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Thanks ya'll! Very kind words! @Wayben, probably not anytime soon for the Shirasaya. Although, I would love to learn a craft like that from a professional. Like everything Nihonto, I'm told it's no easy task, and would require some training and mentorship to do it correctly. I imagine some special tools too. I'm still relatively young, so maybe someday! My next challenge will be making a shinogi-zukuri tsunagi for a longer blade. I'm also working on an antler kake for myself. I'll photo document my process next time - but for now here's a synopsis (i'm sure there are better ways). I used an 8mm plank of wood from a craft store, and measured the blade with plastic calipers. I then drew the blade on the piece of wood with a pencil, and used a dremel tool to cut out a rough blade shape. I then widdled it down with a pocket knife to get a closer blade shape and establish a slight bevel. From there, I took some more precise measurements, and established the mune-machi and ha-machi locations. After that, it was all sandpaper and filing - being careful to sand an iori-mune at the mune-machi. *The hardest part was getting the habiki to fit, and I was surprised how thin the piece of wood needed to be. especially at the edge. (probably no surprise to ya'll ).* *I used a photo of the blade and measurements for reference, and took the sanding and filing to another room (Don't want to get sand paper particles all over the blade).* *Being extra careful to clean the wood of particles before attempting a fit (see above ^).* *All said and done, I learned a lot. I ended up with a slightly different blade geometry, but at least it fits!* My motives are to be crafty and practice, rather than entrepreneurial. Unfortunately I work too much right now. Thanks for reading my long winded comment, Edit: added side by side photo, and the next blade I hope to make a Tsunagi for, from my type 98. Cheers, and all the best! -Sam

Thanks Stephen! Thankfully the blade is hira-zukuri, and not very long. A good length and shape for a first try. Otherwise I think I would have failed or given up! Cheers, -Sam

Got bored today and decided to try to make my own Tsunagi for a Wakizashi I’ve got. It’s an out of polish, mumei blade with WW2 leather saya cover. Anyway, the process gave me a whole new appreciation for the precision of koshirae craftsman. Wow, it was challenging to fit! Just sharing for the sake of sharing, All the best, -Sam

I’ve heard similar advice before from experienced collectors, and would like to try a good machine oil myself. Would you mind sharing what kind you use? I have both a high quality choji oil from Bob Benson, and also the oil from Stephens photos. I prefer Stephens recommendation, and like the cloth it comes with. And because the smell of choji oil reminds me of dental procedures Cheers, -Sam

1. During the war, the government requested that families donate their swords for the war effort (assuming the particular blade was not culturally significant to Japan). Many families donated swords to be used in WW2. These swords were refitted with military issue fittings to a greater or lesser extent. Also, after the war, Japan was "disarmed" and a lot of swords and weapons were taken by allied forces - and many others were tragically destroyed. 2. There are great stories about Naginata being used by women. Although, who's to say exactly how yours was used and when. There's a very interesting and brutal story about a Naginata wielding woman named "Nakano Takeko"... If you are interested, it's absolutely worth reading or finding a podcast about her. Looking forward to the discussion here, Cheers, -Sam

To add a bit to an already interesting discussion: I use microfiber cloths. I used to use a brand called microdeer, but they're no longer available. So I use clean microfiber cloth that would typically be used for eyeglasses. Good advice, as always, from Colin, Jean and Brian Best of luck, -Sam

Here's a couple really informative and helpful articles about green papers by Darcy Brockbank. Also a NMB forum topic about the subject. Definitely worth considering before you buy. https://web.archive....en-papers-no-papers/ https://web.archive....m/green-papers-pt-2/ That being said, Toryu gives great advice - to buy the koshirae/sword and not the paper/attribution Best of luck, -Sam

That’s a really good one Stephen. I like it. Those antler ones are crazy expensive! Antlers and antler sheds are so common out here, I might try to make one for myself Cheers, -Sam

With blades like this, of mystery origin and questionable craftsmanship, my first step would be trying to determine if it’s a functional sword. If it’s an unhardened strip of metal, then it’s almost certainly a fake If it’s hardened steel and full tang, then maybe it’s a real sword from somewhere Outside my expertise and focus, so grain of salt and all that… my gut says fake, but I’m prepared to be wrong. -Sam

The left one has "spines" along its back and tail. Other than that, one is over the shinogi and the other is on *a hira-zukuri blade?* blade without a shinogi. Making me think the proportions might be very different. Even if not genuine Nobuhide, it looks decently carved from my novice eye. I imagine it would look nice if the sword were in better polish. Looking forward to everyones take! All the best, -Sam

The black thing on the shirasaya is a horn insert for the mekugi. Like Brian said, it’s a decorative addition As far as the blade activity goes, it would help to see the tanto itself. But it’s challenging to capture some of that subtle activity in photography Best of luck, -Sam

$30 for two drinks is a terrible deal! Jokes aside, it looks really nice! Sounds like it was meant to be yours. Funny how items find us sometimes. All the best, -Sam

I'd start with your fingers... and if that's not working maybe a pair of pliers; but with a rag/towel between the metal of the pliers and the metal of the screw (so you don't scuff/scratch/stamp the sides of the screw with the plier tread) Hope that makes sense, Best to go slow and be careful, Cheers, -Sam *Edit: If all else fails, there might be a fellow NMB member from Vermont who could help out in-person.

If it's spinning in place, then it might simply "pull-out" Don't go yanking on anything though. Try gently pulling on it, and see if it has any give. What does the other side of the screw look like? You might have to secure that side while you turn, like a nut and a bolt. Anyway, I'm sure i'm not speaking for myself here; but I'd love to see more photos of the whole sword! Best of luck, -Sam

It's hard to believe that people don't know better by now. Not just with swords, but with any amateur "restoration" of an antique. "Let me just add my own personal touch to this relic. I'll make it even better!" What a stupid idea... Sad to see, Cheers, -Sam

If it were worth it to be papered, it likely would be already. That's not to say you cannot try! Here's a link with some info about NBTHK shinsa submissions. (sharing a link I took from Stephen from a different thread) https://www.bushidoj...insa-submission.html I'd recommend being patient and taking your time though... As beginners, there's a lot to take in before we start sending swords all over the world. You will benefit greatly from study, before making any big decisions and spending too much $$$. The sword can wait while you study a bit. - just my two cents Best of luck, Cheers, -Sam

I’m familiar with these listings. I’ve purchased from the seller before. They have good prices and honest descriptions. I’ve also seen their images reused in fraudulent listings before. I’ll send you a message @ysake to confirm you’re at the right place. Looks like the second blade is no longer available, did you get it? *edit: confirmed legit seller Nakago pics from the sellers page: first four are blade #1, last three are blade #2

I am living vicariously, and jealously through all these photos! Looks like a really great event. I'll have to make more of an effort to attend next year. Best of luck everyone, and safe travels Cheers, -Sam

“The Connoisseur’s book of Japanese Swords”, by Kokan Nagayama - is a must have. Great for beginners like me, and for starter info on gokaden. Another good one for blade features, but it’s a little expensive, is “Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords A Collectors Guide” Jim Dawsons Cyclopedia of military swords is really great. But it’s more about fittings and military stuff, and not about blades. It can be easily overlooked, but if you explore this websites resources, links, and other pages you will find a literal treasure trove of free and available information. Definitely worth exploring the pull-down menus and PDFs if you haven’t already! Best of luck and welcome to the forum, Cheers, -Sam

That's all I needed to hear Steve Best of luck to you, And it's a nice looking sword! Cheers, -Sam

I think that is precisely the source of the criticism toward you, Steve. Are you here for a love of swords??? Or are you here to solicit information from members, in an attempt to profit from more naive collectors down the road? It is not clear to me. If you continue to skirt those questions, I fear everyone will have you on "ignore" before too long, Just trying to help, Sincerely, -Sam

That makes a ton of sense. Thank you! I see on some of the other examples in the other thread, the leather rings are attached a certain distance apart. On yours, does the ring toward the kissaki slide independently up and down the saya? Or are they stitched in place?

In Dawson's Cyclopedia of military swords in the civilian guntos section, he talks about the leather covers. I just read the section last night (i'm at work right now, or i'd use a direct quote. anyone have the book handy?) Some swords were given leather covers over their preexisting older Saya. So if one of those saya was missing an ashi, sometime they would be added under the cover. Maybe this is a custom, or late war "quickie". Using leather ashi instead of the metal ones to save time/money Just a theory, ***Edit: to add the photo of leather ashi from Jim Dawsons book, page 170 -Sam

Imagine having a $4,000 sword in a $40,000 bag Gotta be a typo right?! Should be ¥5,900 I would think All the best, -Sam

Great idea. Or with the strap, add length, and a second button! Does the moisture in the leather cause issues being in contact with the blade? Assuming there's no shirasaya for longterm storage? Apologies for being off topic, Maybe a "leather seppa" thread could be interesting in the military sword section, Cheers, -Sam