Kotetsu1959

Malcolm, I would like to purchase this work of yours, and will need to pay you to ship it to me in the U.S. Will you please private message me payment details so that I can get you paid? I look forward to learning more about Mino swords with your help!

Please let me update this post to say that I am offering only the English descriptions/ explanations --Single Volume -- of the three volume Masterpieces set, which is apparently the most difficult to find of the three volumes. The price for this single volume, with the English translation that sets out what is illustrated in the two Japanese language volumes, in slipcase and excellent condition as pictured, is $350 or best offer. Thank you again Brian for your most valuable input!

Brian, It has been too long since I pulled this set out. I have two of the English translation volumes, and thought I had two complete sets. I will revise what I have listed to show I have only the English explanations volume for sale. Thank you very much for your helpful input, which has perhaps saved me from foolishly splitting up my set!

Yes sir, the text in these two volumes is Japanese. But, as Harry “Afu” Watson used to say, the pictures are in English. The volumes are a very nice quality overview of Biden school work. Hopefully we will reach the point soon where AI offers a high quality translation of works like this one.

Good looking sword Dee, It appears to have nice length, despite being trimmed a little. Happy for you and your sword! Ray

This is a sword I own Michael. It shows the classic Mino features of irregular peaks and abundant nie. I plan on submitting it to shinsa.

Thank you very much Michael and Moriyama san for your kind translation assistance. Enjoy your weekend!

Thank you Moriyama san for this helpful information and interesting photograph!

Thank you to those who contributed for your kind input. I neglected to show the inscription on the reverse side, and will correct that oversight. Note the blade is katakiriba, hirazukuri on one side and shinogizukuri on the other, an unusual feature. The question of whether tamahagane was employed in the forging probably cannot be definitively answered. The carefully controlled shape of the piece, precision of file work/signature and yakiba/polish are not consistent with an item that was "churned out." Both time and skill was required to produce this little knife. It is certainly no masterpiece, but I am confident it is Japanese. Any additional input is welcome, though perhaps we will have to settle on it being a high quality utility knife.