0331_usmc

Thanks, I'm in West Des Moines Absolutely, while the fittings can be very cool themselves, nothing beats a good blade. I really like you saying "get the best sword you can". It makes me think about having the patience to wait and hunt for that sword that gives you what your looking for.

I feel like a reality, especially for new collectors, is to find a budget and then maximize your return with goals. I wanted a papered and polished sword within my budget and at this time it limited me to a wakizashi. While I wasn't necessarily looking for an Ishido blade, this particular sword allowed me to met all of these goals and at the same time spoke to me. So, perhaps next time I will be able to meet some further desires that I have such as a Katana, signed, papered and with koshirae. I suspect the joy of obtaining a sword never diminishes no matter how extensive the collection. It is my hope that I will be able to attend the Chicago sword show, I hear it's a good time and an excellent chance to learn.

I too like the striped pattern. I don't know what the Japanese would call it, but patterns in the wood grain like that are figures and that particular one in the shirasaya is curl. I happened to have so curly hard maple around that I used to make the sword stand in the photographs. And Stephen, you're a big guy. That M14 is tiny in your hands.

Forgot to add, it's papered! Seriously, thanks to all you guys who post and share your knowledge. I've learned more about Japanese swords on this website than any book. photo image hosting

This is my second purchase, an Ishido Wakizashi. While no masterpiece I look forward to learning and enjoying it.

Ahh, Nazi dentistry Stephen...

Im thinking that the writing in the second to the last picture lists the poets. Im not positive this is all very new to me. As for the fine writing I didnt even realize it was writing to begin with. Thought it was just a design.

Here is the kogatana. He removed some rust on the polished side with either sandpaper or steel wool.

My grandfather passed this kozuka on to me. He got it while stationed in occupied Japan. Doesnt look to be signed and appears to be made of copper. Not sure if this is a cheaply made item for westerners. There is a kogatana that came with it as well.

Stephen, Saw your post and realized we are practically neighbors. I'm in West Des Moines. Good luck on the tsuba.

Thanks for the welcome. I am having a lot of fun viewing this sword. I believe I see and Itame hada. It also seems like the pattern within the hamon is somewhat different on each side. Not sure if that is unusual or not. It is amazing what different light sources and angles can bring out. The previous owner practiced Iaido (not with this sword) and was facing some financial problems. He needed money fast and I payed $500 figuring the sword was probably worth at least near that amount. If not, I can still learn and will do better next time.

Greetings, My name is Tony and I am quite new to Japanese Swords, but I have always been interested and fascinated, however. I few months ago I acquired a wakizashi rather cheaply and I admit that I haven't the knowledge to begin collecting. Not long after I discovered that I broke about every rule in purchasing Japanese swords or any collectible for that matter. So slowly I have been trying to increase my knowledge, first through forums such as this and now with a tiny library of books I am building. That being said I would appreciate any knowledge that can be shared on my sword. Here is the link to some photos on my cloud: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0sjht3yKwFbQzlvNjFjOXJDOTA&usp=sharing If any other photos would help let me know. Thanks for looking and I look forward to learning more and one day making a more educated purchase.