Katsujinken

When a mumei blade is given an attribution to a school or even a particular smith what you have is a statement of relative quality and importance within a system of consistent measurement over time. 

So a Naoe Shizu attribution means the sword is better than Mihara but not good enough to be called Kaneuji. 

Brian is 100% correct, Freddie—with study and training kantei is nearly a science. Nearly. But you also recognize that no one has a time machine. 

Darcy Brockbank has written a lot about this (much of it on this board in the past). That you are asking these questions is not a bad thing. It just means it’s time for you to put real effort into serious study if you truly want to understand the answers. 

Thanks Steve and Manuel. 

By the way I definitely agree that this is not a Suruga.

Happy to....thanks Steve!

(This of course assumes the tsuba goes with the box...)

Most people (even iaidoka) do not understand what “sharp” means in the context of a Japanese sword. It’s totally different than what one needs to cleanly slice paper. That’s not what the blade was made to do!

The katana especially requires a proper profile but that marriage of form and function must align with body mechanics and, dare I say, the right state of mind. 
 

Sigh. 

This is definitely beyond me... thanks!

It’s tough to say really. The blade is out of polish, but it’s not in bad shape. Definitely worth preserving and maybe worth restoring depending on your appetite for spending money. If you’re looking to make money that’s a big gamble. 
 

Please do not try to improve the blade yourself and do not work with someone without formal training in Japan. That list of people outside of Japan is VERY short. Ask here first. 
 

But this is a solid sword with potential. I’m sure other folks with even more expertise will chime in. 
 

Do you know how to care for the blade properly? Lots of resources to be found here. 

13 minutes ago, Infinite_Wisdumb said:

Ive never seen the Bohi go all the way through the nakago before.  Waiting more educated responses with #popcorn

This is common on osuriage blades. Better photos that show more detail of the hamon and the tip would help with evaluation. 
 

At first blush this may be Muromachi or even late Nanbokucho. The nakago sori and amount of implied shortening point to Koto for me...

But we need more photos. 

Where do you live? Impossible to speculate on value at this point. A polisher could open a “window” that might provide much more insight into how you should proceed. 
 

You should also get the sayagaki (writing on the scabbard) translated. It looks extensive, but with better photos someone here might be able to help. 

No, you can’t fix a hagire. 
 

Yes, it can still be polished (though you may want to explain the situation to the togishi). 
 

And since you’re not planning to fight with the sword () and the value is sentimental, I say do what will make you happy!

The plates could be later additions if the menuki were modified for use on something other than a tsuka (like a tobacco pouch, coin purse, etc.)

Yep, this is normal. F&W assume any Japanese sword shipment will have ray skin. 

The perforated date in the upper left was introduced in the late nineties, I think. Perhaps someone can provide a more specific date. 

Ah thanks so much! I thought I might be off. 

I think this says 心 強い. 
 

Do I have it right?

SOLD and donation sent to the board! Thanks all.

On hold pending payment via installments! 
 

Will update this thread when the transaction is finalized in approximately one month. 

That is 100% not Heian. And that mei sure is in a strange spot. 
 

Move along...

Note that depending on the value of the sword there may be some import fees. 

Perhaps they were modified for decorative use on something other than a tsuka?

What’s your budget?

That’s really going to determine the mix of characteristics available to you. 
 

As for period, I believe that every collector should have some Koto if possible. 
 

As for UK dealers, Pablo Kuntz of Unique Japan is now based in the UK. 
 

But other dealers outside of the UK, many of whom are on this board, would be happy to work with you I am sure. 
 

With a budget in mind we can make more specific recommendations. 
 

Good luck. 

I used to own that Shoami tsuba. It’s quite enjoyable! Lovely fukurin. 

Why on EARTH would you do that with the sword? 

Also, worth noting that insurance values/appraisals often are/should generally be ABOVE what the retail market will bear, and are not the right barometer for deal making or negotiation. 
 

To clarify what others mean to say re: the current attribution, they are trying to confirm if the blade has gone through an actual NTHK shinsa, which is not the same as having an opinion from a member of the committee. In any case, for “ubu/signed” Koto work I’d much prefer a NBTHK kanteisho.

And ubu at 71cm seems short to me for the time period you hope for. 
 

And I agree with Brian 100%. 
 

But photos will be helpful!

This has been covered elsewhere, but it is standard to require a tax ID during import when packages are above a certain value. A SSN is a tax ID, but it is also possible to get a separate number you can use (usually for businesses). So the SSN is not required, but a tax ID is. Most people only have their SSN though. 
 

Nothing nefarious here. 

Always a treat to see a great shinsakuto get this kind of treatment. Congratulations!

PS: I think Tanobe sensei liked it.