huntershooter

Thank you. I shall follow that lead.

Yes Koichi-san. That is the correct kanji for Chika (in this case).

Much appreciated Grey. That is one I don't have.

Would anyone have any info on MasaChika (ShinShinto)? I've a number of reference books but can't find anything. I believe he was a student of Suishinshi MasaHide (?). My thanks.

Will be in Portland Oregon next week. Is there anything Nihonto related in the area: shops, togshi, exhibits? My thanks.

It sounds as though you purchased the blade from a written description with few, or marginal photos. What were you thinking? Send it back if you can, learn from the mistake if you can't. If I buy from ebay I do so from reputable sellers (whom I've purchased from previously); or if a new (to me) seller-only with hi-res photos of entire blade. If it seems to good to be true, it is.

Shot in the dark here. Looking for information on a Gendai tosho Ota Chike Hide. I've found a few references thru Google. I have a copy of "Gendai Toko Meikan", he is listed with oshigata. However I don't read Japanese, the body of text might as well be on Pluto. If anyone has info on this smith, or translation of the Gendai Toko Meikan text, I would be in your debt. My thanks.

That question occured to me as well Henry. I suppose an "opportunity presented itself" that Kazushige-san felt he should take advantage of/capatilize on.

Still can't open attachment. From my reading it was common practice for occupying GI's to go and select a katana or two ("war trophy") at a collection point (warehouse). If your Kanefusa has kai-gunto tsuba in addition to saya, I would venture the tsuka has been added later. If not, I would guess the saya had been taken from a stack of sayas and the sword shoved in it. I have never seen a combination of civilian/military koshirae as you've shown. It is possible the sword had been assembled in this fashion initially. 23rd KaneFusa was capable of making some nice blades. I have one that has a lovely deep ko-itame hada that is a particular favorite of mine.

I wonder if the kai-gunto saya is original to the sword? Fuchigashira is a "civilian" type, bamboo motif. It appears to me that this is not the original saya. I suppose anything is possible though. It could be the tsuka was added later to the kai-gunto. Late war expedients could probably be anything. 23rd KaneFusa made both gunto and gendaito. Are there any arsenal stamps (Seki) on nakago? I can't get most of the attachments to open.

Count me in Shan. Well put!

I see itame in the Ji. Masame in the shinogi. Boshi appears hakikake. Great photos!

I know that gauges, chisels and scrapers are used to fabricate saya/shirasaya. Never sandpaper, for the reason mentioned. I'm in agreement with Barry, it would be dreadful to damage your blade. A new core and rewrap of tsuka may be warrented. I wouldn't repaint the metal saya, if "collecter value'" is a consideration.

Not a YasuKuni blade. I have examined a ToshiHide with "unpierced" tsuba. Not unheard of. If your YasuKuni is polished (as you state) and you plan to have it mounted in Gunto koshirae, the old Gunto saya will scuff up/scratch the polished blade in short order. I've wondered if it possible for a sayashi to install new wood inserts in an existing metal saya. Common practice is a shirasaya for the blade, tsunagi to hold koshirae together. Which YasuKuni tosho made your blade?

Would anyone know if NTHK is scheduled to have a Shinsa here in '09? Thanks in advance.

Yes, of course. Brutal Monday here. Thank you Stephen.

I most certainly like the sellers view of stewardship. What the heck does that mean Grey?

Difficult to tell how deep the pitting is from photos. Were the blade mine, I'd send it to Chris Osborne for his assessment and to polish a window. Chris is an unrecognized talent that has done good work for me. Personally, I love to visualize the potential within an abused/neglected blade. It's like a treasure hunt!

Perhaps Kaji. Speaking only for myself; The availability of fairly exhaustive English language references (book, etc.) makes it simple for me to learn a little of what I'd like regarding these swords/school. Although I have a decent Nihon-to library, I'm finding it increasingly frustrating not being able to read Japanese. That coupled with the fact that the closest human with any interest in Nihon-to is hundreds of miles distant. My only contact with fellow enthusiasts is via email or phone. My occupation precludes attending sword shows. I've never been to one. The book "Yasukuni Swords" made my quest for knowledge easy. The book came first, then I had to own a Yasukuni blade. I'm obtaining a Kurihara Akihide blade that's pretty wonderful-but, there is no literature available in which I can gain a deeper understanding of this man and his contributions. Not easy being a gaijin with an interest in this field.

Apologies Stephen. I will wait 'til after Sun. Seven day auction, seller doesn't know what he has. Bidding started at .99.

There is a Yasu Oki blade/gunto on ebay if anyone is looking for one. Looks to have a few problems (chips in ha).

Thanks Stephen. That was beyond my capabilities. Nice looking blade. May have to bid on this one.

Precisley. Look at the blade.

Saw a Tada Yoshi (Kojima) signed Gendaito with a Showa stamp on ebay. Hist333 (Mike Y) as the seller. Nice looking blade. Any thoughts on this?

Yes Sir, I did. Thank you.