Scogg

Here's a helpful link on the different terminology surrounding mei. Typically a smith signs their name on the side of the sword that faces outward when worn - so depending on the type of sword (tachi vs katana), you might see signatures on different sides of the nakago http://www.ncjsc.org/gloss_mei-1.html *And there are always exceptions to the rule, especially when gimei is on the table. Best of luck, -Sam

The seppa look like they have their edges “cut off” so they don’t obscure the kozuka hitsu-ana, Or maybe another part of the tsuba. I have a sword with seppa like that Looks like there’s also a leather seppa, which was probably added recently to prevent rattling

Definitely a large kissaki! I’m not quite knowledgeable enough to tell if it might be a Nagamaki. A look at the whole sugata, without habiki, would help those who are. My guess would be that it’s just a strong o-kissaki on a katana or wakizashi Best of luck, -Sam

It looks like o-kissaki to me Hard to tell from your photo, does it turn back at all? Image from google for reference:

I think that's a big part of the issue here... What are we discussing? Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu? Nihonto? Japanese military swords? Arsenal Blades? Auctions? Dealers? Books? I'd still like to know what you're trying to collect, and why? (see my comment on page 2). Are you looking for ww2 swords, nihonto, both? Are you collecting for your own personal gratification, or are you treasure hunting and trying to buy and resell? I don't meant to sound rude, but answers to these questions might quell many of the judgements from the so called "babbling critics". Right now it just seems like you want some type of valuable Japanese sword for reasons unknown. Last attempt before I'm out , Sincerely, -Sam

@Swords it might be helpful to explain to us your collecting goals. Right now it just seems like you’re throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks Do you simply want an authentic Japanese sword as a conversation piece for your larger militaria collection? Is your goal to appreciate the art in Nihonto, and learn everything you can? Or are you treasure hunting trying to buy and resell? Other motivation/goal perhaps? All the best, Happy new year, -Sam

Wow, gorgeous blade and stunning koshirae. If anyone was thinking of a belated Christmas gift for me…

What raised my eyebrows on this particular sword was this feature in the shinogiji, that looks almost Unokubi Zukuri maybe? I usually see similar features on naginata or further up the blade Now I’m wondering if it’s a glare of the light

Yeah it looks in very bad condition. Or maybe someone foolishly buffed it out at some point. Or maybe a combination of some of the above The combination of poor photo quality, and lack of any pictures focusing on the kissaki, makes me wonder how deep that corrosion is

Shipping from Japan with no papers… Poor condition. But I thought I’d share because of the interesting shape. Hamichi and munemichi look like it’s got some life Don’t worry, I won’t be buying. But I would love to hear thoughts! https://www.ebay.com/itm/134866841748?hash=item1f66b0b094

The mihaba on that last one is wiiiiide Is that one of those swords designed specifically for tameshigiri?

For what it's worth, according to the listing itself, it's stated that the sword is "signed made by Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu" It does NOT state that it was made by Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu, and offers no guarantee on mei legitimacy. It simply states the translation on the nakago, and offers some info about the smith it claims to be. I know that's a little tricky with the semantics, but it's something to look out for on unpapared blades. For example: I find a painting and write "Picasso" on it, then list the item as "painting signed Picasso" - which is technically true... but it's still not actually painted or signed by Picasso

Still very tempted. It has been a while since I've taken a trip to Vegas. My attendance aside, I hope ya'll have a great time and see some awesome items! Please share photos once ya'll are home and settled Cheers, -Sam

Being from Somerset, I imagine your climate is similar to mine (similar latitude); which also appears to be close-ish to the ocean / salt water Over here we've got grey skies, dank earth, and frequent mold issues - and oiling nihonto is a MUST I use this stuff (WITHOUT THE STONE!) https://www.amazon.c...284507_t1_B00TCZEV36

I would think if one jihada were superior to others, then it would have been slowly adopted by most smiths. I personally view it as an artistic or traditional feature before a practical one I really like mokume hada Best of luck, -Sam

Thanks Jussi, this is really interesting Fist thing that stands out, is only ONE wakizashi! Great data, and thanks for the translation, Cheers, -Sam

This whole thread is a fantastic example of the can-of-worms I try to avoid by only collecting: unpapered mumei and/or papered zaimei For me it comes down to personal preference as the collector. I often attend militaria shows, and frequently witness people buying gimei swords over mumei swords simply because "it's signed" - with no further thought or care. Personally, I'd rather have a sword with a big flaw than a fake signature. I consider gimei not only dishonest, but the opposite of a conversation piece... By the time I explain all the ins-and-outs of the history of gimei, the person i'm conversing with will have lost all interest. I like the advice of buying the blade, and not the signature; but to get to that point I need a higher level of knowledge and need to see more shoshin swords. Just my two cents -Sam

I also struggle with image sizing sometimes. My phone likes to take HUGE images apparently. I often get around this issue, by taking a screenshot of the image I have just taken - then cropping the image to highlight the item - and deleting the original so I don't have multiple photos of the same thing. The screenshot and cropped version of your picture should be considerably smaller in file size than the original. Be careful to crop the image appropriately, so you don't include your phones battery life, time, and reception %. Best of luck, and cool sword, -Sam

Whether it be quenched with oil, water, or treated with acid… looks like maybe a hamon is present? Looks interesting to me, I like the shape. A shame it doesn’t have its koshirae

Thank you very much @Ray Singer that helps a lot. It was a nice looking sword I wish I could have purchased thanks again! I appreciate all the help

At a militaria show today, and a man brought in a nice type 98 he’s curious about

Thanks for sharing Chris, your photos are really impressive! They look professionally done, and like they belong in a Nihonto magazine I really dig the koshirae also. I hope to see your photo setup one of these days! Cheers, -Sam

It's my understanding that many togishi have incredibly long waitlists. Having them constantly field newcomers with rusted swords can't be helping that; I imagine. For what it's worth, and from personal experience, googling anything Nihonto related is really confusing unless you've have the basic vocabulary down. So hopefully people at least learn not to attempt an amateur restoration themselves. -- Maybe that's all the initial advice that should be given. I think your suggestion is good, Grey. Knowledge and learning should always come before spending the big $

I see that you're the seller. I would suggest taking some of your own photos in addition to the ones you currently have. Also take a photo of the torokusho next to your sword, rather than a screenshot photo from a phone. Right now, without any selling history, it looks like you've taken screenshots of a sword off the Internet and decided to list it. Which is something eBay buyers definitely lookout for. Best of luck, -Sam

Might be one of the most poorly defined mon I’ve come across. On an army parade saber. Fake?