Edfest

Interesting, the mekugi ana is placed differently in the questionable mei, also.

I had the same concern with my children, so I put a lock on my closet... $15. One of those gate latches with a small padlock keeps curious children curtailed.

This is a very interesting question! Speaking as a relatively new collector/enthusiast (less than a year), the amount of information needed to evaluate a sword is daunting (not to mention fittings). I haven't posted much since I honestly don't know enough to contribute anything useful, and as a matter of fact, I don't know enough to even ask intelligent questions! I have been reading books and this amazing forum, but what I feel I need is to see and hold quality (or even flawed) blades. I try to visit museums whenever I travel, but that's behind glass. And the shows, so far, have not been possible for me (I had the Baltimore show blocked out on my schedule, but then the weekend was changed). This brings up the other limiting factor in this hobby; time. In order to get the funds to afford the hobby, we have to work :-). And then there are the families/loved ones who don't quite yet understand the obsession (at least early on). But these are the same problems with any hobby. I think one of the best ways to increase the number of Nihonto collectors is to get Nihonto into their hands. Shows, clubs, etc. Sometimes it's difficult to find where a group will be meeting, maybe that is something that could be listed somewhere. As for price being a barrier, there are always differing prices and quality levels in every field of collecting. A flawed diamond is still a diamond and someone will treasure it. Sadly, I, too, am geographically challenged, but hopefully I'll be able to meet some of you at a future show/meeting. Or... everyone could move to Pittsburgh? That would solve a lot of my access problems :D As for the positive, this message board is amazing, and the JSSUS newsletters are a pleasure to read (especially the last 2!). Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to further this field of study! Ed Mistler (i almost forgot to sign my post, but then i read the above posts:-))

Thanks for the info, Grey! I just wish it was in September (I had that weekend saved!) I'll have to get creative with my schedule Ed

I'm assuming this show is replacing the Baltimore show that was advertised for September?

Fyi- the Walters museum collection of nihonto in Baltimore will be unavailable for the next 2 years due to renovation of the building. Unfortunately, I found out in person, the day the exhibit was closed. They didn't know if the collection would be exhibited in a different area. Ed

Thank you, Mark! -Ed

I humbly ask for advice regarding a sword I recently aquired. My grandmother was a prostitute in world war II and... just kidding. I bought it at an auction. It was listed incorrectly at the auction as a naval world war II sword, but obviously it is not (I figured that much out before the auction). I thought it may have an older nihonto in the Kyu-gunto mounts (from the bad pictures that I was provided). Now with it in hand, I realize it is a machine made sabre in kyu-gunto mounts? The "hamon" looks to be etched. Do you think my assumptions are correct? And in what time period were these sabres produced? (I can find documentation of when Kyu-gunto mounts were produced, but I wasn't sure if the blade helps to date the piece.) And lastly, I'm thinking of selling it as a military collectable (my wife only lets me keep a certain number of swords, and this one takes up space that I would rather fill with a different blade ) What is a fair range in price for a mounts/blades like this? Thank you very much for everyone's time! (I learn so much from reading this forum everyday! ... although, I apparently didn't learn to not buy a sword without examining it hand... but I did learn from the actual sword- mounts, history, etc. so i'm happy with the purchase)

In Connoisseur's and Facts and Fundamentals, the width (mihaba) of the blade is from the ha (cutting edge) to the iori (the ridge) of the mune. I'm new to this subject, so I'm not sure if there are differing opinions And the line between the shinogi-ji and the mune is called the mune-kado according to Facts and Fundamentals... Which, by the way, is currently my favorite book! -Ed

I tried to order Connoisseurs in March/April this year from Books-a-million, amazon and from BookByte.com. All sites said they had it (and one of them even charged my credit card), but then sent emails that the title is on back order, and the wait time was weeks to months. I waited a month... Then cancelled the orders. Grey didnt have any copies at hand at that time (he did a few days ago) but he could put me on a waiting list. Michael at satcho.com had two copies on the shelf and I got it in a week! It's out there somewhere, but don't necessarily expect it from the big web sites, even if they say they have it. -Ed

How long...? About a month... Pretty straight forward. :lol: I sympathize with your sense of frustration! I'm just trying to accomplish little steps. Reading a book, trying to retain a bit, then reading it again, etc. From everyones responses, it seems to be about the journey, and less the destination. Ed M

Thank you for your help!

Hello! I just purchased this katana and I'm trying to puzzle out the mei. I've made some guesses (with the help of the swordsmith list) but i'm having difficulty with a few of the characters. So far I think I've figured out: Noshu ju Tashiro Kakebe ? ? Kanenobu I'm having trouble with the 8th and 9th characters (and possibly the rest if someone corrects me :D ) Thank you in advance! -Ed

Thank you for the info! I'm putting it on my calendar to save the date. I just got back from the MMoA in NYC... Dragging my 7 and 3 y/o to press their little faces up against the glass. 14 hours round trip to ny, Baltimore is a lot closer.

Excellent! Thank you. Ed

Hello, I know this topic has been touched upon (no pun intended!) in the past, but I'm still unsure of what is the proper way to clean off fingerprints... alot of fingerprints. I just received a katana that I bought from an online auction (I know, I know... I blame my finger, because my brain was obviously not involved in the decision). And it is literally covered in fingerprints; as if it was passed around amonst small children eating small sausages with a conspicuous lack of napkins! What is the best way to clean the offending oils off of the blade? Should I just wipe it with a microfiber cloth? (I read the threads on that issue, but it seems as if I will just be wiping the finger oilds around the blade) Or should I use bleach or turpentine? just kidding. I've searched the forum and read the chapters in books on cleaning/care. I'm new to collecting and I'm hesistant to do anything that might do harm. I've read about using alcohol, but I'm not sure I want to use anything caustic. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance! -Ed

Thank you, I will definitely keep an eye out for the next Baltimore show! I'm looking for anywhere close that I can start looking at blades -Ed

Does anyone know of any Nihonto related events in Washingon, DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival this year? (which would be now ) Any events/ exhibits/ museums? Thank you in advance! Ed

Hello! I'm a new member and a brand new collector (aquirer?) of Japanese blades. I've been causually collecting edged weapons from my travels for 27 years (my first sword from York, England when I was 13 years old), but I've always admired and drooled over Japanese blades (I know, don't drool on the blades ). I never bought anything because the subject matter is so daunting and I was under the impression that the prices were out of my reach. (and i've never been to Japan!) Recently, I've decided to get educated and start my journey into collecting Nihonto; which led me to your wonderful site! I feel I've already learned so much from lurking and reading old posts. Fortunately, I read the excellent advise given to newbies to wait before I leap and read, read, read. And so I ordered the Connoisseur's guide... Unfortunately, I promptly forgot the excellent advise when a sword came up on an auction site that I follow, and so... I'm awaiting the delivery of a sword to see what I've gotten myself into :lol: But at least I'll have something to study while I read. (And there will probably be a post sometime in the near future as I try to decipher the Mei) I also study a mixed Filipino Martial Arts system that has a large weapon component, which helps to fuel my search for knives and short swords. In short, I look forward to a lifetime of learning!