Scogg

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

Lovely tsuba Curran! And nice double box. Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy seeing pieces from members collections. Not even Yoko could split up that pair Cheers, -Sam

I’d consider buying it, but I have big concerns. Is it all just your comments, minus the dissenting opinions and viewpoints discussed here? If any of those opinions are included, are those people credited? Will you be donating any of the book proceeds to the forum where you collaborated the information published? Never seen anything like this before on the forum, so forgive me if I find it suspicious. -Sam

A real test would be nice. So far this is all just been pictures, ideas, and theories. If you find a tsuba you speculate is cast, how do you then determine it was made in the edo period? More speculation? It’s fine to speculate, but 16 pages of it without anything deeper to back it up… for what? Is this all just for your Amazon book?

That oil that Stephen recommended is what I use. It also comes in a spray-bottle. Which I prefer, because it's easier to use a minimal amount. The bottle should last a really long time. I don't like the smell of clove, and gun oil smells too... industrial? for my liking. Just my two cents. Cheers, -Sam

Admittedly, I am one of those likes on John’s post. I liked his comment because I respect his opinion and insights. He’s far more experienced than I am, and I often learn from his contributions here. I still agree with my first comment though, because my initial reaction was a fondness for your tsuba - regardless of its age. All the best, -Sam

Hi Dee, I cannot help with era or school, but I do like your Tsuba! It appears to have nice color, and fine AMIDA YASURI (radiating lines); and I like the rectangular Hitsu Ana. Those copper punch spots look interesting, I wonder why they are there. Congrats, looks like theres a lot to enjoy there! I am surprised more members haven't weighed in. Happy Holidays and new year, -Sam

AI also supports that iron and steel will flake, especially after corrosion. Seems like the most logical conclusion All the best, -Sam

Hi Jeff, thank you for all the photos. I think many of us are a little confused too. I'm inclined to agree with @2devnul on this one. I think it looks real, but really messed with... hard to say. The nakago and hamachi + munemachi are what concerns me too. They have the appearance of being altered by an untrained craftsman (if its not a forgery). If you bought it on eBay, was the seller "komonjo"? He's notorious for selling stuff similar to this. If he's the seller; that would explain a lot. To my novice eye, it looks like an 'untrained someone' moved the hamachi and munemachi up, giving the nakago and it's profile a wrong look. I also suspect the nakago has some artificial patination to look older. Tough one, and sorry for all the bad news... For what it's worth, I think most of us on this board have been burned at least once; I know I have. Just my two cents, and I could be wrong too. All the best, -Sam

Thank Brian! It's no museum level piece, but I am quite fond of it. It's the first Akasaka tsuba in my collection. Great color, thickness, and weight - but there's still quite a bit of red rust scattered around. I couldn't buy a sword for myself this holiday, so I think this is a good compromise (checks wife's expression) . Cheers and hope you're feeling better, -Sam

This is really a killer deal, and I am amazed it has not yet sold. Someone better buy this before my willpower subsides Really nice looking sword, -Sam

After seeing this Tsuba shared in another thread, I knew I had to have it. I consider it a holiday gift to myself Sukakashi Tsuba, Akasaka school with Myoga motif. Unusual “S” shape, that was proposed may be an S hook for a kettle. Anyway, this is a permanent addition to my collection because I like it so much. Sharing just for show-and-tell. Cheers, -Sam

It almost looks designed to sit perfectly on that plastic display stand