae. Check out swords of the 47 Ronin for mismatches. Also, if someone puts two swords together and matches the koshirae, its a Daisho. Their Daisho.

Its an interesting question and don't think it can be answered better than what Ian B stated. All i know, if you have something that looks like it needs to be restored. Once restored, you never look at it the same way. Some folk cant live with even minor faults or flaws and feel the need to intervene or run a mile. Antiques ruined by the boat load, see it all the time. With serious issues, obviously something needs to be done, its the minor fault meddling that bugs me and the folk that cant live with such flaws.

Its a nice blade and can see why so many folk like it, Being honest, i find the Nioi-guchi a bit inconsistent and activity a bit erratic No disrespect to the owner, whoever made it had talent but i bet even they would say its not one of their best. Nice to own though.

Great tsuba, great price, i may have it if it don't sell on this occasion. Ana suggests it was once sat on a Yoroi-doshi, makes it even more interesting.

You deserve help Brian, its a FULL TIME jobs, 24hrs. We get to come and go, disappear for a month or whatever, you have the responsibility of running the forum. I don't get why some folks are so tight, its ridiculous.

You might get a few "blood dripping vampires" Baba, but plenty of newbs do well from advice given and also get to buy swords at a lot less than was originally paid by the seller. All evens itself out.

Forgetting the nakago and looking at features of the blade in the original link, the hamon and the masame in the shinogi-ji Kind of reminds me of Mino style Maybe look into Shinshinto Mino/Jumyo as an idea or later that worked in that style. Tricky with that nakago though, Hamachi very healthy. Be interesting what Shinsa would come up with. Interesting tanto, like it.

Thinking maybe someone has tried to artificially age the nakago but not done a great job., whats your thoughts?

Aye, cant say id be too upset about the rejection

Great result, looking at his blades online, i see why.

Lets face it, if auctions and dealers were as honest as we want them to be then profits would plummet. Still amazes me when i see vague write-ups and low res images on some dealers websites. No excuse in this day and age, they do it for one reason, deceive. Then on the other hand overly bull**** eager exaggerated write-ups You ask for better images and its like you have asked them to climb mount Everest Got reminded this week that sometimes they buy items in and then realise they have made a mistake, but the price don't change to customers, and neither does their dishonest write-up. Armour appears to have so many nuances, definitely not beginner friendly.