Alex A

Just using the hamon, il be honest, Muramasa did not register once. How does that old saying go, "the eye sees what it wants to see" All good fun.

Dam, knew it was Tenbun! Christian, i thought it was Yokoyama too, some very similar hamon, thought maybe that was the "trick"

Hi Jp, from the images and mention of a thick kasane, it reminded me of one of those stout swords with long kissaki from the momoyama period, a shape that harks back to Nanbokucho blades. The dimensions however are not in the same ball park. Reminded again about how difficult it is to judge swords from images. I dont know about anyone else, but sometimes been surprised when a sword has arrived and the nakago looks to be a lot different than it did in the images online, in a good way. Sometimes in pics, nakago appears to be that of a later sword. As for Kajihei and the mei being removed, if it were him, id expect to see it with hozen papers already and cant recall his work resembling that of this sword, would need a further research Looks a well made sword, bit of a mystery

Ok, we are trying to get it down to micro-era Il zoom in as best i can 1830-1860

With all the info, Shinshinto too

I dont see enough for me to make a decision. Nakago might be well preserved, as mentioned, file marks are there, Katte Sagari, which may help See lifeless hamon is so many swords. Looks a stout blade, utilitarian. I cant make out the hada properly in these images, think in hand would obviously be a lot easier. And no dimensions.

Seen some late Muromachi Bungo swords with tight hada and thick kasane, not that im saying its Bungo, just thoughts. Although, still reminds me of Momoyama, difficult from images

Looks like a fake mei was removed. Could do with dimensions, reminds me of Momoyama at first glance, not that im saying it is.

Suguha start reminds me of late Edo Bizen, so il go with that

A bit puzzled as to why it has taken so long to notice

Hi Jp, Difficult to come up with anything precise as points about this tanto jump schools. Im leaning towards Bizen, 1580, ish. Age backed up by the fact its seen some polishes. I like the fact a gimei has not been added.

Fair point Barry, would hope no one take a overzealous approach with anything like this, but you never know.

Hi Barry, its very fine and if used with oil and being very gentle it will not harm patina, not that patina is important in this particular case. This sword being a new sword with active rust

As its a modern blade, I would just get a rag and some oil, a gun oil with a rust inhibitor Wipe it down gently for a good good while. Where its deeper i would use a soft toothbrush at first, then use some 0000 steel wool with some oil on it. Undesirable, especially on a modern blade, your going to be left with some marks and staining, but at least will end up stable. DO NOT splash the blade, keep it covered Then keep an eye on it

He did me a good deal once, but not on Ebay. Be careful with Ebay and emailing about deals, they watch. Got another this week, thats no2, jeez, they made £1000s out of me over the years Activity on your account isn’t following policy: Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay policy Hello i$$$$,Activity on your account didn't follow our Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay policy. Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay, including sharing direct contact information prior to an eBay purchase, is not allowed. What activity didn't follow the policy Blah Blah Blah

Sums it up for me Chris, although always take constructive criticism on the chin, we all need it sometimes.

Makes a pleasant read Paul, Nice to see an experienced collector buying a "not a commercially viable" sword and giving a reason why. There is more to this hobby than trying to nail it with "a few outstanding pieces", a myriad of swords with differing details. Im ok with "good", opens more doors, like the sword you bought. Known experienced folk with great collections, but not all their items are "great", but thats just collecting. Sometimes, something attracts you for different reasons,

Dunno about that ?, see many good swords from the Edo period that are not signed, Ps, Rayhan. Think i saw your collection a good while ago, to me, not as impressive as you may think, but all personal choice (if you get my point) Buy what you like, good sword Paul.

Agree Grev, If someone's unsure about something then they certainly should not buy it. I certainly wont ship anything expensive if the potential buyer comes across as uncertain.

Think maybe there should be selling charge if folk are giving Brian extra work and dictating how he runs the site, only fair. Maybe add a disclaimer that he is not responsible should any of us get upset or by those that give opinions. Also, as regular sellers do, offer a return policy should some folk think they have been mislead in some way. Ban claims of higher papers by sellers etc etc, occasionally leads to folk being disgruntled. Not just sellers, should be strict instructions to buyers to, to do their homework and that they are responsible for their own purchases.

Frustrating situation. I would ask them if its possible they can pick up the swords and give a refund and hopefully do some business in the near future. If you do, pay by credit card.

Tricky these days, gets x rayed and no mention of a blade and it might have a knock on effect where it sits in a warehouse until they get around to it. Japanese Antique collectable walking stick , over 100 years old, tariff 9706.00.00.00, Relief requested (should it be so) Customs are on point these days, good luck.

I don't know nothing about them either Wim, I have one also, but more modern. Ive seen lots on Ebay, so guessing quite common, be good to know more.

Can imagine it being very effective, Tom Cruise certainly thought so.

Lovely, and reminded why I prefer shorter swords for study.