Sansei

I have had some interaction with Robert Hughes and would recommend him (and his spouse) highly. They are in Kamakura.

Good idea Luke. You may get more feedback on the signature and other characteristics of your purchase. At some point if the question of papering (shinsa) and/or polishing is suggested for your sword, you can evaluate the costs involved. Seems like a good starter piece at least.

Michael, I am not familiar with that website. On some websites and auctions the seller(s) may not know the difference(s) between authentic Japanese and "other" swords. You may want to let the vendor know that this is not an authentic Japanese sword. If they actually DO know, then I would avoid this website.

Just below this listing is another one for just the Fuller-Gregory book alone......$316.

I am just a tad above a "novice" and this blade would not have gotten any interest from me. Does not look like a genuine wakizashi all things considered. A person would have to be a total little-to-no knowledge beginner.

Very tempting purchase......

Just wondering if, generally, items like these are ever papered?

Thanks Peter. I bookmarked this link .

I shop at Goodwill sometimes and have found some bargains (not blades). This seems like it was an honest mistake.

On a recently restored Kiyondo blade and saya, I am having the Tanobe Sayagaki done. This katana is returning from shinsa Tokubetsu Hozon. I thought that an additional investment of $250 would be reasonable. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Dan C. The one for $1300 is impressive. I think I would be interested in something like that one or the other for $360. I had a deer hunter friend who kept all of his antlers piled up in his storage. Should have bought a couple from him and had a kake or two made.

I might be interested in a kake fashioned out of deer antlers? If anyone has a photo of one....please post. Thanks.

".......Just my philosophy about that." Bruce, I think that Alex A has the right idea though, wrt learning. Fewer mistakes are preferable I think.....follow the mind instead of the emotional heart. It will end up being less expensive: Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime

Seems like a variation of the "bait and switch"?

As far as pure art works, I agree with Stephen. For me something like no. 77 would be more appealing. The market for this is just tsuba collectors? https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29559/lot/77/a-lacquer-and-shibayama-inlaid-ostrich-egge