nagamaki - Franco

Agree, with Markus' 70:30 towards possibility 2, and while cut less 'chippy' than many of these signatures are, this ko gatana mei still comes across as a bit too rigid, imo.

Hello Paul, Could you please comment in regards to the quality/resolution/size/number of images (jigane for example), that can be expected for each sword? Pre-purchase example? Thank you, greatly appreciated!

At least one A4 possibly hard cover at approx $90

Hello Arnold, All, It is my understanding that for the NBTHK all nagamaki fall under the classification of naginata, and since the designation of nagamaki comes from how it was mounted, unless and without knowing the specific history of a particular sword the designation of naginata is given.

Hello, In regards to images try doing an internet search using "naginata naoshi," you will likely come up with many more results. Also, search NMB for previous discussions.

Hello Guido, 1) By effort, it requires slight finger pressure with a slight tug to "unlock" it, nothing extraordinary in the way of physical exertion, my apologies if I gave that impression. At the same time I would add that compared to every other new habaki I have removed the difference is quite notable. Yes, Brian san is quite talented, and considering that he has won the NBTHK habaki making contest twice now he must be doing something right with a tight/snug fitting habaki. 2) That's what was meant when writing .... (not by design)

Hello, Guido, what I would add is this to the conversation, the last 5 habaki I had made were all by Brian Tschernega, and every single one fit tight and snug the same way. Which at least for myself makes it difficult to reach any other conclusion other than a snug and tight fit is actually the way habaki are supposed to be made. As for the tsuka limiting travel and preventing/stopping energy/force transferring forward to the habaki, I will have to do some research on that. Although, often I have seen where the habaki has left an imprint on the face of the seppa or tsuka (not by design). Which at least to me suggests that while the tsuka may limit forward travel from gentle tapping, a more forceful tap will still transfer force to the habaki.

Katana: Suishinshi Masahide Saiba (engrave) https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-suishinshi-masahide-saiba

yeah, that must be it

Hello, Like many, years ago I sent a newly polished sword to shinsa in Japan with a newly made habaki which fit snug/tight, in fact so snug and tight it required effort to remove. Upon return from shinsa the habaki not only no longer fit snug and tight, but slid almost effortlessly off when the sword was held upright. I cannot imagine that it had been removed more than a very few times if even more than once. Which means/indicates that someone handling the sword gave it a 'good slap,' this is fact, not opinion. As sword owners people are free to practice as they wish of course. BTW, that habaki was made by one of the best habaki makers in or out of Japan.

Hello, Please watch the second video again. At ~ minute 2:12/2:36 you will see Mr.Tsuruta has placed the habaki, 1st seppa, tsuba, 2nd seppa all back onto the nakago along with the tsuka at that point. However, the tsuka remains unseated. He then switched hands holding the center of the tsuka now in his left hand, and in so doing his right hand is then free to finish tapping/seating the tsuka all the way on tight which he proceeds to do. The problem is that when done in this manner the force of driving/seating the tsuka on is transferred forward to the habaki. Which, as previously explained, over time causes the habaki to become loose and/or damaged. Instead of this, at the point of where the tsuka is gently tapped on, seated, the forefinger and thumb of the left hand should be clasping the habaki firmly. Which means that the tsuba will then be between the forefinger and middle finger, and the ring finger and pinky will be clasping the top of the tsuka, still freeing and allowing the right hand to do the gentle tapping. Also, keep in mind this technique should be used not only with koshirae, but shirasaya as well. All it takes is one 'good' slap/tap and the habaki may then no longer fit tight as it should. Better? Perhaps a video is in order, will try, no promises.

Seasons Greetings, A holiday tip. When placing the tsuka back on, once the tsuka is 'fed' onto the nakago the thumb and forefinger of the upper hand should clasp the habaki firmly to serve as a brake. So that even when the tsuka is very gently tapped on until seated, the habaki is not being driven forward. Otherwise, over time there is the real risk of the habaki being split further and further apart until finally it no longer fits snug and tight, becoming loose. Also, keep in mind that there is even the risk of the ha cutting through the habaki, as well as causing damage to the ha-machi. Time and time again it has not been uncommon to see someone give the tsuka one good final tap, which at least for me makes me cringe. Btw, if the habaki is shakudo I would recommend not touching/handling it directly.

Seasons Greetings, A number of characteristics worthy of attention and appreciation. A one sword collection? http://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumei-attributed-as-ko-ichimonji

Hello, John, do you have any additional examples to post? Ty.

Hello, agree with Ford's post, it's certainly trying to be Goto ..... FWIW, http://www.aoijapan.com/kozukamumei-goto-mitsukatsu-kao

Hi Ben, In hand with good light, time, and careful study someone should be able to figure out age. Muromachi or later maybe have window put in, nambokucho or earlier then perhaps more.

Sunobi tanto, does look to be a shortened naginata (naoshi)

Hello, Yes. They have records of test cutting inscriptions and signatures for comparison (if needed).

Hi Ben, Thanks for additional images. This sword has been polished down some, was hoping the additional images might tell more. My thoughts are moving towards Shinto at this point. I do think that this sword would look considerably different/better with a 'good polish.' 1) The copying of other/earlier swords has been going on for ages, and unless there is the presence of a sketchy mei involved deception doesn't really enter the equation. 2) Swords are shortened for any number of reasons, anyone's guess or speculation. 4) Looks like Owari style fittings, tsuba???, Tokugawa mon, relevance???

Hi Ben, The difficulty here is not having the sword in hand along with the current state of polish. Which doesn't reveal much, leaving open all possibilities at this point. Could we see images from above showing munemachi and kissaki? Ty.

Hi Ben, If you measured from the mune-ha/machi to the width of 3 fingers above the bottom mekugiana, how long would this sword have been?

Jitetsu just doesn't look koto to my eyes, and neither do the nakago file marks nor the color of the rust sway me away from these thoughts.

My guess would be a later copy of an earlier sword, shinshinto or even later. Surely someone recognizes the symbol on the nakago-jiri?

Thank you for sharing! Now please pass the ketchup.

muromachi naoe shizu would be my guess.