Eric H

in almost circular form - signed Issai Tomei Eric

some pics Eric

From Facts and Fundamentals... Kasane...this is the measurement of the thickest section of the blade in the same area as the moto-haba (moto-haba is the distance between tha ha-machi and the apex of the mune-machi, Fig. 66) i.e., the measurement at the mune-kado, the point at which the mune meets the upper line of the shinogi-j, Fig. 67. So far the explanation, but the thickest section in the moto-haba as shown in Fig. 67 is not C-D. Well my understanding of kasane must be revised. Eric

I see it differently KASANE - 重ね - thickness of blade When referring to the posted design: kasane is the line „B“. That said kasane defines the thickness of a blade... there where the blade is thickest. The cross sections of blades have changed during times. Yamato swords are associated with „high“ shinogi... the shinogi thickness is major to the thickness from mune-kado to mune-kado. In Shinshinto times f.e. cross-section is usually different, the thickness measured at the shinogi is often less to the mune section. Examples: Yamato Shizu: moto-kasane 0.7 cm Shinshinto Masayuki: moto-kasane 0.65 cm - saki-kasane 0.51 cm Moroha-zukuri Tanto Norimitsu: moto-kasane 0.9 cm - saki-kasane 0.75 cm BTW you need a special tool to measure the thickness, I have it. Eric

An outstanding and unique masterwork by this Osafune (Gorozaemon?) Norimitsu for sharing Eric

bing translation: 画像拡大 200 ％ です。 Eric

Unfortunately I have no more Christie's catalogs from 2000 Ouch...I checked the description once more and it seems to be the same sword. Sorry! Eric

Kakejiku in my collection : Kato Kiyomasa Eric

another example KAMBUN JUSAN NEN MIZUNOTOUSHI NIGATSU KICHIJITSU (1673) Eric

To clarify, you believe the sword of David R. is gimei... Eric

Hizen Yoshihiro - Kambun Shinto Eric

MEI – Signature chiseled on a blade DAI-MEI – student smith signing his teacher's name GAKU-MEI – Signature from original tang inserted in shortened (o-suriage) tang ORIKAESHI-MEI – Blade signature folded into opposite side when blade is shortened GIMEI – A false signature on a blade. Usually a copy of a famous smith to increase the sword's value Eric

Comparison Mutsu no Kami Kaneyasu Eric

2011 - the Year of the Hare I wish to all members a happy and prosperous New Year Eric

Sword for flower arrangement by Naotane Eric

Hi Jean, Bob Benson's opinion is most appreciated, nevertheless I'd point to the fact that one kanji is not in accordance with the mei of 11th Kanesada I have in my data base as well as to see in Fujishiro. One stroke is lacking or only rudimentary designed...(alike the "nihontocraft" Tanto)... intentionally?...in any case a questionable factor. Do other pictures exist to attest the NMB mei? Well, everyone will make up his mind. Eric

Sorry, I cannot give a conclusive answer...hopefully others can The moroha Tanto is Edo era 1865 The nihontocraft Tanto is Ansei (1854-1860) mei and nakagojiri are different Eric

John, mei on a moroha zukuri Tanto by Aizu Kanesada Eric

most likely a fake, the first kanji above all is irritating. The nakagojiri of Kanesada 10th and 11th generation is different. Eric

gimei omote: Izumi no kami Kanesada (Aizu Kanesada) ura:...? Suzuki Kaneshige ? Edit: of course Shigehide...was in hurry Eric

That was a successful staging, that's all... and what about knife-throwing in the circus? These people are experienced and trained and are checked before they appear in a public show. This kind of shows are now everywhere in fashion, and it is true, terrible accidents can happen as f.e. some weeks ago in Germany. This is the world we live in. BTW there is a guy in USA, Bob Munden, whose skill with S.A. Revolvers is fabulous, he can do that with the cigarette. Eric

wow...breathtaking Eric

Hi Ford, Your "oeuvre d'art" is in any aspect outstanding and perceptively adapted to the Katsuhira Tsuba... and bravo to the film adaptation Eric

Thank you Dirk A classic hamamono koshirae but nevertheless an incredible craftsmanship, when orderd nowadays to somebody...if he were able to perform it...would cost much more than the buyer has payed for the Tanto. Eric

Ludolf, could you please post a pic of the koshirae for the lot is not to see in the online catalog. Eric