GeorgeLuucas

Hi Mike, That mark in the yellow circle is what @Bruce Pennington was referring to as a "SEKI stamp" Generally, it means that the sword was made with non-traditional methods in some way. It is still a totally genuine sword from WW2, and very collectible amongst militaria collectors. Below is a link that describes some differences between various WW2 Japanese swords and stamps. https://www.Japanese...ndex.com/showato.htm All the best, -Sam

Here is the opinion of CHAT GBT - which is an artificial intelligence used to search the internet for answers. AI is not perfect, and should be taken with a grain of salt, but sometimes offers a interesting perspective which seems to imply that both legends have melded to an extent: -------------------------------------- QUESTION: In Japanese folklore; what is the difference between Chinnan Sonja and Handaka Sennin? ChatGPT: In Japanese folklore, Chinnan Sonja (also known as Chinnan Shōnin or Chinnan Sennin) and Handaka Sennin are both revered as legendary figures associated with immortality and supernatural powers, often depicted in Taoist and Buddhist contexts. Here are the key differences between them: Chinnan Sonja (Chinnan Sennin): Background: Chinnan Sonja is typically associated with Taoist practices and is considered an immortal or sage who has achieved enlightenment and longevity through spiritual cultivation. Attributes: He is often depicted with mystical powers, such as the ability to control the elements, fly on a cloud, or perform miraculous feats. Cultural Significance: Chinnan Sonja is revered in Japanese folklore for his wisdom and his ability to teach others the path to enlightenment and immortality. Handaka Sennin: Background: Handaka Sennin is another legendary figure in Japanese folklore, often associated with more localized traditions or regional myths. Attributes: Like Chinnan Sonja, Handaka Sennin is portrayed as an immortal or a wise hermit who possesses supernatural abilities. Cultural Significance: Handaka Sennin may be known for specific tales or stories that highlight his interactions with other characters or his teachings, often emphasizing moral lessons or insights. Key Differences: Origin: Chinnan Sonja is more commonly associated with broader cultural and religious contexts, such as Taoism and Buddhism, whereas Handaka Sennin might be linked to more localized or regional traditions within Japan. Teachings: While both figures may impart wisdom and spiritual teachings, their specific philosophies or moral lessons could differ based on the stories and legends associated with them. Iconography: In art and literature, Chinnan Sonja and Handaka Sennin may be depicted differently, reflecting their respective backgrounds and the cultural contexts in which they are revered. Overall, both Chinnan Sonja and Handaka Sennin represent aspects of wisdom, longevity, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment within Japanese folklore, with variations depending on the specific tales and traditions in which they appear. -------------------------------------- All the best, -Sam

Just chiming in again to say, I love the direction this thread has gone, and I’m enjoying seeing these incredible tsuba with similar depictions. Cheers!

Thank you Piers! Those suggestions really opened up my searches. Always fun to look into a new piece. Much appreciated, Cheers! -Sam

Thank you Colin, thats very helpful. Knowing that it's depicting a known motif, Sennin releasing his dragon, makes me like it more! The one thing I DO really like about it, is the tiny brass/gold/yellow eye of the dragon. I thought that was a nice touch. Thanks again everyone. You've helped ease my suspicions, and given me some great things to look into! Cheers, -Sam

Great info Geraint, thank you very much! I'll enjoy looking into Kaneiye. Cheers, -Sam

It had no description whatsoever. It was just on a sword I received, and it fit poorly. I was able to replace it with another Tsuba that happened to fit very nicely. This one came from the sword in my previous post in the Nihonto subforum "Am I on the right track?". I agree that it feels off! I am certainly suspicious, but I don't have the knowledge to state anything factually. It won't hurt my feeling to receive bad news on this one. Like many of my posts, I just want information and hopefully I can learn something. I don't particularly like it aesthetically... It's simply not my style. I prefer more simple subject matter that depict Mon, animals, or plants. Cheers, -Sam

Recently I got a new little sword that had this tsuba on it. It didn’t fit very well, and I had another that fit better. Now this one is a loose tsuba in my collection that I’m developing a curiosity about. Would love your opinions! Fittings are outside my focus but I’m enjoying learning everything I can. Some observations of my own include: - The green tarnish around the yellow dots. - Raw glossy metal showing in the nakago-ana. - Seems thin compared to my others. Thoughts? Cheers, -Sam

Considering that you in the UK have a nearly identical climate/humidity to me in the northwest USA. I think your 15 years of experience is worth taking to heart. Different horse, similar course? I think i'll forget the alcohol for a bit and see if I notice anything. I suspect I wont! Thank you! Cheers, -Sam

I think this is a fair question that nobody has asked. Is the alcohol even necessary? I would say yes.... but only sometimes... If the oil is particularly old, or maybe you want to change oil types (from choji to typewriter / etc.). To ensure the old oil is completely removed before applying a new one - probably out of an excess of caution. Otherwise, for regular use, is it really required? I suspect not. I am interested in hearing others opinions and reasonings. -Sam

Serious diamond pebble in the rough*

I use isopropyl for so many projects that I go through it pretty quick, otherwise i'd be doing something like that. I also buy it in bulk for work, so I have tons available. (Well not tons... but dozens of gallons ) It should also be mentioned, that it can be dangerously flammable - and the vapors can be harmful if inhaled - So you should always handle with care and wear your proper protective equipment (PPE). Cheers from your friendly neighborhood brewer , -Sam

I've used both 91% and 99% with no noticeable difference. Probably one of those things we overthink. To Nulldevice's point; and in my experience in the alcohol industry - both become less-than-advertised in mere moments. Who's to say your 91% isn't 80% and your 99% isn't 82% by the time you get to the end of the bottle. And at that point, what's the difference if you're not able to measure it? Like mentioned, it's best to use it fast. It's cheap compared to your blades, so you might as well replace it often - and use the older bottles for other things. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you all very much. I’m going to spend some time reading up on Zenjo school. I realize helping newbies like me with swords like this must get exhausting from time to time. You’ve been very generous with your time and info and I’m grateful. I very much appreciate the constructive conversation and observations on my sword. Thank you! -Sam

Thank you Jacques, that is a good observation. I'll be taking a take a close look this weekend. That Yamato Senjuin blade that you shared in a link earlier appears to have what looks like masame in the shinogi. Is that just a trick of the polish? The photography? Or my own inexperienced eyes? https://sanmei.com/c...27604_S2823_PUP.html Photo for reference:

Fear not! I am not drawing any conclusions just yet. To Jacques point, judging a sword via photos just isn’t the way. I’m getting some sunny weather this week. I hope to take another close look with fresh eyes and all the new ideas y’all have helped me with. Even after that, I’ll have my ideas, but I won’t know for sure unless I send it in for shinsa; or get a togishi’s expert in-hand assessment. But for now my plan is to admire it and keep it oiled. I appreciate and have enjoyed the discussion very much, Cheers, -Sam

Fair enough, and thank you! I think Sue Koto Mino does make sense. I appreciate the frankness - I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t prepared for that Thanks again, much appreciated! Slowly but surely I’m learning a little every day. Cheers, -Sam

Sunlight damages nearly everything given enough time and exposure. It will bleach fabrics, hair, synthetic and natural materials. It will burn your skin, and dull the paint on your car. It will even turn your beer skunky! Best to keep fine art out of the sun, and many museums even ban flash photography due to an excess of caution. All the best, -Sam

Interesting, thank you. Short answer is no, it does not extend the whole blade and is not the same on both sides. At least not to my novice observation. Muromachi would not hurt my feelings. This sword only put me back hundreds, not thousands. Muromachi was actually my first impression - but i'm not drawing any concrete conclusions until I get this sword into someones hands or Shinsa. What's your current opinion on age and school @Jacques D.? I understand photo kentai will be far from definitive. I appreciate your expertise and input, Cheers, -Sam

Hi Khalid, I am sincerely jealous of all of you attending the Orlando show. I really want to make it one of these years! Please share photos, so I can live vicariously through ya'll. Here's an ongoing thread about the show. You might have better luck finding fellow attendees here: BUT I will be at the SF show! All the best, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Lewis B! I appreciate your input One of the reasons I really liked this sword, is because it reminds me of an early O-suriage Tegai Wakizashi that I am having professionally restored. I wont get that sword back for over a year+. Albeit, that sword has ji-nie and other activity like sunagashi, while this one is much less active. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Jussi Ekholm, I value your input! I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts over the last couple years I’ve been active on this forum. Your information gathering of awarded Juyo blades has been really interesting. I also think this sword is greatly shortened. You’re right, it is very tricky to imagine how it originally looked (especially for me!), and I’m at a loss for dating it. It’s been enjoyable to admire nonetheless. Safe travels, and thank you! As for the height of the shinogi… Jury is still out. I’m having a hard time determining, but it does not appear particularly high to me. This has been a struggle for me to identify that I hope to remedy once I can see more blades side-by-side. Apologies

Thank you @Jacques D., and good question. I took my sword out this morning to investigate the shinogi height, and also that line. The line appears on both sides where masame is most heavy, but not in the same area (they don't mirror each-other by any means). It does not extend the entire blade. It fades into itame/mokume after a few inches toward the kissaki. Upon inspection of the JI, it seems the masame is mostly toward the hamachi, and in the middle of the blade. Toward the kissaki it blends into itame and/or mokume with more intermittent masame. This is just my observation. More experienced eyes may vary! I couldn't get great photos, i'll have to wait for another nice day. Here’s a highlight from my previous photos where that line appears to end on that side. I know photos are not ideal for Nihonto, but the discussion does help me learn. Thank you!

Thank you for clearing that up for me. That makes sense now, and is much appreciated! I agree that the shinogi does not appear particularly "high" - but I would say it's higher than it is low. I'll have to take a closer look at the shinogi height after work today. Edit: is there a way to measure, or photograph, the Shinogi height in a meaningful way? Thank you again, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Brian, some people just can't help themselves. This particular pattern is becoming predictable at this point For what it's worth I am still shopping for a papered mainline Yamato blade (as described in my "wanted to buy" thread). This particular sword I just had to have for the price. I'm under no illusions that it's a high end piece or anything. Like I said, I like it! I'm just a newly married blue-collar fella. I'd quickly lose my wife/life if I bought all the swords, art, and collectibles I REALLY want Cheers, -Sam