nagamaki - Franco

Would wager the cwazy wabbit was added on at some point and not original to this piece, Waki Goto as a guess. Thanks to all for sharing.

Highly recommend getting a sayagaki done by Mr. Tanobe, if possible. Mr. Tanobe's calligraphy alone is worth the price of submission, imo. As already mentioned the additional information can be invaluable as it not only confirms the paper, but at times mentions additional detail about the sword from the eye and thoughts and knowledge of a real expert. An expert who has in all probability looked at not only many examples, but the very best examples of a particular smith's work. And how nice is it that that information is with the sword.

The Japanese write that the key to nihonto appreciation is kantei. In light of that wisdom regardless of whether the sword is signed or not, whether it is papered or not, new or old, it is essential that the sword confirms the mei, if signed, and not the other way around. If the sword is mumei, kantei is still the vehicle that should be used keeping in mind that the second step in kantei is determining quality. Which to a certain extent extends to the polish, too. Forgive me for repeating, but purchasing a sword (unless circumstance dictate otherwise), should be treated as an open book test. And if you don't have the books to open, you're already in trouble.

Ha, is right, Markus. As good ole uchiko Jim Kurrasch used to say about big name swords, fail shinsa 3 times before removing mei. In looking at the oshigata and sword image, it is difficult to imagine what was going through the appraiser's mind! The sword confirms the mei and not the other way around as a good friend always says.

Excellent.

Another example, validity??? https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C3%94mori_Masahide_-_Kozuka_with_Crashing_Waves_-_Walters_5112194_-_Mark_B.jpg

And I never said they were not.

Hello, at least to my eyes the shape of this sword suggests further evaluation before concluding that it is a boy's day sword.

Might work for the eye, the problem will be the unruly mind behind the eye with memory cells

On several occasions in the past Bushido has sent otherwise truly wonderful swords with "finger catchers" for consideration. In discussing these swords with Bob Benson he explained, 'there are two kinds of collectors, one where no matter how hard they try their eye goes straight to the flaw, and then there are collectors who have no problem. At this point I'm still trying to learn how to control my eye, with no luck

Best to stick with recommended methods and products, venturing, substituting, you're only asking for trouble. BTW, keep fingers away from the cutting edge. Even rusty nihonto can cut like crazy.

Hello, Never Dull Metal Polish works very well at removing rust and heavy grime as pictured (in my experience), without harming the sword. Note: it's recommended to change wadding frequently using smaller clean pieces and working on small areas at a time, so as not to rub what has been removed back into the blade surface. Keep the blade well oiled in-between cleanings, changing the oil at least daily. Then, uchiko can be used once and after the surface is rust/grime free to change the oil. Still, use very light finger pressure so you're not creating (deeper) scratches, change wipes (kleenex) with each wipe, so that, again, you're not rubbing soil/dirt back into the blade surface. (Do not use this uchiko ball on any other sword, other than swords in poor condition/polish). Keep in mind red rust is active rust and needs to be kept oiled. Pay attention to pitting on the surface (even pin point in size, oil), as they could be hiding corrosion below the surface. Finally, when in doubt don't, seek professional advice.

Hello, Imaged below is a soe-bi which had been all but polished away over the years except for 3 to 4 cm at each end. It was recut using a chisel designed for this purpose free hand before final polish.

Hello, pardon, like the tsuba but not obviously in shakudo to me??? Bishu would be my guess. edit: have you tested the tsuba with a magnet?

Hmm, if I didn't know better I would think drawn in hamon.

Wonderful, the Shishi are outstanding!

Hello, for a true student collector of nihonto the journey should only be just beginning at this point, a "polished" sword. Now comes the responsibility to study this polished sword and as many more polished swords as possible with a critical eye until you are able to begin seeing the likenesses and more importantly the differences between their workmanship.

Thank you for sharing, Ford.

Nara, perhaps.

Hello, any tutorials on how to make a custom form fit holder (inside the box) for a fuchi kashira? What do they use to make the form fit platform beneath the cloth material? Thank you.

Hello, my understanding is the sender was not given an option other than filling out a commercial form, which according to the carrier supervisor here in the U.S. is what got the package flagged without having documentation. This was my first hassle after having sent and received a good number of items over the years internationally.

Hello, 1) Hmm, sounds like one of these new 3D printers/scanners would come in handy for sending a "blank" to Japan or elsewhere. It sure would be nice not to have to ship the item itself. 2) Have heard there is one person in the U.S making custom fit boxes, but am still trying to track that down. Thanks for replies.

Greetings, Is anyone in the U.S. making custom fitted fittings boxes? If so, how is the quality of the work, material, and handling of the item, also costs? Thank you in advance.

Correct, the catch was that when the commercial box was checked on the customs label, customs then wanted/asked for certification.