GeorgeLuucas

My understanding was that we were talking broadly about swords with wakizashi nagasa. More of a hypothetical scenario of swords you might find on a table / available for sale. All the best, -Sam

I’d like to throw out my biased opinion here - in defense of suriage wakizashi. Suriage is an important part of Nihonto history, and naturally many wakizashi have been shortened. Obviously ubu anything is ideal! Y’all have a point when talking about strictly shape/form… But when talking about and comparing wakizashi, especially anything koto, suriage is likely going to be on the table. Simply put: I propose that they at least belong in the conversation. Cheers, -Sam

This one is definitely more challenging! I think my first pick would be #2 down, and I’m not sure I can say why. I imagine it’s o-suriage, and at full length its proportions would be more attractive. Something draws me to that one. Then #3, I’ve always been attracted to this shape. Hard not to like based on shape alone. Then #1 and then #4. Just the musings of a novice. I’m looking forward to what others have to say. I do like wakizashi, because they’re often within my budget . Cheers, -Sam

Until you find a proper replacement: you can fashion one from a bamboo chopstick. Cut off the proper length from a section of the tapered end. Choose a section that fits without falling out easily. Cool sword! Best of luck, -Sam

Love the question! I was 11 years old.. Thank god I didn’t do anything stupid with it at that age It belonged to my grandfather. The story of how he got it, is lost. Every time I would visit, I would ask to see it. He was pretty grumpy, and only occasionally agreed to show it to me. Anyway, he had a stroke, and I think he knew he was going to pass; because while visiting a couple weeks before my birthday, he decided to give it to me. He was only 73 and I was turning 11, and my parents shocked looks were priceless Anyway, after many lectures about the responsibility of owning a weapon. I took it home with me. He passed away a week later, RIP. Fast forward ~20 years, I take interest in it, post it here, and send it off to Ted for ID. He tells me its genuine, and early Shinto mino! I didn’t even know it was real for those 20 years. Nothing particularly valuable, but very special to me. Cheers, -Sam

What, you don't want to take the risk?

That's a great idea for a new thread. I'd start it, but I don't want to take your idea. I'd certainly participate. I imagine we all have a story! Cheers, -Sam

4, the width and shape into the kissaki is what attracts me and makes me think “old”. Then the tanto Then 3, 2, 1 in that order. I agree shape is very important. I’m trying to fine tune my ability to recognize how shape can inform age. Cheers, -Sam

Yes, sending pm

There’s also a show in Vegas at the end of January. Not sure if that’s further or closer than SF for you, but it’s sooner! Best of luck, -Sam

Maybe someone can help my memory here, Who was the smith/s on the two Tokubetsu Juyo swords in the Bizen Display? Cheers, -Sam edit: Got the answer = Osafune Kanemitsu !

Just got home from the SF sword show, and I saw a few people, probably around 18, showing some real interest. An encouraging sign!

30+ From my perspective, the community is an older crowd. There’s more and more young folk getting into it though!

Just there to learn for me, and to handle more swords. I was open to buying, but unprepared to fly anything home with me. My favorite sword of the show (aside from the bizen display and other 50k+ items): Was a Yamato Hosho katana with Tanobe Sayagaki. It had really stunning masame, hakikake, and some itame/mokume that I understand is a bit uncharacteristic of the school. I really enjoyed admiring it. Right now I’m liking Yamato swords quite a bit. Cheers, -Sam

Saw a lot of really amazing swords and fittings. It’s awesome what people are willing to let you handle on their tables - it’s really an incredible opportunity to handle swords; and the dealers and artisans are very kind, helpful, and educational. A big highlight for me was meeting fellow forum members to chat swords @Kyoto-13 @atm @nulldevice, it’s a lot of fun to chat Nihonto with other collectors. Another was the Nambokucho Bizen display and lecture. There were a couple TokuJuyo swords on the table that were absolutely stunning. What an opportunity! And Thomas’s Morisuke is really impressive! Anyway, I’m traveling back home now. All the best, and until next year! -Sam

The overhead lighting in the room is not perfect. But thankfully many dealers have their own lights for their display. Many of the swords are in amazing polish. So even in not ideal lighting, much activity can still be seen. I remember last year there was some purple light overhead, and that was really bad for viewing - I feel it’s better this year. I hope to meet some fellow forum members today! I’ll be in a green cap with a yellow 0 on it. Please say hello! And apologies in advance for my perpetual social awkwardness All the best, -Sam

I have arrived! I spent a lot of time on the floor today, and I’ll be there even longer tomorrow. Hope y’all made it safe

I think what you are referring to is called ATOBI. If it’s a horimono carved after smithing it’s called ATOBORI. Hope this helps your searches, All the best, -Sam

I am just now realizing that I spelled San Francisco incorrectly in the title Just a few days away. Safe travels everyone Cheers, -Sam

That's very exciting Thomas. Is there anything an attendee like me needs to do, to view the Nanboku-cho Bizen presentation? A sign-up perhaps? I've been reading up on the topic in preparation for the show, and stumbled across this. I hope you don't mind me sharing it here, its a fascinating read! https://nihonto.com/bizen-morisuke-備前守助/ All the best, -Sam

Wow, very cool! Thank you for sharing these photos and your story. Looking forward to seeing what else you find! Welcome to the forum, Cheers, -Sam

I did a little digging and found my post about it. Here it is! With some images for posterity: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/48491-weird-showa-to-with-seppa-latchlock/#comment-504210

Here’s another unusual method that I saw on a late war setup on eBay a while back. It attached to a peg on the saya. Unfortunately I did not save more photos.

I had a feeling you might be filing these . I will make a post in the military sword section once I find some time for a photo-shoot. I have this sword in my possession now, it came from a widow in the area. My first Showa-to! Hopefully I can add #8 to your files, we'll see. Anyway, hopefully this helps for your files for now: -The sword is in Standard type 98 fittings, with metal saya. -Inside the Fuchi, saya, and on the Tsuka under the button lock, are the numbers 226. The Fuchi is an off color compared to the other fittings, making me suspect a field repair or later addition. -I believe these numbers match the red writing on the nakago. -There's no numbers anywhere else i've found, yet. Button is missing, but lock is functional. Tsuba is not punched through. Nice sarute if original. About the blade, It's in OK condition with some surface rust and a minor chip (less than 1mm). Being a showato, I'll keep it as-is, or sell it down the road. Hope this helps! Cheers, -Sam

Thank you Geraint! My signature has less characters, but If I’m interpreting this correctly, is it signed: “Ôsawa Kanehisa Saku” With the Kanehisa kokuin below. Much appreciated, thank you very much!