harvg

Hello, read an interesting article on the study of a KuniSada mei. The mei in question (figure #3 Left) looks very similar to the stroke pattern of mine......thoughts? Here is an excerpt from the article: One of the authors (DM) sent an oshigata and photographs of the mei to Mr. Tanobe Michihiro of the NBTHK . In his kind response, Tanobe explained that the mei is authentic and a jishin-mei of the shodai Kunisada. Jishin-mei is a term used to refer to a signature cut by the craftsman's own hand, rather than a mei cut for the master by his student or, daimei. The sword eventually received an NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper. Harvey

Hello, I recently aquired this wakizashi, signed Izumi no Kami KuniSada, possibly 1st generation. The sword is definitely genuine, the mei looks good....but any thoughts as to whether it matches the sword. I believe the mei was originally 7 charachters, but two maybe lost when it was shortened. Harvey

Could use some help on this translation, for this possible acquisition.....doesnt seem to jive with swordsmith index. Thoughts?? Thanks in advance! harvg

As always, thanks so much! I have been looking at the mei of the different generations, and having the hardest time matching the Suke kanji. Closest I come is to 1st gen, but this overall mei seems much fainter. I would have to lean towards maybe gimei.....?? Harvey G

I recently acquired this wakizashi from an online auction. The mei is faint (old)?. I believe I can make out "Daido" as the 3rd character....? Thanks in advance for any assistance! Harvey G

Hi, recently aquired this Tsuba and was wondering if anyone agrees with the attribution of Higo Hayashi late Edo period? Unfortunately the NTKK paper certificate did not accompany the Tsuba, which im working on locating. DImensions are approx 72.9mm x 69.9mm x 6.2mm Thanks, and as always, any thoughts/opinions are greatly appreciated! Harvey G

Thanks so much for the quick translation! I didn't realize I was bidding against a fellow member. I thought I recognized Fujiwara, but couldn't get the rest. Harvg

Hi, not sure what this katana mei reads, but took a chance on acquiring because the sword looks nice and I really like the look of this signature. The tang is appropriately rusted, even though it doesn't appear so in this pic. Thanks in advance for any assistance! Harvg

Well said Barry, and nice to see a familiar face at my first Shinsa! Thoroughly enjoyed the show, and got some good info. from Grey Doffin's seminar. Thanks to all who had a hand in pulling off a great event! Harvg

Thanks Geraint...never too much info! I see some resemblances for sure. If I am interpreting the shinsa worksheet correctly.....Keiou could be Keio (1865), which is where I came up with KAN2673. Harvg

I think I have found the smith as KAN2673. Thoughts?? Harvg

My 1st...... harvg

Please excuse the autocorrect......Nakago....not Navaho. Lol Harvg

Thanks Brian, it does beg the question if this blade was in polished with patinated Navaho....would it received a higher rating than 70? I haven't had time to research the attribution of KaneTsugu of late Edo period, so can't say how important of a smith he was? Everyday is a school day for me, especially in Nihonto! Harvg

Hi Ken, apology not necessary, but humbly accepted....and good on ya for that. Cheers. Harvg

Thanks Geraint, yes I am, and yes, you were of the minority that gave this blade a chance.....but in all fairness to others, you got to see it close up. The attribution is KaneTsugu of late Edo period. Harvg

Well everybody, Shinsa has finally come and gone....great first experience. I did submit this sword......against popular opinion....lol, and to my surprise and pleasure......it passed with flying colours! It achieved a rating of 70! The little sword that could....... My other mumei wakizashi passed as well with a skin of the teeth rating of 60. Two for two though.....so I'm very happy! Harvg

I attended my first shinsa in Chicago and submitted two mumei wakizashi's. One had a good deal of the rust removed from the nakago, and was also told it would never pass shinsa. Submitted it anyways (stubborn that way.....lol), and it passed with a rating of 70! Never understood why a shinsa panel would fail a sword for that reason? Yes, it definitely makes their job harder in determining age, but has nothing to do with the workmanship of the sword. Harvg

Hi Jeremy, here are some more nakago pics...... harvg

The reverse side of the Kozuka.... harvg

Hi Geraint, just sent an email to Barry Hennick, to see about attending the next meeting of the JSSUS. Barry has looked at one other sword for me, and was a wealth of knowledge and insight! harvg

Hi Geraint, wow...thanks for the 1st hand insight....what are the odds!!?? Actually, aside from the tang having been cleaned, the blade was much nicer than I had expected. I love the hamon and the feel of the blade.....I think it would clean up nicely....but I am a rank novice at this. So, since I have never been to Shinsa....I was wondering why this blade would not have a chance of passing, as Ken stated? I thought as long as it was genuine nihonto, no fatal flaws, and not gimei, that a judgement would be given (school/smith/age attribution...etc). What else would disqualify a blade from passing? Everyday is a school day... harvg

Hi Brian, I bough this thru an auction in the UK, so did not have the chance to see the tang. Shame someone tried to clean it! There does appear to be some old black rust left, and yasurime. The blade appears to be very well made...IMHO, and the amateur polish damage seems to be superficial. Was hoping to see if an opinion at Shinsa, as to attribution, etc......., would determine if it was worth a polish. harvg

Hi Brian, welcome all opinions....good or bad. Just posted pics of blade in the Nihonto Forum, as I believed this forum was for just the furniture. harvg

Hi, just acquired this wakizashi, and plan on taking to Chicago Shinsa. This came in Shira saya, with Koshirae as well. Any/all info/help, in the mean time, would as always be greatly appreciated! Cutting edge is 19" and overall length is 24 1/2". Shallow Sori of approx. 1/2". I have posted the furniture in the Kosogu forum as well. Thank you! harvg