custodian

Looks more like composition to me. Finish is wrong. The cracking/flaking on the bottom (left side of the photo) is wrong. The staining looks like something out of China from the 70's or 80's (maybe). Without 'hands-on', just opinion.

I'm not all that good with comparing calligraphy, but shouldn't the mark be viewed this way?

Hello Stephen, Thank you for the welcome to the world of Nihonto. Yes, it is an unknown world to me, unlike anything that applies to edged pieces I already have, like a Revolutionary War hanger, Black Sea Yataghan, an Africian throwing sword, and such. Whether this blade is worth a polish, well, that is what I am trying to learn and one of the reasons why I'm here - this board, with its wealth of information and wisdom, is part of my learning process. Should the blade be worth it, it will get one. I'm afraid I don't necessarily agree that spending the time on just shows and going around seeing what other blades look like in polish, alone, is good reason or way to decide whether this blade would look good in a polish and, around here, would be lacking any useful information in trying to understand and learn about the blade(s). Seeing other blades, though, is always interesting, at least. Unfortunately, I know most of the dealers and participants of the arms shows around here and have little trust in any of them. I think I will seek more reputible avenues of research. Frankly, this may well be the only Nihonto I ever will own. I will enjoy it, as is or polished, however, in my opinion, having possession of it bestows upon me the obligation of being a responsible conservator. Ergo, I try to learn. Thank you, again, for your welcome.

Hello Stephen, Yes, I saw it in your post, but I thought, first time through, it just activity, as it is similar to other areas further back on the blade. I saw the dark line in the hamon - I hope this will show what I thought it might be better. I guess it is just a part of the process.

Stephen, I think I see what you are refering to - trying to learn 'seeing'. I hadn't gotten to that part of this topic, yet, when I saw what I thought was the hagire. What I thought I found to be it, I circled here (last view). What would that be, or is it anything? Hmmm, that didn't work - sorry. You can see it much better on their photo.

Thank you, Steve. Oh, no! My bookmark list just hit the floor!

Hello Ken, Thank you for your opinion. It will be taken under serious consideration. Yes, the books and study are necessities very near the top of the priority list. Getting to the study part is sometimes the hard part - I seem to get caught up reading the posts here and get absorbed in the topics, as there is a lot to learn just on the board. I appreciate the information about Woody and will consider getting some photos to him. However, I'm not sure that I'm quite ready to tackle the polishing aspect, as yet. I'm still trying to get a grasp on the basics and trying to learn to 'see' the blade. I knew I didn't know anything about Nihonto, but I didn't know just how little I didn't know - if that makes sense. Thank you for you input and taking the time to offer your considered opinion.

Stephen, Thank you for that bit of news. All the more reason to anticipate August.

Hello Brian, Love that signature line - how well some of us can identify! "Shinsa will settle the maker = the togishi will decide the outcome of the polish" - wise words, indeed. And, I hope, if the time comes, that I find the right togishi. Thank you.

Hello Steve, I'm not familiar with 'Woody', yet. Who might he be? Yes, shinsa is already planned and arranged - Aug. in San Francisco. I appreciate the possible problems you pointed to. Thank you.

Hello Stephen and SAS, Thank you for the input, as well as the words of wisdom. My time frame for the blade is to find out from those with much more experience at 'seeing' a blade their opinion, in hand, before a final decision, whether yea or nay, on a polish. I have no experience and I do not wish to cause harm to the blade. Sooooo, it may be a while before I can make a rational decision on it, and then whether a togishi sees benefit to the blade of a polish. What I have deduced from the little history I been able to garner of this blade leads me to believe that it was well respected while in the hands of the former owner. Upon his passing, it suffered from lack of attention. If possible, without harm to the blade, I would like to help it back to a reasonable semblance of what it was. If that is not a likelihood, then at least, maintain it in good condition. Whatever the final decision, I will enjoy having the blade. Once again, thank you.

Hello James, I sincerely appreciate the input and the time you've taken. It is always easier to start with a list of those with whom folks have had positive experiences. Mr. Benson and Mr. Becerra are two names that I've come across and are on a list that I've started, along with Mr. Martin - with whom I've had a very brief, but positive contact. Thank you, once again, for taking the time to share.

Ah, yes. It will come down to the question of 'who'. Yes, Japanese trained will be a pre-requisite. Even I can use a grinder and that isn't saying anything good - at all! Reading/listening to what one says about oneself goes only so far. Listening to others speak of someone, and acting on that information is sometimes hard to swallow, as well. I seem to always hear a dim echoing in the back of my mind of Mark Twain saying something like "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated". Being new to the 'topic', with no experience in this area, is going to make choosing the right person a study in itself. Perhaps it will be easier that I think it may be - perhaps not. Nonetheless, it isn't something I will rush into. Thank you for the nudge to the links page. One must start somewhere.

Ah ha, reading my mind, huh? I've been thinking about looking into a polish for it. However, I would really like for it to have an 'in hand' evaluation or two, first. Having learned a long time ago that a picture may be worth a 1000 words, but judging in person can sum it up to one word - 'yes' or 'no'. I will definitely show it off as time go on. I can enjoy bragging, too! (Of course, I'll have to learn how to take decent pictures of it, first.)

Hello Jim, Thank you, many times over. Even I can make out the similarities - down to the 'texturing' in the lines of the second character. Even the mekugi-ana positioning looks the same. Yes, it will go to shinsa. Thank you, again.