NewB

Good enough Thank you John

Nthkamerica.com

Thank you! John

2 ubu, papered blades for 2k is a great price. Congrats John

Definitely a family blade fitted in officer mounts! As to who signed it - if you are a busy master making so many blades who would sign it ? Your pupils for the most part, no? And also, BTW, NOBODY here would ever never dish your blade regardless. Based on my short time being here I have seen nothing but respect, sheer will to help one another in any way possible and an enormous amount of factual knowledge. But Blades from that era will always be a long subject of all kinds of discussions. What I am happy about is that there are dedicated members here that don't mind taking their time explaining in detail and trying to get you up to par as quickly as possible. If you truly want to formulate your own opinion I suggest looking at Markus Sesko's works. Anything there is simply marvelous. Flat out! John

Hello, Please, help me out with this. Hand written kanji is way more difficult for me (besides Bizen Sukesada is there anything else valuable to know?) ... time to start taking Japanese 🤔 Thank you kindly John

Hello, Please, help me out with this. Hand written kanji is way more difficult for me ... time to start taking Japanese 🤔 Thank you kindly John

That's why I jumped in the subject as there are similarities between mine and his (to certain extent Cheers John

Non Japanese IMHO John

I agree. I am happy with mine! Jihada, togare utsuri P.S. never knew a phone could take such photos Cheers John

My pleasure. John

I hope my attempt is/was based mostly on facts 😁 Cheers John

Based on the photos you have provided I firmly believe this is a well forged blade judging by the 'body' and the 'temper'. There are many other factors that play a significant role in such opinion but I m comfortable saying it appears as a well done blade, barring the signature since I am Not an expert! Cheers John

So this was written by another member who is possibly more experienced/knowledgeable than me but I'll try to answer as best as I can. Basically, the era when yours was made (I have several Sukesada from the period) was known for mass production and drop in quality, however based on what I see with yours I doubt it was an inferior blade as it has an elaborate hamon and nice jigane. Gimei means fake signature and is an extremely common occurrence in this field, be it because someone was so good or nearly as good as the principle 'sukesada' (as in our case) so decided to make a blade/s by faking the signature of the principle ... The reasons for that are numerous - who knows... whether it was more rice or gold/silver .. Regarding the Bizen VS Bishu I think it was explained perfectly in his reply. Technically, translation of Bishu No Kuni Ju VS Bishu Ju No Kuni gives an immediate 'flag' sho-shin or gimei! It is a lot of information but the terminology is the same. I'd try to input as much as I could and I hope others will kick in but basically Shugyosha explained everything perfectly. Cheers John

I took a photo of mine as it looks like yours' "chicken scratched signature" . It wasn't a competition or a show off by any means. i like it, it is nice (it needs some restoration, a reputable sword polisher would know better than me), But, if you are not having a good feeling currently or second thoughts then why keep it?? Now, I know ot sucks for the seller (should you decide to return it) as he has to re-advertise it etc., But the sooner you decide, the better.. unless it is too late. In any event I think it is a good wakizashi fitted in nice officer mounts. I hope that what you feel matters the most. As I mentioned- it is all an opinion, not an advice. Cheers John

Good to talk with some of you and thank you for letting me take a glimpse at your nihonto. I am definitely getting a table next year, inshallah 🙏 Cheers John

If it becomes like that, I am selling my whole collection 😛

It is always an opinion, that's why I say - buy from the experts here. No headaches then John

I appreciate the detailed information. Cheers John

My 'chicken scratched' signature papered (pic 2) And yours slightly edited (pic 1)

So what I hinted at are few Personal opinions and those should be taken with a grain of salt! It is only a perspective, not trying to debate with anyone. I'd try to give you my stream of thought and if others are ready to correct me or add to what I have written, I welcome it with an open heart! In my Personal opinion nihonto is waaaay underpriced because nobody counts of all it goes in it to be made. For me this is a recent hobby and I don't know much although I try to educate myself as good as possible and this forum and its members have been the next level for me so ... thank you But ..opinions opinions.. .. but I still don't know why 500 years old blade can be worth only 2k - would anyone work all that physicial/mental process for such A long time to collect 2k? Think about my angle, I am sure there's much more to it, but some blades were appraised by Fujishiro (among others) for hundreds of gold coins and in the millions of yen. Why the hefty reduction in price? Also, how could a recent made katana is asking the upwards of $20000 but it's centuries old predecessor is only $2k. It is nonsense. Regarding, the so called 'crap blades' - the violent wars of 1500s increased the demand for nihonto tenfold so many reputable experts have named Some of the blades 'inferior' in quality of the regularly produced as the smiths didn't have time to keep up with the demand. I am sure many arguments have arisen about the kazu-uchi mono, I am not there yet to state anything but that I own a few and I don't see anything wrong with their similar counterparts! So be it as it may , I like your sukesada wakizashi and once I get home I will supply a photo of the signature on my blade just for comparison (mine is papered so no doubts there) 😊 Cheers John

I have one, possibly older. Beautiful in every aspect nonetheless ! Old blade Cheers John

Lots of Sukesada indeed, not many jishin mei as it appears to me from the photo (if authentic, so don't quote me). Definitely not a 'crap sword' (don't even know what that means!). My take is - traditionally forged nihonto is extremely undervalued to begin with!!! Just imagine - prayers, 1+ month of heavy labor (usually 2+ people working at a time), polishing by highly ranked togishi (an extra week of hard labor), fittings (lots of time to make as well), shirasaya etc. And then the age ! So I suggest, preserve it, paper it and restore it! Cheers John

Shitahara?? John

The blade looks well preserved although the photos of the blade itself are not enough to determine that for a fact. Very nice Jokyio era (I believe) example. Cheers Some extra info: http://www.sho-shin.com/edo-kaneshige.html Ryo wazamono 👍 John