Mark S.

Thank you in advance. I know I am asking a lot.

And finally... I think I got this right.

I just can’t read or figure out the date the attribution was made.

Got a little of it... but really not sure. I’ve seen the first two kanji many times at the start of what would be the blade length, but does it actually translate to nagasa or something else?

I have no idea how to translate this section. Any help appreciated.

May I please have some help translating a Kanzan Sato sayagaki for a Hizen Tadahiro katana? I tried my best, but much is just beyond me! I’ll start at top and work my way down. Each section will be in a different post. Please feel free to correct all mistakes no matter how minor.

I’m really impressed with how it’s assembled and fits together. Like a small interlocking puzzle...

I didn’t want to make the pics too large, but here is one showing the detail a little better/clearer.

Two piece habaki on new blade I picked up at the Chicago show.

From Markus Sesko Nihonto Compendium... I think the last kanji is ‘trying’ to be:

Thank you so much Steve. Your detailed help is always appreciated.

A couple full tsuba pics

Picked up a tsuba at Chicago Show. It is a ‘project tsuba’ that has a bit of rust and some thin patina. Needs some fussing to make (hopefully) nicer. It was just something to work on that was rather inexpensive. Can someone confirm that I have the mei translation correct? I also found reference to the “Kuni” character also being “Koku” in regard to this mei. Can someone help me iron out which is correct? I tried my best...

Darn it! Of course you are right - it’s your blade after all!!! Magoroku Kanemoto. LOVED IT!!! Sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain remembers.

Check out the Events and Nihonto Related News section.

The Kanesada in the tachi display was the one I was going to steal!!!

Oh... and just so you all know... if everything works out, there will be a SHINSA next year at the Chicago Show!

Mark has done a wonderful job putting on a show during difficult times. Lots to see, lots of good people to talk to. The tachi presentation was excellent, and the chance to see blades you wouldn’t have access to on many of the tables is a lecture in itself. I’m getting ready to head over for the last day of the show in a little while. I highly encourage anyone who is able to attend the show in the future... GO! Thank you Mark, and all the dealers who came together to make this happen. I know it wasn’t easy, but I am grateful for all your efforts.

My advice (and some will be a repeat of what Mark just said) when looking at dealer blades is ‘go slow’. If you don’t know the proper way to draw a blade from shirasaya or saya, ASK. Do it slowly and considerately. Ask to see a blade. Even if a dealer assumes you will look at the blades because that is why he brought them, I think they appreciate you acknowledging them first. When looking at a bare blade, and you need to turn it toward a light to get a better view, LOOK AROUND FIRST. Be aware of your surroundings. Can’t tell you the number of times someone has been a little ‘loose’ when handling a blade or kinda moving it around a lot. I never want to be the one doing that or on the receiving end of someone doing that. Also, don’t approach a table too closely when someone is actively looking at a blade. No reason to sneak up on them. I always to try to not talk while holding/viewing a blade unless the dealer asks me a question. First, I’m trying to enjoy it. Second, I don’t want to be spitting all over a dealers blade while it is close to my face. Plenty of time for questions and discussion after it is safely on the table. Pick blades up slowly and put them back down even more slowly and carefully. My rule of thumb is “it belongs to someone else until I hand them the money”. Ask questions. Most dealers are more than generous with information. And finally, and I feel silly even saying this, but a “thank you for letting me see your blades” is always in good order. This is from a buyer point of view. I’ll let the dealers chime in if there is anything they would recommend.

Grey, Can’t wait to see what you have to offer! Hope a few goodies last past the set up period with the other collectors I may even have some extra discretionary funds this show which is a first.

Have no idea what you are referring to?

I do think another quote from highly respected member of the NMB is extremely appropriate to repost here... "I'm too tired to even go into this again. Every guy is like a stuck record: 1- I polish my own stuff 2- We tell you we don't tolerate amateur polishing here 3- You tell us how you are different, how you know what you are doing and how you polish stuff no-one else wants to 4- We point out that what you think is good, removes metal, ruins lines, opens or closes grain and does no-one any favours 5- You come back indignantly and tell us how your 5 years of welding or plumbing gives you experience 6- We ask what you know about kantei, and are you able to kantei before you polish, in order to bring out what should be shown 7- You admit you cannot kantei, and fall back on the "I'm saving ruined swords" plea 8- We point out that you are not qualified to tell what is ruined or not, and that after your work, the swords now need another polish 9- You leave in a huff, refusing to take the advice first given and just shut up about amateur polishing. This will be the 20th time? 30th time? Gets monotonous. Decide if you want to just agree to drop the subject, or if you want to go for the ban. - Brian"

#4 = Tada? But I'm guessing it doesn't make sense.

Boxes. Darker box was the original. Lighter box is newer.

Just a few quick pics. The pictures taken with the wood background are in direct sunlight and highlight more of the detail, but it seems to wash out the color and give tsuba a grey appearance. The pic on the plain background is a much better representation of the actual color. Sorry about order of photos. Not sure how to control that yet.