Vermithrax16

Thanks Matt, have not seen anything like this so it was confusing. He references: "This listing of Shinto era swordsmiths utilizes the same ranking method as that of ranking Sumo wrestlers. It was compiled by Tomita Kiyama in 1933 and published in the Nihonto Jiten Shintohen in 1935." So can look into that I guess.

This is a list of Shinto smiths, ranked. I am not looking for a discussion of the levels of a particular smith, but does anyone know what on the right side are the "special" ranks? What do they mean? https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/shinto.htm Thanks in advance.

I was looking at this one as well, really like it.

No gimei can be papered. Removed, depends on sword.

LOVE IT Carlo!!!! Thanks!

Reminds me of when I traded stocks a bit. Never met anyone that did not make money on every single trade. Was amazing really. About unbelievable

I have been told by many the AOI polish is not a good idea, but never seen one for real, so just mentioning it as maybe something to ask around about. Car analogies are very tough with nihonto and I am a huge car nut (have a 2014 Camaro SS, with a LOT of mods, around 500hp at the wheels). Get the best sword you can afford for your price range you feel comfortable buying at. Some even say that quality does not start until around swords in the $20-35k range. Well, that's just not reality for many collectors either by means or desire to spend that much. I got the Camaro (ordered as I wanted it, $43k) but I did not get the Stingray Corvette ($89k). No doubt a better "quality" car, but not the car that I wanted down deep in my heart.

Someone should buy it and put to the test IMO. That's a jump in hope from what I know about showa blades, which is not much at all, about zero.

Unreal. Will keep an eye out but Stephen will catch them for sure.

Interested in this topic as I bought a gimei sword a while ago (knew it was, it was stated as such, and just to be sure had that confirmed as of late as I consider removal). It's a beautiful sword but that false signature is really annoying. I appreciate the blade, and all the features. I know what school made it, and it's all there. But for a few dollars more could have skipped this frustration. As a new nihonto follower, going forward will stick to verified, papered blades. All that was about my gimei experience. The OP posted an interesting piece and all the info is up front. If he likes it, go for it, but I wish I could back and not pull that trigger.

As a scientist (molecular biology) I have to read stuff like this all day long, but after 20 years, most of the topics I read have little new to offer. This kind of study however, WOW! Fun! I attached a PDF so let's see if that opens correct. They scan a Koto era sword and a Shinto era sword, it''s a really cool study. Hamon25-3_Grazzi.pdf

I understand 100%. Feel very much the same.

Pretty sweet! http://www.sanmei.com/contents/media/H81380_S8886_PUP_E.html

My swords are on the home insurance policy. I am of the mind that you do what you can (buy in low crime area, security as good as you can get it, really nosy neighbors....) as this all adds to the protection.

It's a bit out of range for a mere mortal, but I was looking this sword over a bit last week or so. I think it's worth the time to see this one just for appreciation. https://www.aoijapan.com/katanaechizen-kami-sukehiro

As always, up to you, but I vote for True Deep Red (Shinshu)

Always interested in how people approach storing their swords. Security is interesting angle as well.

Sean, You know I like those cases We had a dog and cat then only a cat, now both again. The cases really keep all the hair from getting into everything. I like how the red background really makes the swords pop as well. They sell rechargeable moisture removers if you feel that's needed.

I have access to microscopes, all the way to electron ones or NMR imaging. Let's do it!

How much is needed?

No bids as of tonight.

Always appreciate your posts Jussi.

"WHAT'S IN THE BOX?" Do the box!

Thanks!

Had seen that looking for more examples of the smith. You are sharp Raymond!