Daso

Ray, Thank you.

As a side note, How does one go about seeing if Mr. Tanobe will review and do a sayagaki on sword? (please excuse any errors in the way I've proposed my question). Also, In looking at some of these example, it only further makes me feel that the (without fueling further debate) Nagamaki or Naginata that I presented was not heavily modified. Also a few points I believe have some posters confused by photos. The Bohi groove on the Ura side is not square on one end and round on the other, the Ura side starts with a wide round Bohi groove and tapers to a maller round grrove with an upwards swoop at the Kissaki. The opposite side has the standard Naginata square end with downwards point. One other final point that a friend brought up in looking at the sword that no one has mentioned and I am curious. The Mekugi-ana is on the bottom of the nakago, no second hole was added closer to the Mune-machi. Would one have still mounted this as wakizashi with the peg on the bottom of smallerTsuka or possibly still an elongated tsuka more similar to a naginata since it was still cut down? or is that unlikely.

Gunome, thank you for the help. The sukashi on the second tsuba (star pattern) are fairly thin. I will look into those schools further. Appreciate it. Regards, Darius

Markus, thank you for putting it in such perspective. It was definitely a departure from what I felt fully safe with but it was an opportunity that merited my aquiring it on a few levels (including the Tokubetsu ). As much as I would Iove to be able to have a closet full of swords I made the decision to try to have one good example of each type of sword available to me easily for study. This is the outrigger but It was one of those opportunities that fell in my lap and I couldn't turn down. I look forward to showing it in person to the good people at the NY token Kai for their reaction in person as well. I wish I could show in person as well to the NMB board members, it's condition and presence is incredible.

Nagamaki, thank you it is a noted conclusion and one to add to the other experienced conclusions that have been posted by much more experienced collectors than me. In hand there is no discernable difference at any point on the Bohi I can see suggesting multiple additions but Thank you.

Nagasa - 22.36" Moto-Haba - 1.34" Moto-Kasane - approx. .29" Sake-Haba - 1.13" Sake-Kassane - .26" Nakago - 8 1/4" Kissaki - 3.5" Sori - approx. 1/4" Blade starts to taper gradually at 8" Hope this helps Regards, Darius

Markus, thank you. These thoughts echo my much shallower interpretation and thoughts on the blade. The oshigata was a nice piece for me to have access to as well. It's quite a piece to hold. I going to post all the information for Nagimaki a bit later. I can attempt to take any other photos people like to illustrate points. I am happy with a constructive thread

Nagamaki, absolutely. I will post the information you asked for as soon as I get home this evening. Just out enjoying day.

I agree and do think that all are in agreement that this was born as such (a Naginata). I think the conversation started to get a bit wider in scope than I intended.

Something far less brutal and best for everyone's Sunday morning. Especially those riled up. ???????? Ps. I tried to make the pancakes in Katana form but they fell apart sorry. Not the same strength as Tamahagane

I suppose most swords were made to tend to our Posies and lawns my friend. Let us not allow the true form of these items to be forgotten and respected by the spectacular art and work put into them (if you abhore the thought of their true intent then may I suggest Japanese prints or carved miniatures). I made the comment that this sword seems as though it was made for a brutal attack and by that I meant its heft is by far more intimidating than some of my Katana or wakizashi, I then apologize for some hyperbole . It is a heavy strong blade much thicker than some katana. I am sure your experience by far overshadows mine by many an eon but I have collected antiquities for 20 years and there is a large difference between what a ceremonial African sword or weapon, a 3000 year old luristan bronze long sword (which I collect as well) and a Katana. The bronze sword and the Japanese swords were meant to fight or possibly show off as well. Don't dig for fuel my friend.

Thank you all. I think I'll close this topic on the simple fact that this is overshadowing that it is a beautiful healthily Toku H sword that I am thrilled to have and lucky to add to collection. Thanks to those who provided helpful points. Have a great weekend. Topic closed.

Care to share? I'm here to learn

any thoughts based on the additional photos?

I'm not saying it wasn't a naginata, of course it says it was, I just believe it was likely designed in its current shape and not modified. You have to see the blade in hand to understand this.

Ray, thanks. Although I am inexperienced, based on comments and my eye, I don't believe that this blade has been cut down from a Naginata and was designed as it is aside from the cut down nakago. Pole arm I understand, yes but designed as is if anything.

Nagamaki, Here are some more professional photos and an oshigatana of it. Let me know what your observations are. Regards, Darius

Jean, thank you for confirming what I thought I saw when looking at the blade compared to the Naginata that Nagamaki compared it to. There is little to no sori and there is visible Kaeri (to my inexperienced eye). I would be surprised if it had been so heavily modified while retaining these features. I have never handles a Naginata so I have no other reference point but do Naginata maintain an ihori mune throughout as well. Thank you all for comments. Fuel for fire as I learn. I'm generally excited about this blade, something about it.

Nagamaki, there is also a Bohi groove which runs along the entire length of blade to the yokote? It seems like quite a stretch of work to get your example into the shape of mine. Just wondering.

Nagamaki, would a blade so heavily modified be able to receive tokubetsu Hozn? Was it definitely changed so heavily from the original shape of a Naginata or is that a possibility but not a definite. I'm surprised you could retail the Hamon with a turnback having cut down and reshaped a true Naginata ? I am obviously asking as I don't know. It's my first of its type. Thanks, Dariua

Ray, it's interesting to read in Markus seskos swordsmith index about the The 1st Gen Kunisuke. His work aparently ranged from the best of the time to average, but inconsistent. I'm hoping the Tokubetsu Hozon meant it was some of his best work ???? The piece itself is truly (I hate to use the word) a beast of a blade and beautiful.

Paul, I completely agree, my fittings obsession is tempered by the knowledge I've gained from everyone here. I would not even consider trying to shoehorn and destroy a blade in a Saya not made for it ???? Shirasaya it shall remain. One day I'll come across something with fittings. I am most attracted to the blade itself anyway. Thanks again as always. Darius

I would love to mount this. Laughably, so far I don't have a single one of my blades mounted. This piece must be particularly costly to have Saya and Tsuke made as I doubt anything existing would be a safe fit.

Hamfish, Nakago pic attached.