Ooitame

I was thinking Kanbun by shape... better photos will be required. Nakago looks bizen shape, without better photos I would venture Bungo. Congratulations on your sword amd venturing into Nihonto.

I will try some small pieces of paper, yes this my Nagamitsu in your files.

@Bruce Pennington apologizes for the delay. The top moves slightly a few mm but stays together because of the lacquer. The bottom has more movment and you can see a before and after gap of about 2 credit cards in width and 1 in lift/height. The bottom might be caused by the mekugi pin stretching overtime... P.S. tw9 mekgui pins each one inserted on a different side, one Katana and on Tachi.

@Bruce Pennington wrap and patter are fine just has some movement to it about two inches in legth. Will see if I can get some pics.

Thanks @SteveM, that does make sense. I did have one bambo mekugi break but stayed together from the fiber.

Hi all, I have a type 93/100 RS... with the lacquered tsuka-ito cord. It is loose in one spot, is it possible to re use or would leather strips underneath be the answer?

To add, why does Shirasaya from what I have seen mainly use horn and Koshirae wood of some sort for mekugi pin?

The kissaki and boshi lead to an impression of utushi of some sort.

Hi @klee, just look at the overall sughata, the mune turns to masame, general health of the blade, Nakago patina (this sword not a prime example from cleaning or tight tsuka) etc ... Google Kanbun Katanas and you will see a pattern.

I also agree Kanbun/Shinto.

Hi Alexi, Since it is mumei, O suriage, and Den vs specific Smith would be my guess for price difference. Also depends on more pictures needed for possible ware, and if they come with Koshirae or Shirasaya and those conditions.

I agree with Thomas, the Den Rai sword looks quite nice!

I would venture shinshinto as well.

Interesting point Lewis, I have an incredible gendaito utushi in style of Osafune Kanemitsu.

Itame with some momkume.

I agree looks like bashin, with added poorly done and recent horimono; stating vs the possible mei and bird depth on the other side. Koshirare looks interesting, not an expert in that area though.

Hi @Bugyotsuji, I would imagine left as well. My reasoning is most are right handed and that is the way it would be worn. Let us know if you find a more definitive answer

Thanks @nulldevice, that makes more sense.

Hi @AlexiG, Thank you for your reply and cursory search. I do like Soshu and Bizen, which does not help with price. Rather, I mean overall, for example most Tanto rival or exceed prices of Wakizashi.

Hi all, I was recently looking at a few Tanto and was surprised by the prices. Is the high price on average from lack of supply, makers, ownership restrictions, etc...?

Thanks all for the input! @Stephen Fantastic case! Always to the left, unless plan B... Lol! @Matsunoki Agree 100%!

Thanks @KungFooey, apologizes for the unusual question. Trying to still learn things I know little of, such as presentation rules.... @ROKUJURO Interesting, I have places to store them, not drawers though. I have a decent case where the 2 swords reside in bags, and shirasaya, says in another safe area. If others have an interest or curiosity to see and learn history or just for knowledge sake, is it still bad manners to display; that is to say keep them in the case and sword bags or no? @Peter Bleed Interesting recollection thanks!

So no one displays their treasures for occasions? By display I mean in a case or kake etc..

Hi all, Was inspecting the saya and shirasaya. As I am hopefully on the path to purchasing my first home, what are the traditions for occasions e.g. new house, family for dinner for holidays, or whatever etc... What if any presentation rules exist, forgive my ignorance, I only wish to learn. Even if not strictly traditional that's cool what are your thoughts?

The TLD of ru. should give it away...