Lewis B

That is a gorgeous blade. I can understand the appeal. The hataraki and activity in the hada, the way it moves through the hamon, is beautiful. Nice controlled kinsuji and nie throughout. Looks to be a Nanbokucho era blade. Could it be Chogi?

According to Fred Weissberg there is an image in the book that shows an oshigata for a Norishige blade dated 1308. This is historically the earliest example of a signed and dated blade by Norishige. If you can PM me a photo of the page it would be a great help. TIA.

Isn't that just formations of nioi?

How many of those are ubu?

I also saw this amazing blade in May. One of the standout pieces in a collection of superlative swords. I was truly honoured to have the chance to see this masterpiece in person. With a nagasa of 80.4, excellent deki and ubu all means this is a very important example of ko-Hoki workmanship by one of the periods pre-eminent smiths.

What is it about that sword that appeals to you?

This one was sold.

Thanks for the detailed images of the Kunihiro. He is renowned for not straying too far from his fathers style. This one clearly shows that connection. Did you get the nagasa?

I'm pretty sure the Kunihiro is the blade below with the kinzogan Mei. Can't quite make out the Mei on the upper tanto but its not Kunihiro

Probably not, but I'd be very curious what sum might purchase the Kunihiro

Thanks for the clarification and image of the preferred TH level papers. I'm curious where you get a precise date of 1688? Was it polished in USA or Japan?

What level NBTHK papers? Would be good to show a photo of the nakago.

Is there rust on the Go, along the mune and on the kissaki?

First time I've seen the burnishing process of the shinogi-ji using a hard steel rod. Now the polishing lines at the machi make total sense. Kudos to Akita san for demonstrating his technical approach of the different steps and in closeup detail.

You forgot to mention the Ichimonji Yoshifusa and Bizen Nagashige, both TokuJu. Very impressive display. Did the owner allow you to observe in hand? Those 3 blades alone would have encouraged me to attend the show. Not to mention the Shintogo Kunihiro. Any photos of the Takagi Sadamune tanto? The Show is shaping up to be a wonderful opportunity to observe some world class swords up close. I'm quite jelly.

Don't think I would have the patience.

Bit late now but this show would have been the ideal introduction to nihonto from all eras. Don't under estimate these shows which are held regularly in SF, Chicago and Florida. Attending the DTI as a neophyte might be quite overwhelming. Sometimes these US shows also have Shinsa sessions. NTHK I believe with an appraisal certificate at the end of the process. https://www.ncjsc.org/events/san-francisco-to-ken-taikai

If you can extend your trip into first week of November you will be in Japan for the annual DTI expo held in the center of Tokyo. Probably your best opportunity to immerse yourself in everything Nihonto and possibly find your dream sword. Buying from a reputable dealer will ensure a smooth transaction. Just remember it takes up to 6 weeks to get the export permit so the sword would have to be shipped and of course, you'll have to consider the inevitable tariffs that are in effect. To answer your question. Bottomline there is no fast track. Knowledge comes from long study, both books, discussion and most importantly having the swords in hand. The point regarding carefully selecting a dealer is probably your best bet. I would focus time deciding on the era, school, blade type (tachi, katana, wakazashi or tanto) that appeals to you personally, and of course, budget. Your purchase should come with modern NBTHK papers.

I thought it was the inside of the forearm but after checking the listing seller says it was the calf. Who handles their blades in bed. Just asking for trouble. tbh he probably got away lightly. Could have got the Bobbit treatment. Not a Muramasa is it?

This is true in Japan too. Rubbing the dealer/seller(consignment piece) the wrong way doubled what I eventually paid using a local buyer to mediate the purchase. So yes, sending someone else a few months later can pay dividends.

It's seen many polishes, hamon runs off the edge in places and the omote is less impressive than the ura side. The deki is still impressive despite the polishes. Quality papered koshirae and recent TH papers for Yamato Shizu with very early (#17!) 1951 registration number are all plusses. However the blade and koshirae were papered a few decades apart and probably a recent marriage (typical AOI tactic). If the sword speaks to you and you can overlook the deficiencies, it's a fair price.

The offset hamachi (whats left of it) is odd.

Is there a tradition amongst big name Japanese collectors to bequeath their masterpieces to temples, institutions and museums like the Sano and NBTHK? That could certainly reduce the number hitting the open market. Since we like to consider ourselves as custodians for future generations, I would certainly think hard about doing that if I owned such treasures, especially living in the West.

Same for the Fine Arts. Not sure if you watch Fake or Fortune but there was an interesting case of 2 Renoir's in the last episode. One was clearly suspicious (as the science uncovered) but the other of the child looked quite convincing. Neither of the 2 authenticating bodies were willing to include either painting in the Catalogue Raissoné. As a result what would have been worth half a million quid is only worth a couple thousand at best. The power of a stamp of approval. I'm pretty sure more significance and importance is placed on NBTHK papers by a Western buyer than a Japanese collector. We tend to value and demand affirmation.

I'm sure there are many hundreds if not thousands of big name swords in 'noble' family collections that have been passed down through generations, not to mention important and not so important swords in museum collections, that don't have modern NBTHK papers at any level. Since they are unlikely to be sold the papers are unnecessary. Seems to me it's part academic and part marketing tool for anyone who cares to submit nihonto or tosogu.