Cookie4Monstah

Greetings everyone, I was rummaging around on the internet and for whatever reason this "Dai Sho" at AOI caught my eye. I'd love to find out what your thoughts are on it. It seems like AOI sells quality swords in relatively new polish. How do you feel about their polish as well? https://www.aoijapan.com/dai-shotsushima-kami-tachibana-nyudo-tsunemitsu/ Sincerely, Khalid

Greetings, I just took a few swords out of storage and noticed for the first time that the tang has been cut down at a diagonal angle on one of them. Was this a cut-down tachi? The blade has girth and is relatively heavy. More detailed information and photos can be provided. Thanks, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I recently spoke with a local collector who placed an emphasis on "ubu" nakago and blade length of 28+ inches when it comes katana. How important are these variables to you any why? I personally don't know enough about this subject matter to formulate an opinion but this does seem like the approach of a perfectionist. Thanks, Khalid

Hello everyone, Would it be possible to get some assistance with the kanji on a katana and wakizashi? Also the cut on the tang towards the bottom seems to be rather similar in on these. Does anyone know what time period that attributes them to? I am a novice when it comes to attribution and dating. My best, Khalid

These are the additional photos as promised.

Hi Koryu, That is a beautiful sword. I got into a bidding war over one recently and it was by "Sadashige" as well, in much poorer condition though. The fittings are in really nice shape on yours too. It may not need a polish if it cleans up nice. Congrats on your find. Best, Khalid

Hi Alex A, The blade is very straight. I am not sure as to why that is.

Hi everyone, I'm trying to find out some more information about this sword. From what I've gathered so far it seems to be a shortened "chisai" katana. I've edited a few previously taken photos for you to examine. The habaki seems to be too narrow to be that of a katana though. Blade edge is approximately between 21-22 inches (53-56 cm) in length. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Best, Khalid

Hi Smee78, This is a small assortment of swords that came from one source. The former care taker obtained them from various individuals and estates in the local area. Unfortunately there were no stories to be exchanged.

It appears that the nakago of all four blades are unsigned. I do want to note an observation that one of the katana (in military mounts) is substantially heavier than the other two. I tried to collectively photograph the nakago for you to view but the size of the image is too big to upload. It will need to be sized down.

I'm actually just starting to look around for pillows and bags. Any recommendations as to good quality ones would be appreciated.

Hi ChrisW, I was jesting about the polishing wheel.

Greetings everyone, I just acquired these four swords in a trade with a gentleman on Cape Cod a few hours ago, and wanted to share a few photos with you before I bust out the polishing wheel *(cough). They are dirty and need to be cleaned. I'll post a few more detailed photos after I dust them off. Feel free to comment on what you see so far. Best, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I found this katana at a mom and pop gun shop and was wondering what the nakago says. Any help would be appreciated. It has been bubba'd with as the gun community likes to say but it still might be worth saving. Thanks, Khalid

Hi Stephen and others, I was looking at lot #1444 but the missing tang and broken tip have me feeling a little wozzy. I'm not sure if it's worth restoring. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Best, Khalid

Wow it looks like a thinking cap is needed tonight to address the psychoanalysis being conducted on the motive behind "collecting". 1) There are several forum members that have demonstrated writing ability that, if desired, can formulate a thesis or dissertation on the edifice of collecting. 2) There is the empirical evidence that does suggest that Mazlow's hierarchy of needs comes into play, and can be manipulated by the presence of outside factors such as psychoactive drugs. (I personally believe that some psychedelics "distort" the brain physiologically to the point where psychological abnormality can normalize. This exponentially increases the risk of a nervous breakdown in the long term.) 3) Imagine likening the various formulations of "collections" to identifiable psychological processes. Insecure attachment being linked to hoarding for example. I'll check to see where this ship sailed from here in the morning.

I sent out the wakazashi to be photographed. Once that's done I'll do my best to post the photos in this thread. There are some details in the blade itself that I cannot explain with words (due to my limited vocabulary in Japanese terminology) but demonstrate the artistic taste of the forger. I'd like to share them with you and everyone else. Also I did purchase my 2nd blade some time ago that is also of wakazashi length and is believed to be made by a Bizen smith. It is "older" (1400 to 1500 timeframe) but in "poorer" condition being subjected what seems to be a polishing wheel (evident by left over grind marks). It can still be restored.

Hi Grey and everyone, Here's a few more pictures of the tanto. The cutting edge is about 12.5 inches in length and the total length is about 18 inches. I hope this helps.

Hi everyone, I was rummaging on the the internet earlier today and found this mei on a long tanto. There is a "mum" crest on the other side of the tang. Are they legit and if so what does the "mum" imply? Thanks, Khalid

Hi Winchester, I hope to have a few professional photos of it taken soon. Is there anything you'd like to see in particular? If I remember correctly this wakazashi is attributed to the smiths of the Bizen province made during the 1600 to 1700 timeframe. It is unsigned with no evidence of it ever being.

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about staring my own personal collection of Japanese blades. Any pointers as to how to go about it? I go to shows and get to see private collections every now and then. I'd like to collect examples that are worth holding on to regardless of condition, as long as there have no fatal flaws. The collectors I know on Cape Cod have very deep pockets. They just buy and never sell which doesn't work for me as I don't have a blank budget. Any tips and/or tricks would be helpful. I'm new here and frankly don't know much. I do know that authentic shinsha origami are a plus to have. Best, Khalid

Hi Kissakai, There is no signature on the blade nor has one been removed. I haven't decided if I should get papers for it or not. I may end up selling it at some point. Papers would help determine what the blade could potentially be though. I've attached a few photos of the mounts. The purple and violet combination was of my choosing. I did get a earful from a few local collectors on having a unsigned blade restored.