Bruce Pennington

Googled it: Definition: It combines sho (initial/beginning) and shin (mind/heart), meaning to keep the mind open and ready. Practical Application: It involves approaching situations without holding onto fixed, preconceived ideas or habits. Contrast to Expertise: While an expert may rely on past experiences, a beginner-mind approach encourages questioning, curiosity, and seeing things as if for the first time. so, was this an art name adopted by a real sword, Smith? Or was it meant to be a spiritual slogan? Shoshin is often applied in martial arts, daily learning, and personal development to maintain humility and a "growth mindset

OH, yes I see that now. Cool. Thank you, Ray!

If you are intending to sell it, I would think that experienced collectors would be put off if the new one looked recently made. Now, if you explained in your description that you did it to simply cover/protect the exposed wood, then it likely wouldn't hurt.

The kanji in this kokuin looks approximately like the smith's name, Yasutsugu, but they are slightly different. Do you think it's just a stylized version of his name, or do they mean something else? Thanks guys!

Looks like my set, Stephen. I did the same thing to the seppa set I bought to finish out my dad's Mantetsu.

Nice one, Dale! Real depictions of Kiku and Kiri flowers.

Here is a picture of mine. Small metal band without any decoration Justin, Does yours have a screw to hold it on? Most of these do not seem to be attached in any permanent way. That is why most of them are missing at the time you see them.

Marilyn, Thank you for sharing a bit of your father‘s story and the story of the sword. Many of us don’t just collect swords, it matters to us the people they served and the stories behind them when those can be told. These things to me, represent real people in real lives. Thank you for sharing some of yours again. You’re welcome to hang around here as often as you like and read the various conversations that go on.

Buy “asymmetrical“ are you talking about the fact that one is lower on the handle on one side and higher on the handle on the other? If you are, that is how they are all made. That is perfectly normal.

Hope I'm not duplicating efforts, but this is the latest of his newsletters, JULY, 1971 Volume IV, No. 7. Something I found interesting: "Leon says " On page 9 below the section showing the family tree for the Awataguchi Tadatsuna school, there is a comment saying that a famous sword by Ikkanshi Tadatsuna was used to assassinate the corrupt official Tanuma. Abert says that Tanuma forced the Honami appraisers to write false appraisals or orikami for swords. I had read about the Tanuma corruption before, but had never heard about false or worthless orikami by the Honami."" Albert Yamanaka Swordsmith Article.pdf

Sure, John, certainly possible.

Is it Yoshi 義?

Thanks again, Ray! Another good one.

@Kotetsu1959 Thanks Roy! That is only the 4th "HO" series blade I have seen. I appreciate that. Is this yours? If so, could we get a shot or two of the overall blade and fittings?

It's a fabulous document, Sam. Thank you for doing this. I've already had the need to reference it, in a discussion about a guy's 95 on another forum! It's right in there with my Fuller and Dawson references.

Linking Rob's post here:

wow. Above and beyond for the faker world! He must have won First Seat in the 2025 World Sword Faker Exhibition.

I don't follow the modern smiths, but maybe it's a marketing effort? Might not be getting much business, so put the blade out there to catch the eye of the WWII crowd?

Good one, Nazar! Stamped 272 was likely a wartime stamp. The painted "21" is the souvenir number with matching 21 stamped on fittings. I noticed the kabutogane is army finish rather than gold gilded, so likely left-over war parts.

OOOPS! Ha!

Not sure what you mean, can you explain?

Wow, a 1,000 year old sword in Army mounts!

Yes, that one is one of the mixed souvenirs with actual Army tsuba/seppa. But it's got the stereo-typical icky color ito and black cloth for same'; plus the Navy stamped stainless blade with the 2-digit painted number. I think it was of the first-run production souvenirs using some left over wartime parts.

@Lawrence_Lee requested the latest version of the Mantetsu Survey chart. All are welcome to it. Over 445 blades now! See attached. kiipu-mantetsu serial numbers (rev1).docx

Excellent information gentlemen thank you. I have to apologize, in all of the information flowing. I totally missed this part of the biography of Masamori!!! I completely understand now! Thanks for working that out with me. I enjoyed it thoroughly.