jesse

Greetings, I was wondering if anyone on this forum knew why the groove (is it called a bohi even on a spear?) is painted red in so many cases? When I look at buying one I am always concerned that the paint is hiding a flaw of some kind. Anyone have any insight as to this? Warm Regards,

After reading the above entries I come to the quick realization of what an actual newb I really am. I love my swords as they connect me to my past years of living in Japan and have never considered selling any (my kids would kill me as the swords are all spoken for by them). And none of them are anywhere near the league of what is talked about in this thread. But I do enjoy reading the experiences of others. I agree with Alex's opinion above of know what you want and go for it. Warm Regards,

Chris, with me being unable to take a decent photo, I'm very interested and looking forward to see the results of your experiments. Please keep this going as I am taking copious notes. I really appreciate you taking the time to post your results. Warm Regards,

Where the Honjo Masamune sword is, I have no clue (I know it would look fantastic in my curio) but I do enjoy reading about the highs and lows of looking for it. If/when it ever surfaces it will be front page world news. Warm Regards,

Paul, great and enlightened thoughts indeed. I still enjoy taking the Kiyomitsu katana, that I bought from you, and studying it. Warm Regards, Jesse

Krystian, When I click the link above I get a '404 not found' error. Warm Regards,

Jonathan, lovely sword. If my wife didn't just spend all my money in yard work I would have bought it. You should have no problem moving the blade at the price your offering. On a side note: hopefully when it sells you can get a nice pair of shoes...:) Warm Regards,

Another quick note, seeing as my curio has mirrors in the back you get to see the details that wrap around the stand. Very sweet. Warm Regards,

Folks, I ordered 2 of these and they are absolutely fantastic. They look even better in my curio than I imagined. Great job @DFX. Warm Regards,

Dan, thank you for posting the link to the book. Looking forward to reading it. Warm Regards,

Mike, and another one: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e1087191938 Warm Regards,

Mike, I was scrolling through Yahoo Japan and came across this yari koshirae. Kelly Schmidt <kschmidt1127@gmail.com> offers a service (at a cost) to bid, get the paper work done, and shipping of items on Yahoo Japan. This is the link to the yari koshirae: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/v1087195918 Warm Regards,

Piers, unfortunately it is unreadable. Jean / Ray - thank you for your effort. I appreciate it. I don't even remember where/when I got it but I know it was early (2015 - 2016) when I first got into Nihonto collections. Warm Regards,

Garrett, Try to save the picture under a different format. If you save it as a .png it will reduce the file size greatly. Warm Regards,

I know it is difficult to read but I was wondering if anyone could take a crack at it and help me out. The prior caretaker tried to fill it with white (something or other) and I have tried to clean it as best I can without doing any further damage. Warm Regards,

I have one similarly shaped but my hamon is no where near what this one displays. Beautiful. Warm Regards,

Hey, at least you own it. That is what's important. Warm Regards,

Mickie, I will also join the group on congratulating you. I have never seen a post requesting translation help with the detail and effort you have shown prior to requesting help. I have a 2 bodies cut test sword from 1672 and really enjoy when I see posts with blades that have gone through Tamishigiri. Warm Regards,

Good job Clive, I am a big fan of the Far Side. Warm Regards,

Well said Stephen, I was going to comment on the red shoes and socks too. Warm Regards,

Georg, I also thank you for sharing your journey with us. I have found it both educational and stimulating to follow your pilgrimage. I tend to ignore individuals when they are bound to negativity for whatever reasons. It states to your character that you spent the time to acknowledge some of that negativity in a very positive manner. Well Done. I am in utter amazement that you found the blade and then, as a novice, had the patience of an experienced Nihonto collector in your search for the knowledge needed to proceed. Also, congratulations, you are now the proud caretaker of a most extraordinary sword. Warm Regards,

Gabe, I too have my work camera pointed at the sword container shown in picture 1. I get a lot of positive comments from my co-workers. Warm Regards,

Gilles, wow. I never even thought to collect them and your collection is very nice. The ones on your bottom line are awesome and I have never seen any of them before. I will keep my you in mind if/when I come across any. Warm Regards,

Thanks Jimi-san, I am working on documenting what I am looking for and will let you know. Warm Regards,

Jimi-san, just a quick thought/note. When dealing with US dollars a comma is the separator and the period marks the sub dollar amounts. I know you have USD but, myself getting on in the age category, it can be confusing due to most European currency using just the period as markers. Your website is fantastic , I'm still going through your tsuba section as I'm looking for one for an upcoming project of mine. Warm Regards,