Kanenaga

IMHO this was the greatest exhibition of nihonto ever, with more than 20 national treasures (kokuho) on display, and many "lesser" items. The Atsu Toshiro and the Nakigitsune were there, two of my all-time favorites. Those who were fortunate enough to see this in person will not soon forget the experience. Some friends and I were treated to a tour by Ogawa sensei -- lucky us. Thank you, Rayhan, for this and for the other great items you have shared.

One more by Naruki Issei.

Collectors of Shimizu Jingo tsuba are familiar with many kinds of weird hitsuana.

Kirill, What a wonderful treatise. Right up there with the commentaries of the immortal Darcy. Les

Is there a Professional in the US who could be consulted about hi-cutting? It's been my understanding that the swordsmith usually is the one who does this.

There's a sword show in Chicago at the end of this month. If you are serious about wanting the best info about your sword, bring it to the show and get appraisals from multiple dealers and experienced collectors. http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

Moriyama san, thanks for the video link. I wish I could understand it.

To be clear, we're talking about a shinsakuto. It has horimono but no hi. Regrettably, the maker is no longer living, so I can't ask him. I like the combination of horimono and hi, which I sometimes see (like the 2 below). Also, like many contemporary swords, it's heavy, so hi would lighten it. Just askin' tho.

I have a katana which does not have hi, but is "crying out" for bohi (or futasujibi). Is it ever reasonable (or feasible) to cut hi into a finished and polished blade? Les

Appreciate the suggestions.

To clean an oiled blade I sometimes use absolute alcohol, sometimes a microfiber cloth. Neither is very good at getting all the oil out of horimono. Does anyone know a better way to do this? Les

Not in my wheelhouse but a very nice package. Good luck with the sale!

Likely later.

Sukesada, not sadasuke. Large group of swordsmiths working in Bizen tradition during the 16th and 17th centuries, all using the same "art name." Wide range of sword quality. I'd think of asking Brian Tschernega (master craftsman) to take a look at the saya. He will likely be at the Chicago sword show in late April (http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/). Les

If like me you find stroke counting tedious, you can try Japanese Art Signatures, by Self and Hirose. Pure pattern-recognition, with special chapters on dates, places, titles, etc.