mizushima

I knew I had seen them before...

More practical?

As I write this, I am watching Budo: The Art of Killing on FLIX which has a great long segment on Nihonto in the context of Budo.

Joey, There are 2 articles one Darcy Brockbank's site that I think are great beginning articles for a basic framework of understanding the "big picture" of nihonto classifications and ratings. They are http://www.nihonto.ca/classification.html http://www.nihonto.ca/ratings.html

When comparing this mei http://home.earthlink.net/~ttstein/kunimits.jpg to this one http://cgi.ebay.com/WW2-Japanese-OFFICER-SWORD-EXCELLENT-TO-MINT_W0QQitemZ190160107238QQihZ009QQcategoryZ95132QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem it seems to me that the item being auctioned on ebay is not in the same style and quality. Is this a gimei? I defer to those more knowledgeable than myself. Thank you. Doug

How does one properly make an oshigata? What paper is best to use? What other materials? What methods, procedures, tips, etc.. Forgive me if this has been discussed but I have not found any resources for this or posts. Thank you. Doug

Not available until January... http://shop.wgbh.org/product/show/29968

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kodachi-shin-shin-tou-samurai-sword-Great-condition_W0QQitemZ220158575797QQihZ012QQcategoryZ73466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem This is listed as original. I have many doubts about the authenticity of this item, but can anyone comment on the habaki? I have not yet seen something like this. (there is much I haven't seen.) Shinshinto between 1700 and 1800? No mention of suriage. Thoughts on this item? Doug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGjv54nPv4Q

New pictures attached...

I finally saw this item in person and was surprised at it's size. It was much smaller than I had imagined (as you can see from the pictures), though I am now even more confused at what this is. The nakago does have mei, altough I can't ascribe any meaning to my translation. I have drawn the mei because my pictures are not of highest quality. I know these symbols as ju kei shi ? ju = 10 kei = system shi = child? Any clarification is much appreciated. The koshirae is wooden. Any ideas? A child's sword? A tourist item? If a chinese fake, of what? Just curious about this strange, small item. Thank you. Pictures Are Here: http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=hElrJE2TYkhhQhULa00a&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED Drawn mei is attached.

Thank you all for your comments. I have considered all that has been said. My eye is not trained to condsider the possibility of a katana tip mounted asa tanto and I find that very interesting and helpful. If I uncover any more about this, I will of course share it. Thanks again. Doug

Thank you all for your comments. I have considered all that has been said. My eye is not trained to condsider the possibility of a katana tip mounted asa tanto and I find that very interesting and helpful. If I uncover any more about this, I will of course share it. Thanks again. Doug

Thank you all for your comments. I have considered all that has been said. My eye is not trained to condsider the possibility of a katana tip mounted asa tanto and I find that very interesting and helpful. If I uncover any more about this, I will of course share it. Thanks again. Doug

I should also mention, in the spirit of the forum guidlines, that I am not looking for comments to be used for commercial gain. I will be looking at this sword in person and am looking to expand my knowledge. It is available to me in an auction, is purported to carry a signature, and is from a collection of items to be reputable - none of which means squat. Thank you.