GeorgeLuucas

The menuki on this sword looks like a black mouse on a ear of corn, on the other side it's a brass colored mouse on an ear of corn. Am I correct in assuming that this wrap and menuki must have been done in the 1800's or later? I didn't think corn was readily available in Japan until later. Could this menuki be depicting a mouse on something else?

I will definitely shop around on the polishers, and see if I can get an expert to look at it. It's a family heirloom of sorts, and I want to respect it as much as I can; not only for it's personal sentimental value, but also for it's history. The dark tarnish marks look like surface buildup more than anything deeper into the steel. But again, it's really hard to tell with my untrained eye. As a kid, I had naively thought they were "blood stains", haha. Thanks again for the information and input. I appreciate it!

I really can't tell if they are bad rust or openings unfortunately. On close inspection I can't see any evidence of a crack underneath the dark parts, but that's only because the area is so obscured by the dark tarnish. I'm still learning, so I imagine an expert could tell me if they could see it in person. The cutting edge of the blade is approximately 26 inches. Any recommendations for polishers in the US, preferably western united states would be very welcome. I gently apply oil to the blade once about every 6 months, and I have it stored in a generally dry climate. a Kaeri, thank you for clearing that up. Thanks again for all your help!

Here's some photos of those dark ware/rust/tarnish marks. I've definitely considered getting it polished, i'd love to do it my lifetime before I end up having to hand it down. Even if the process costs more than the item is ultimately worth. Thank you!

More photos

I inherited this sword, and I'd love to learn everything I can about it. I've gotten some feedback on other forums that leads me to believe it might be a Kanbun era blade, possibly Mino school. It was suggested to me that I try posting photos here to get more feedback. I've been reading a lot on the subject and am slowly grasping the vocabulary and terminology. It's become a very fun hobby, and any information anyone can share with my about this sword would be really appreciated. It's really hard to see the hamon on the tip of the blade, due to the rusting. I can't get a photo, but it looks like the hamon pattern continues gently to the point and curves back a bit, what I think is a "notarekomi" - Apologies if I'm off there. I also have a very hard time seeing the grain of the steel, but I think it's a more straight grain. I know the condition is less than ideal, I wish it had been maintained better before I acquired it. Since then, I have only wiped the blade with 94% alcohol, and given it a light coating of pure mineral oil. Thanks for your time,

Hello, first time poster here. I inherited a sword, and I'm trying to learn everything I can about it. I know the fittings can change throughout the lifetime of the blade, but I still think they're interesting in their own right, and I would like to learn about them. I've been reading a lot about Nihonto's and am slowly starting to grasp the vocabulary and terminology. It's become a hobby that I'm enjoying learning about. Attached are some photos, and I'd love to learn anything I can about the tsuba, tsuka, and these fittings. I know the condition is not ideal, I wish it were maintained better before I acquired it. Before I acquired it, the saya had been spray painted gold... Over the years it has flaked off thankfully, but remnants remain on the decorative cap at the end of the saya. Any advice on removal would be appreciated, or even if I should bother attempting. I will be posting more photos of the blade in the Nihonto forum soon. Thank you all for your time,