Daso

Sorry, my mistake. I meant Suriage. Thanks for correction.

I've added some more pictures to see if anyone can clue me in to what style or school if any these might be. They were part of a package of other items I wanted.

I have the pleasure of having just added an incredibly powerfull Nagamaki to my collection a (Kawachi No Kami Kunisuke (1st Gen) Shinto jp-Saku wazamono Nagamaki. Kan-Ei era early Edo Nagasa 22 1/2". Osuriage with clear mei on nakago. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon. Hamon Gunome mixed with Suguha (I think). This blade is incredible. It is heavy and seem like almost a sword designed for brutal attacks. Beautiful condition. That being said, was this definitely designed as a pole arm and then converted to wakizashi and is the design of this Nagamaki typical of cut down Naginata? Was this a common design for smiths of the era? I am very excited to have added this piece.

Hi All, greatly appreciate the advice. I'm actually visiting a friend in Mandeville right over the ponchratrain bridge. I totally agree anything would likely be a ripoff if it was in an antique store but I figured I'd ask in case there was something interesting lurking about. Advice on food, location and safety greatly appreciated. For a NYC boy, I'm heading to Mississippi tomorrow for a pontoon boat party, talk about being out of my element. Not much on Nihonto but looking forward to the food. Regards, Darius

Apologies if a bit out of the reason for the boards, but I'm down in New Orleans for a few days and wondered if anyone knew of any antique stores that deal with swords. Long shot but thought I'd ask. Thanks, Darius

Mariusz, Great explanation on Kojima's site. Thanks

Thanks Jussi

Hi Paul, I couldn't have said it better. You are right, I did not buy the blade because of the smith, I bought it because it represented a style of blade that I wanted to add to my collection that I found appealing, relatively safe (papered) and very reasonable. All in all a good learning opportunity without killing the bank and a nice blade in hand. My interest is as you said in learning what it is and why, I'm not at the point where I feel I can focus on a school or smith. I don't see this as a permanent collection piece but rather a stop on the road of this particular style and a good step for me in the direction. Best, Darius

Hi Grey, Yes, I do clearly see the ware. Overall the blade doe feel and look healthy in hand. I attached the other side of the NTHK papers (which I unfortunately can't read). Regards, Darius

. Sorry if I took this off its original description from previous seller (a polisher). Also, wasn't Norinaga in Yamato part of the Shikkake school of Smiths? Doe the paper need to say Shikkake school? Or is it just Norinaga from Eisho period? Thanks, Darius

Nagasaki, I see the areas you mention. I asked a good polisher about the blade and I was under impression that the blade was likely acid washed leading more so to the darkened and very distinct darker areas off of the Hamon. I am obviously not knowledgeable enough and your comment might be correct. I am a bit surprised considering the heft and thickness of the blade in general and the polishers suggestion for touch up to correct for acid wash and bring out hada and Hamon correctly. My photos also seem to have enhanced some areas to make them look like flaws (great photographer that I am with my IPhone). I will ask some local eyes and the polisher as well as a touch up polish on a tired blade wouldn't make sense then and waste of money. As a side note, since it wasn't polished since it received its papers in 2007, would it paper with these types of flaws ? Thanks, Darius. Side note. When I take macro shots at 200x it tends to accentuate what the eye wouldn't see. I have noticed that few post such high x photos likely because it makes a normal finish look like it needs polishing or repair. I definitely see some small openings which you can't see when looking at blade with naked eyes. I appreciate all the knowledge I'm amassing from these posts. Blade itself was very economically priced all considering.

Am I mistaken as to the Smith, how idiotic of me?? or is the shirasaya for another blade?

As always, I look to the board members to help me understand the items I have been adding to my collection. I have had the bug for a Hira Zukuri Wakizashi and came across this piece. It was a nice balance of what I was looking for within my budget at this time. NTHK Papered Koto (Shikkake) mumei , ubu, Norinaga Hira Zukuri Wakizashi estimated date 1504. The blade is incredibly thick throughout the length and almost 6.7mm up until the tip. Nagasa about 14 1/2". To me it looks like it has an old polish and the hamon looks gunome and runs the length of blade but thins at the Kissaki with no turnback I can see. Shirasay is very nice with sayagaki (I guess with NTHK attribution?). Hada looks O-mokume to me with variations. I guess later Shikkake blades didn't have the complexity of earlier when compared to my Late Nambokcho Shikkake Katana. I learn from you all, so thoughts appreciated even if lessons learned! Sorry for the poor pictures as usual, Got home late and excitedly took my pictures then took some with daylight next morning.

Alan, thanks for the clarification, appreciate it. Darius

Alan, yes it does look very much like a bland version of a Higo Kumagai that I looked up after your comment. You mention that for the first, but I think you meant second Tsuba with the sort of raised star right?. Thanks for your eyes on it. Regards , Darius

Bruno, thanks. I looked all over having remembered seeing a similar style on the first one but didn't find anything thanks for the advice. Regards, Darius

Sorry, but I wasn't sure what school or style these Tsuba are considered. One looks like Katchushi but I don't think it is? Both about 3" in diameter. Thanks, Darius

Grev, thanks. Email and PM sent.

Hi Grev, which post has you most updated sold list? Thanks, Darius

Ray, I wold venture to try, but a little tough with a 6 year old tugging at you to play after work and just too exhausted once 10:30 rolls around and you just want to wind down I'm still game to try. Would be great if you come across the link, I do agree 100% it would be a great learning learning tool to understand any sword in one's collection. Best, Darius

That's what I thought as well, looks slightly different than rest of nakago

On a fully separate note, how does one go about, how costly and is it a total waste on a lesser sword to have an oshigata made?

My nakago does not look nearly as nice at the one you posted, but Here's the photo of my Shikkake's nakago. I am curious as to what you see. Stephen, is area where mei might have bee at top of nakago? ( I am talking about the Juyo blade, not mine)

Beautiful blade, but have to admit that Habaki is really amazing

Is #7 available, I see it's been on Hold for a few days. Interested if available. Sent PM