nagamaki - Franco

Hello Paul, yes, some interesting observations begin to happen when you are trying to proof, essentially verify an experts opinion. First, it forces you to look at the sword through their eyes, their way of thinking. It also forces you to understand the writings in the texts which are sometimes worded in such a manner that the meaning isn't always clear and straight forward, that is until you begin to understand it. All this leads to not only changing one's thought process and elevate learning, but also looking at nihonto/polish with a much more critical eye. And once quality enters into the equation, the 2nd step in kantei, there's no going back.

Good evening, Another way to challenge oneself as a student/collector is to write up a kantei proof for a sword(s) using the following conditions; 1) papered sword (tokubetsu hozon/equivalent or higher would be preferred where there is a clearer indication of what the sword is). 2) excellent state of polish. 3) using at least 3 different kantei texts/sources. 4) a sword made by a rated smith. Additionally, the write up should include at least some history of the tradition, school, and smith, along with detailed measurements, an oshigata of the nakago/sword, a copy of the origami. Also, to be included is a discussion as to the why, what, how, etc., and conclusions for the kantei. And if one is feeling very confident and brave these write ups can be used for study events and even submitted for publication to an organization like the JSS/US, or even simply to a message board (where almost assuredly it will be critiqued). additional thoughts, 1) enhances sword records for both current and past items. 2) a great reference to look back upon for self evaluation. 3) a great way to study swords belonging to others while giving something in return.

Once again, it's the tsuba that finds the owner, ha!

Paul, thank you for this latest reply as coincidentally the Quirt sword crossed my mind along with Tegai Yukimitsu. However, the lack of brightness combined with no wording or images of nie of any kind changed my mind.

Suggestions, thoughts, First, to myself, why do you succumb to participating? Secondly, stick with your first answer. Thirdly, when such challenges are presented, even just for fun, the presenter needs to honestly take their own test. Here, although there is some description about the hamon, without any word of nie or nioi, not to mention hamon activity, [makes it near impossible to determine from the images other than outright guessing by chance], it really leaves one hanging. So, please, paint a whole picture, go through the kantei yourself as the proof is in the details. And, finally, Jean, appreciate your sharing

Have admired and studied Sadakazu's work in hand, and the only thing to add to this conversation at this point in looking at these images is to say yikes!

http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/SUY62

Hello, This piece has NTHK papers which is fine, except, unless I missed it, what is the point rating for this piece? What are the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon "requirements" for this piece? Does this piece meet those requirements? The point I'm trying to make is buy what you like, but understand what it is that you're buying from a student/collectors perspective.

Turn what you've described as a "hobby" into study and discipline. But be prepared for suffering along the way.

Hello, a couple of links that may be of some interest, repeats I'm sure for some, new for others, please enjoy. Thank you. https://archive.org/stream/japaneseswordmou16guns#page/n0/mode/2up http://libsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/oca/Books2008-03/japaneseswordmou16guns/japaneseswordmou16guns_djvu.txt

1) The Japanese suggest in their writing to go with the best possible from the very start. 2) Books. Read through Yamanaka's Newsletters revised, AFU's Nihonto Koza, etc., and as you do I suspect something may trigger and peak your interest, something to pursue, but first you have to learn what's out there, and begin to understand how to properly evaluate it. 3) Where to begin, hmm, how about at the beginning? It is not necessary to own a sword in order to begin studying it.

Hello, Nope, nothing. yes, tilted. Thank you.

Hello, Nara comes to mind here.

Hello Mauro, All, No worries, thankful for all responses. Although I know what I like, have a long way to go in learning and understanding when it comes to iron tsuba. Additional info: Did not measure the weight, sorry, but surprisingly heavy. mumei dimensions; 89 mm x 82 mm, outside rim thickness 6.12 mm, inside plate thickness 3.65 mm

Hi Arnold, Thank you. Will add more images and measurements soon.

Hello, Interested in hearing your thoughts, comments, discussion, opinion, kantei, all welcomed. Thank you in advance.

Noticed the crack, too, not surprising as there looks to be an awkward accelerated curve through that portion of the blade. Still, it would be interesting to attempt to figure out what this blade was once upon a time.

more examples of Brian's work

Hello Arnold, Agree, an absolute ban on ivory is not the answer or solution to insatiable human greed, sadly. If memory serves, I believe it was Plato or Socrates that said, paraphrasing, 'those who are not content with what they have, shall never be satisfied with what they want to have.'

Dear George, Ed, All, First off, thoroughly enjoy well done dragon/tiger/nanako themes like this one. George, your point is well taken and agree that there was always a third piece, perhaps, even this rabbit. What I would look at and examine if in hand, would be the material/workmanship of the rabbit in addition to careful examination of the nanako along the edges of the rabbit.

James, you guessed wrong, honestly haven't given it any thought. Once upon a time I would have, but I'm no longer at that point at this time. I am not even up to date on current prices. Brian has already tossed out some numbers, and so too may others. To restore a sword is a long learning process, take your time, do your homework, do one step at a time, first things first. Is this piece restorable? Cost? Welcome to nihonto collecting, so many desire to play, but then quickly discover that they are not prepared, nor ready.

Homework. Who is this smith? How does this work compare to others? Is the mei correct? State of the nakago? How much correction is needed? What will the tip look like compared to what it once was? What do similar works sell for? What level paper would be expected? Habaki? Shirasaya? Are there any other flaws? Would begin by contacting the polishers, determining if it can be restored. Get a quote.

"Looks" like slight uchizori, possible, but judging nakago would be surprised without doing more checking. Since signed, if shoshin, you should be able to track/narrow it down. Books!

Hello, A polisher would be able to confirm if there is enough boshi to reshape the tip. Speaking of which, when a blade, especially one with complex curvature such as this naginata needs to be reshaped, it is critical that it is restored by a polisher who does excellent or better foundation work. There are two fully trained polishers in North America (Jimmy Hayashi, Takeo Seki), that are both well qualified. Generally both these polishers will be in attendance at the San Francisco show, or you can call to speak with them. Otherwise, after careful evaluation and doing your homework on polishers, suggest sending it to Japan. Being reshaped will place limits on this piece in terms of papering and value compared to having been completely original.

A shipment of elephant ivory was just seized going into Vietnam, 650 elephants had been poached for this stash. How does the world explain to its children that wild elephants went extinct on our watch, unforgivable. Two species of rhino already gone on our watch, unforgivable. The last known wild tiger was killed in China just a few years ago in the 1st month in the year of ....., you guessed it, the tiger. Wealthy businessmen in China raise smuggled tiger cubs that have been taken from their poached mother to adult only to be slaughtered, skinned alive for entertainment. And if one thinks, "well, it's not me because I don't buy ivory," think again. Why, because their are many dots that connect to these crazy things going on and it is our, all of us, responsibility to pay attention to what it is that we do. When people refuse to control themselves, then someone else is going to do it for them. Self regulation always seems to be a better alternative, the best solution.