Scogg

For hamon, I typically oscillate between 3 and 4 But I likely go through each step to see what gets revealed

I am inclined to agree with Dee, Rob, and Polaria That being said, I took a really hard look at #1 also. Do the chain links on that one not join vertically down the center seam? Is this a feature on this type of chain, or perhaps the sign of a fake? (Area in question highlighted with red line). Seems a recipe for entanglement. Thanks Hamfish, Good for study. -Sam

I fear we are playing the part of unpaid editors and producers of his Amazon books. His book is harmful to the collecting community, being nothing but circumstantial conspiracy theories copy and pasted from his posts on THIS forum. How is a new collector to know his book is less credible than another? He knows what he's doing is unethical. Otherwise he wouldn't be so defensive about his book. Ever met an author who doesn't want to market their material? I understand my words are not "flowers and rainbows" - so delete if needed. But this is the way I see it. Are we helping him write another? -Sam

My guess is the top half remnant of a damaged showa stamp. Looks like some green buildup around there too. How conveniently obscured that part of the image is . I think wartime showato are really interesting from a militaria collector standpoint. Being able to learn about individual smiths and their lives around the war is always interesting. The Fuller and Gregory books and softcover material has gone up in price A LOT. It took me a while to find them at a price I could manage. Maybe another sign of increased interest and popularity. All the best, -Sam

https://www.jstor.or...table/48647105?seq=1 page 5 You asked Jean to state his references. He was referencing the article that you shared, that I linked above. On page 5. But you’re right, he can defend himself, and I’m sure he will if he chooses to. But Dan, your inability to connect the dots is flabbergasting. I think it’s time for me to retire from these fantasy and guesswork threads of yours. Goodbye Dan, best of luck finding the ghosts you’re looking for. -Sam

His reference is the article that you, yourself, shared. His quote is on page 5, I think https://www.jstor.or...table/48647105?seq=1

Wow, another thread to pull my hair out over. Fremdschämen

It's important to remember correlation does not imply causation; and not all opinions are created equal. Dan, some food for thought. Can you imagine if I persistently told people on the forum with more knowledge than me, even after they tell me otherwise: "Maybe my sword was made with cast steel, and an alternative hardening method. It has features that I am unable to describe and identify, so it could be RARE, and an example of SECRET KNOWLEDGE." Because that's how all this sounds. Sincerely, -Sam

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/50881-fs-mumei-katana-w-shirasaya-nthk-npo/#comment-531411 Here is another example, posted in our For Sale section. This one is quite a bit lower, closer to the nakagojiri Cheers, -Sam

I’m looking forward to what members have to share here. I have this sword in koshirae. I don’t think it’s been messed with since it left Japan sometime prior to the Korean American war (time my grandfather acquired it). Although my grandpa did spray paint the saya gold that has since flaked off Not sure if it qualifies, and open to learn otherwise; but it’s at least a not-so-modern assembly. Cheers, -Sam (yep that’s me!) Menuki is mouse on ear of corn.

I don’t know Dan, I’ve seen a lot of proposed ideas on this thread, that make more sense than some unknown and mysterious alternative construction method. Even from some very experienced collectors. I think the onus of proof lies firmly in your hands now. Until then, onward?

Well, it comes from me, because i'm the one who said what you copy/paste quoted. You said you used sandpaper and steel wool, which, in my view, is a step further than simple rust mitigation or non-invasive rust removal.

Very good points about respect @Hokke I figured they had already threw respect out the door, so a monetary argument might be more convincing . To everyone else, I just don't get it.. Has Brian not been crystal clear on the topic? Another downvote, Dan? Jeez. -Sam

I'd love to see it! Looks like some nice activity going on there. Just an idea; and the more I look, the less it looks like scratching Best of luck, See ya in a few weeks! -Sam

Nobody is ever going to agree that someone untrained should polish a Nihonto here on NMB. Nihonto is not only art, but also culturally important. Many sword polishers (togishi), and smiths, dedicate their lives to the craft, and sacrifice A LOT to do it. Not to mention that particular sword may have history you're completely unaware of. I just think what you're proposing is ill-advised, but also disrespectful to history, culture, and the ancient+modern craftsman. https://japaneseswordindex.com/togishi.htm I'm not worried you'll ruin a great blade. I'm worried you're establishing a mindset of altering antique artifacts for no other reason than personal satisfaction. I'm worried that people will read this, and think "hey why not try myself, he did it!" Dan, what you're saying and showing is irresponsible and harmful to the hobby.

Hi Chandler, nice looking sword! Congrats! Photographing Nihonto is so challenging. Whenever I try, like you mentioned, I get one great photo for every 100 bad ones. Which fills up my phones memory really quick I wonder... if the features you're seeing might be light scratching/abrasion from wiping the blade. I can see some active rust on the last photo you shared, near the hamachi and munemachi. I can imagine that over the years, someone maybe wiped the blade from that area north toward the kissaki, causing some scratching? Just a theory/idea, as I cannot see it in-hand. All the best, -Sam

Nobody forgot. It was addressed directly by Mark just a couple comments later. To summarize: how does a beginner determine if a rusty blade is worth 100 or 10,000? The answer is, in this situation: Uninformed speculation and assumptions based entirely on it's 'for-sale' price. That's just simply not good enough. It's entirely counterintuitive to what we should be striving for in this community. I encourage everyone to read, and reread everything Brian has said. He said it better than me. Cheers, -Sam

Probably been covered a million times, but I seem to be failing at my searches. I'd like to participate in some of these kentai posts, but I'd like to answer with a "hidden comment" so not to spoil anything. How do you do that? I've seen it utilized before. Cheers, -Sam

I like the way this discussion is going. I’m looking forward to your microscope photos, Dan. I wonder… it looks pretty flakey to me. Did any of that outer material flake off in the packaging? Don’t damage it, but is any loose enough that it falls off? If so, you could see if the outer material is magnetic or not. It looks metal, but is it? Just some thoughts, Carry on, -Sam

Really stunning pieces, thank you for sharing! I love these before and after threads. They really shows the potential beauty hiding in the rough. I'd be proud to have such a tsuba! Cheers, -Sam

I hope you don’t leave the forum @KungFooey, I’ve enjoyed your contributions here. Most are just critical about a hobby that they are passionate about, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Some could work on their bedside-manner, but we’re here for swords and swords are sharp All the best. Cheers, -Sam

Hope this helps, I think what you're describing is called "Kami hosoyori Hiramaki Zuka" perhaps? https://www.tsukamaki.net/gallery1.htm I'm not familiar with this website or their services, but it shows a series of different tsuka wrapping styles that hopefully narrows your search. Maybe there's an experienced tsukamaki-shi on the forum who can help clarify. Cheers, -Sam