Hello everyone,
First, thank you to Brian who accepted my inscription.
My name is ZHANG. I am totally new here. I was on SBG forum before, since I purchased my first real nihonto, people told me that I may receive great help in this forum.
I am french Nihonto passionate. Early this year, I ordered a Howard Clark L6 modern tool steel Katana because it seems that this katana is "indestructible". With time, my knowledge on katana has grown more and more, I have understood that there is no such a indestructible blade. Even the blade is very touch, its edge shows less edge holding capacity. I saw a lot of thread in which people look down on traditionnal Tamahagane steel Nihonto and think that nowadays super steel can outperform old days Nihonto in any aspect. Even nowadays steel may be really amazing, that doesn't mean that tamahagane Nihonto are rubbish work. On the contrary, esthetically and physically, Real Nihonto really shine in both compared to nowadays modern tool steel blade.
So I turned my eyes to looking for some Real Nihonto. Some days ago, I found the site web Tokugawa Arts Swrod and saw this Nihonto http://www.sanmei.com/contents/en-us/p1878.html I immediately fall in love with it: perfect measurements for me, nice curvature, beautiful koshirae, almost mint condition. For a 28 years old nihonto, it is well conserved. On top of that, this is a Noshu Kanehide's late masterpiece a few years before his death. For information, the Gunto that Mr.McCartney Russel used to perform his Geness record Senbongiri was forged by Kanehide as well.
The first reason for what I buy it is because I think a traditionnal Tamahagane katana made by a Japanese smith makes more sens. It is like we belong a part of the Nihonto history. I had a few questions for the seller, we were be able to talk through skype, the seller called Yuji was very kind and answered all my questions. Here are some additionnal information about the katana:
1.This katana was made under traditional forging method constrruction of "Orikaeshi San-Mai" (turn-up three layers) using traditional fine steel of "Tamahagane" which is made by Tatara (furnace).
2.This katana was polished only once when it was made and still remains an original polish status.
3.The katanas made by Kanehide have good reputation as "supreme sharp" therefore this katana also must perform very sharp cutting result.
4.Please note that we need to apply an export permission lisence by the Agency of Cultural Affairs in Japan. This process takes 2 business weeks after processing to the government.
5.NBTHK will isuue for those deceased artisan. Next chance for judgement will be accepted on November 3, 4, 5 in Tokyo and the sword will be returned to us Februaly 2015.
The nihonto cost me 4500$ shipping included.
Here come my questions: As this is my first Nihonto and as I don't know very well this shop, I want to ask you some questions about the quality of the Nihonto
1. From the photos on the page web, Do you see any sign that this blade has already been polished or repaired(if any chips or edge roll may exist)? What do you think about the Hamon and globally, about the geometry, about the koshirae and the saya?
2. Have some already shopped in this Japanese store? It is first time I shop in this store. THe seller was very kind.
3. How much do you know about the smith Noshu Kanehide. I know that he is one of the four 2 Millions Yen level Smith in that periode, and he has received a lot of price. I know also about the senbongiri geness record holder used his gunto to perform thousand of cuts without sharpening the edge.
4. Do you think that I need to polish it recently? Thank you very much
I know those are a lot of questions for a new member. but this is an important purchase which cost me a lot. It is also my first Real Nihonto. So please understand my worries. I hope this doesn't disturb you a lot. Thank you very much again.
Have a nice day for all!
Sincerely
