Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, I really do love the Itomaki Gata, (Vertical Spindle Shape), style tsuba seen here in this diagram, bottom left. Though, as much as I've tried, I've never found any historical tsubas in such a style online. I've only found such a style ever with a circle surrounding the equidistant symmetrically sized spindle shape. Though, does anyone know of any historical examples that they can direct me to of this Itomaki Gata, (Vertical Spindle Shape), tsuba? If I can find an antique example I'd like to purchase it for study and replication. I really love it because it seems very uncommon, rare and the equidistant spindle shape that is symmetrical along its horizontal and vertical axis makes me think of a shorter style of crossguard on either axis. As if this were taking inspiration from traditonal cruciform medieval sword crossguards, though I know entirely such reason for development was not at all occuring. Thank you for your attention in reading my post. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Brano, Thanks for the link. I’ll keep it in mind. To me the weight is a necessary component to understanding a blade. I like to compare and contrast with all the other elements of blade composition, mass distribution. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Jean, We shall see more in depth when I get both the blades in hand and use a digital calliper to get even more of the exact reading of both specifications of mass distribution to compare. (In greater detail than what is provided on their respective webpage descriptions). I shall post them here or send you a DM if you are interested. Forest, Thank you for the recommendation and video link. I did pick up an electronic scale though shall keep this in mind for the future.

Thomas (Sabiji), Thank you for the correction. I checked with Danny Massey. He confirms…

Moriyama-san, Thank you for the translation of the NBTHK paperwork. The correct 60.9 cm nagasa is an important distinction that undoubtedly labels it as a katana as per the NBTHK Japanese Sword Index. As to all others thank you for your posts and examples. Danny Massey lists the blades nakago conditon as being ubu though it may be MACHI OKURI. I will have to ask him about that though. Thank you all again. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Scogg (Sam), Apologies for the late reply. Didn’t have thread notification on. I just wanted another data point plus I like to compare blade weights to get an idea as per its mass distribution, specifications, etc. I found an appropriate electronic scale (to 1 gram accuracy) and sent it to Danny Massey at nihontocraft.com who measured this nihonto for me which came out to 17.4 ounces = 493.281702 grams. http://www.nihontocraft.com/Kaga_Fujishima_Koto_Katana.htm I wanted to compare it to this other nihonto that I also purchased, which comes out to 625 grams. https://www.touken-matsumoto.jp/en/product/shousai/KA-0672# Hope that clears things up. Thanks again for your reply. Thank you to everyone for their replies. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, So I’ve done research on the forum and found that the Japanese Sword Index of the NBTHK classifies a wakizashi nagasa as being between 1 shaku at 30.3 cm to 2 shaku at 60.6 cm. So why then does the NBTHK certificate of this Kaga Fujishima Katana classify this blade of 60.2 cm nagasa as being a katana when the nagasa falls within the range of 1 shaku, 30.3 cm to 2 shaku, 60.6 cm that it should be labeled as a wakizashi? The nihonto in question… http://www.nihontocraft.com/Kaga_Fujishima_Koto_Katana.htm Thank you for reading. I look forward to your replies. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Thanks for the reply Mike and everyone. I shall go for it.

Thanks all for the replies of confirmation. I had no doubt.

Yes I thought so too. My friend just searched online and found this... http://kool.corrections.ky.gov/KOOL/Details/509227 I think it's mere coincidence and some sick way of character assassinating him. From all my searches of his name and his website on the forum, I've read favorable posts, reviews, engagements so I was never worried. His website also looks legitimate in its entirety. His blades are accompanied with the appropriate NBTHK paperwork, etc. Thank you for the prompt reply PNSSHOGUN.

Forumites, As the title states my question is simple. Is Danny Massey at Nihontocraft.com legitimate and reliable? I've done a search on the forum and seen that he is trust worthy but I need to convince a friend, who will be making the payment for me for a certain blade that he has listed. Also just for my extra peace of mind I come to the forum asking. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Jason, Thanks for the reply. I shall keep all that you say in mind when purchasing. Barrett

Thanks for the reply Chandler (nulldevice). Much appreciated.

Forumites, Do any of you have any recommendation for a preferably electronic scale that I should get for measurement of nihonto? Thought I should ask here. Thank you in advance. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

The price is 800 000 yen. I did end up reserving it and pay for it. The payment has already gone through with my bank. It's definitely not a Juyo like this Nakajima Rai I bought once but it's still beautiful in my eyes even with its flaws. https://www.shoubudo...l.php?product_id=182 It's Nambokucho period with an o-kissaki which I've learnt over time that it's my favorite. I'm okay with how coarse the one side is from what I percieve to be lamination openings and the rust on the nakago. I didn't buy it for its resell value as being only 800 000 yen according to the market I probably wouldn't get that much today if I were to resell it. I personally think 800 000 yen is a fine price to pay for what it is. That Nakajima Rai was 3 600 000 yen if I remember correctly so I know a very big difference but at the time I was only aware of a few websites and had the money to splurge. I was eventually introduced to more websites and realized I really didn't need a Juyo although its nice. Not a collector. Just want a cool blade for study. Barrett