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Hello Christopher, where did you get this graph from? In regards to the study, did you find anything in the meantime? I took a look on some search engines for scientific papers and the closest I've found to a comparison is the following: From Koto age to modern times: Quantitative characterization of Japanese swords with Time of Flight Neutron Diffraction F. Grazzi, L. Bartoli, F. Civita, R. Franci, A. Paradowska, A. Scherilload and M. Zoppia You can find it online. KR, Giulio

I agree, but this is part of the game when it comes down to collecting stuff. We might dream about an informed purchase after years of studies, but a big part of that is "can I afford it?". Same with paintings, relics, books etc. In addition to that I think that it would not make much difference for a person who knows nothing about Nihonto to purchase something over internet or in person. If there's no knowledge about how to "read" the Hamon, the Jigane etc. even taking a closer look would be irrelevant. I'm actually more worried about how these people then keep the blades. Naked swords kept off the Shirasaya in showcases with no control over humidity and temperature, no care when handling them etc. etc. Collections come and go, a naive collector will probably keep the sword for few year just to impress the friends and then sell it, but if in the meantime the blade gets damaged that would remain for future generations.

Thanks @Gakusee! At least this shed some light on that and is anyway a good improvement for me for interpreting the blade!

Thank you very much Christpher (@Valric), indeed really helpful. That section in the blade, if I'm not mistaken, should be the following one:

Thank you very much for the hints Christopher. In the description of the sword by the vendor (usually really reliable) Nijuba was mentioned, but now wondering if it's not that one or if the description was not precise.

Hello, I'm Giulio, Italian now living in Switzerland. I've always been interested in Japanese culture and art and recently I extended my passion to Nihonto. I had the opportunity to buy two ko-Mihara blades and I'm now in the process of studying them. Best regards, Giulio

Dear all, I would like to ask you for your opinion in regards to a Hataraki I'm observing on a ko-Mihara blade by Mihara Masahiro. It generally looks to me as a Nijuba, but, as it seems to originate directly from the Habuchi, might also be considered as a Nie-sake or a Hotsure. Now, I'm aware that bold and unambiguous definition are not always possible when discussing about steel activities, so it could perfectly make sense that an Hataraki originates, for example, as a Hotsure and then reconfigures as a Nijuba, but, as I'm pretty new in Nihonto studies, I would really like to ask for feedbacks of people with more experience. Thanks!