CoastieMike

Hello all, I have a late Edo period iron tsuba with gold inlay and want to preserve the patina. I was not sure if I should leave it alone or use choji oil from time to time as I do my blade. I read previous discussions here mentioning cleaning but no mention of oiling. Thank you. -Mike

Thank you Ray!

Thank you for the information.

Requesting translation assistance for signature on my antique tsuba. Thank you.

Requesting some guidance on how to repair a split saya. My nihonto arrived from Japan and the saya unfortunately split on both ends where it was bonded together. I could use wood glue but wanted to see what others recommend since I prefer traditional preservation methods.

Hello! Does anyone know when EMS Japan will allow nihonto to ship to USA? Or is there another carrier to get nihonto from Japan to USA legally? Thank you, Mike

Greetings all, I am trying to find information on tsuba and seppa orientation when fitted together. I researched past information and seem to get mix results on this. On the decorative side of my Edo period tsuba featuring Shoki warrior, would that face the kissaki or the tang? My next question is the seppa pictured below. I understand the larger seppa fits on habaki side of tsuba, but which way does it face with the punch marks? Are the punch marks for the habaki to fit into? Thank you, Mike

My Edo period nihonto has a slightly loose tsuba. It has original seppa and I don’t believe I need replacements. Maybe less than a mm thickness added would tighten everything up. I’ve read on here before about using a leather shim. Any recommendations on what type of leather and where the shim would be placed in fittings? Thank you -Mike

I bought it like that from Japan for a decent price. I just wanted something as a nice display piece. More pictures below.

I have a 1960s shinsakuto katana that has a small black blemish on side of blade at shinogi above hamon. It is not rough or pitted, but relatively smooth. I am curious what causes these and the best advice for safely removing them.

I am fairly new to collecting. I have an Edo period nihonto with a few scars on shinogi ji. I am curious if these would be considered a fatal flaw. I believe they are carbon pits created during forging process. Thank you.

Trying to find the safest way to remove active rust on nakago. I recently purchased this shinsakuto katana from police auction in Japan. Trying to not damage nakago/signature.Thank you

I would appreciate any help in translating the signature and date of this Shinsakuto katana. I purchased this blade from a Japanese police auction. It comes with Torokusho. I was told it is 1960s. Thank you.

Good evening all, I recently purchased a Showa period katana from Japan. I noticed there was active rust along the edges and hole of nakago. The iron tsuba and fuchi also have some light rust spots as well. I am trying to find the safest way to remove it. Thank you.

How often should I use traditional powder and choji oil on nihonto if it’s just for display? Also, is it fine to use choji oil on nakago and say tsuba? Mike