Shuriken

I've come across swords like those pictured, wherein a fairly common looking sword has a non-typical tsuba, including the kozuka-ana. Is this common? Why would an "old" (if genuine) tsuba be fitted to a later year blade? Thank you--appreciate learning from the pros here.

Nice...thanks!

@PNSSHOGUN what differentiates a katana mei from a tachi mei?

Thank you @xiayang and @Mark S.. That's an interesting mei. The first referenced smith is without peer, so the claim of being a descendant or student is intriguing. The descendant smith comes up also as quite the artist. Somehow (am I cynical?) I feel like this is all a bit too cute. Like someone really went far to try and convince the viewer. Does anyone have a book reference to this mei (gimei?). On a separate note, the seppa have a "cutout" section to them, where an edge was cut off. No idea why or how.

Thank you very much @Ed @Jussi Ekholm and @Geraint. I really appreciate the breadth of knowledge you bring and share!

Hello all, I am always grateful to the forum to see what I (we) can learn from mei. I would be grateful for anyone who can shed light on this mei and the saya inscription as well. Thank you!

Semi-double post as per a user request I posted some pics in the translation section, but what are forum thoughts that this blade could be a nagamaki in origin? The kissaki is a healthy 5.5 inches in length. Per a user, the mei, if genuine, possibly dates to the early 1800s.

Thank you @SteveM. @Ed and @Stephen here are some blade pics. The kissaki measures 5.5 inches. Welcome your thoughts.

Anyone have an idea on the tag? Cheers-Dave

@xiayangthank you

Additional info, the kissaki measures 5.5 inches.

In case the kanji is flipped:

I posted the interesting long o-kissaki elsewhere; this is the Mei and surrender tag. Grateful for all translations.

Hi @GeorgeLuucas, my eyes are glitchy. At first it looked curved, now it does look straight. O-kissaki seems more appropriate. Quite long though. Maybe nagamaki?

Hi all, Would this be considered ikari-kissaki?

Here's one I haven't seen before:

@Spartancrest and @mecox It come like this; no tsuba or menuki. Kissaki is damaged too, has questionable tachi mei. I like oddballs, so was curious about this one.

No usual ray skin, looks like another layer of cord. Apologies if there is a term for this; looking to learn more about this and what I'm looking at. Thanks!

I like the unusual shape of the habaki. Great sword!

Would love to see. Funny, when this sword caught my eye, my notes said, "Chinese Mei?" It looked too clean, too perfect. Will be interested to see how the mei was cut. Found this great multi-page thread here on NMB about this smith's mei/gimei.

Hi Stephen--I'll be back on that Monday with photos.

Photos 2&3, from bottom up..."day / month / 2 / year / 3/ Naga / Toshi" ? Photos 4&5...top character "Wara"?

Some pics attached. Thank you.

would love to see the tsuba in more detail

Thank you for opening my eyes @Stephen which happens here on NMB almost every day. You're absolutely right, of course! And then I found this tsuba on eBay which not only has similar, if not same level of modification, but the overall shape and design is very similar! https://www.ebay.com/itm/324945004066?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=324945004066&targetid=1262749491582&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9031025&poi=&campaignid=14859008593&mkgroupid=130497710760&rlsatarget=pla-1262749491582&abcId=9300678&merchantid=223125019&gclid=CjwKCAiA8bqOBhANEiwA-sIlN74P1EFv3kaIRvufYtew5VvxSEvD4WgF3r3e2-FjY9KFyKDyWMSwNRoC5kcQAvD_BwE