David Flynn

I believe this sword is now on ebay!

Nice to meet you Blair, welcome.

I had a sword sent to me from Japan. I was told they couldn't send it EMS, that it would have to come Fedex. However when it arrived, it was via EMS?

Hello. First you need to add your name as per forum rules. Saying that, what you are trying to identify is a (Ka)Mon (Google, Japanese family Mon). This is equivalent to a coat of arms. Everything else points to just being a Japanese officers sword. To find out more about the actual sword, you need to remove the Tsuka(hilt) and strip the fittings from the sword. Pictures are needed of the Nakago (tang), the blade and the Kissaki(point/tip). Upon posting these pictures, you will receive opinions on the age, name of smith (if written on the nakago) etc.

Shigetsugu.

Has been used as an alternative in Japan for ages.

I use Camellia oil myself.

Slots for the Shinsa are now about 70% taken. Please reserve your slots ASAP and avoid disappointment. Also, anyone who would like a Table at the Show, please don't hesitate and call (email) Adrian. Only a few months to go!

Obviously, no loss

If I see a sword that's past it's use by date and the fittings are good and the price is right, then bingo, I would definitely buy it for the fittings. Whether or not I would strip it, depends on the condition of the koshirae. If it is good enough to keep it together fine, otherwise, I haven't a problem about stripping it.

When did the Bungo Takada school end? Did this school continue into the Showa Period? I have a sword dated Meiji 38, has anyone heard of any made later?

Jason, I thought you said you didn't have a sense of humour. You last post made me roflmao.

Knowledge is power. A little knowledge is dangerous.

Then sell it, make your profit and use the money to come to the Sydney show.

Kodachi (signed tachimei), not wakizashi.

Well Jason, if it didn't cost you very much then ok. When you have learned enough to realise that this is a low quality piece, probably gimei, you could probably flog it off on ebay(no reserve). Whatever you decide, just don't spend any more money on it. If you have the conisseurs book, you can look at the features of the sword and maybe make up your own mind on what it is.

Saying that Ayasugi hada in Swords by Gasan Sadakatsu are typical, is not right. Most swords made by Sadakatsu (the ones I have seen), are made in Bizen Den. The point I'm making is, don't expect a sword by Sadakatsu to have Ayasugi hada and dismiss one in Bizen Den to be a likely Gimei.

Great Topic. I am one in the camp of the other. Saying that, I do have an appreciation for good Suguha, it's just not my favourite. I agree with other comments that, like most suguha, some gunome, Choji etc. may at first site look attractive, but doesn't have any real substance (hataraki).

Welcome Ryan.

maybe never

G'day Aron, nice to have another Aussie on the forum. Check out Events section. There is a sword show and Shinsa in Sydney in Sept. Hope you can make it.

G'day Eric and welcome. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, there isn't any stupid questions, just stupid answers.

Any opening in the Hamon is not good. Considering the length you have described, I would say this sword is f****d :D

The Signature, the Tsuba and the Hada. After seeing so many of these, it becomes very easy to spot.

The database doesn't supply any real signatures, so how would one know by this?