David Flynn

Somewhere, (no) Ju Masahiro.

I have a Kofu School sword, with the same name and NBTHK Hozon paper. I'm led to believe this was popular to put on swords in the early Muromachi Period.

I don't want to go to Calvary

A large part also depends on the mounting. So a Shingunto with a blade signed Tachi Mei, is still a Shingunto.

First giveaway, is the Nakago. Totally wrong shape for Muramasa. Also, the Hamon looks very "Mino".

Looks like O Suriage Kambun Shinto. C.1670

Khalid, these photo's don't show that your swords a Gendaito. The bottom photo, appears to be a very straight blade, which could be Kambun Shinto, or Shinshinto. Even unsigned, you need to show photo's of the Nakago.

Tanba (no) Kami Kanemichi. The other side with the Chrysanthemum, would be better posted in the Translation Section.

Naotane is the no1. Shinshinto smith. Although lists, usually claim Masahide as No1, Naotane, was actually a better smith.

Sue Yamato.

I was one of the founding members and committee member of the now defunct, Japanese Swprd Soc. of Australia. Unfortunately, the society dissolved for many reasons, probably more so, the tyranny of distance. Australia has a relatively small population compared with the distances one must travel. What I also determined that led to the downfall was, Committee members who were only there for what I would call selfish motives. Instead of education, these members were only concerned I believe, with how they could profit. Sword collecting in Oz, is very fractured. There are Sydney Collectors, Melbourne Collectors, Brisbane Collectors etc. What I have found is that, these groups tend to be clickie. Except for a couple of people who don't mind sharing their knowledge, most clicks, keep to themselves.

I have the Boston Museum book, if anyone is interested.

That's the first time I've heard Camelia oil mixed with Choji? Why?

Yoshiharu.

Bryce, I don't believe this to be "Pure Masame", as the Jihada is Ko Itame. I believe what you see as Masame, is actually Hataraki.

I'd be looking at Shinshinto. Maybe even Gendai.

I have a Kozuke Dai jo Daisho. Both the blades are done in his, Crab Claw hamon. Unfortunately the Katana is Suriage. The Wakizashi is Ubu. Both blades are papered.

Also, depending on the buffing, but it generates heat. I would suspect that the Hamon on some buffed swords has been affected.

I don't believe one should post a Kantei, without authentication.. This should have been for opinions on whether or not it was Shoshin. So if this sword, comes to be Gimei, it then throws everything into confusion. I'm not saying this isn't shoshin, it probably is.

The old adage, Buy the sword, not the name.

I have to disagree with Bruno on the Hamon. The Hamon is a good example of Gunome Choji Midare. I believe the polish lets it down.

Swords don't need to be Juyo to be Museum quality. Even some Gendai Smiths are in Museums

John, what do you class as an "Average" income. Also, Australia's Tax system is on a sliding scale.

Not classic "Soshu" Hada per se. More it's a copy of Norishige.

True, but most collectors class Shinken as just a Sharpened sword. The term Shinken, is mostly used by martial artists.