JustinJustin

Hello! I appreciate any help with deciphering the Mei on this Katana that is for sale. Thank You, justin

Thanks so much! I will stay well away! But it certainly helps to get your opinions and help train my eyes! -Justin

Hello- I hope everyone is doing well! Just curious about this Tanto that is listed for sale online. The seller is listing it for $850.00 USD and is listing it as a showa blade but doesn't have any other information to add. Do you all think this is an accurate representation? Would it be worth picking up? Thanks, Justin

Hello- I took some better pictures with natural light outside. I know that in the one photo it looks to be a 3 but I’m just not so sure. Anyways I appreciate all of the input and help. Kindly, Justin

I totally see the area in that photo that looks like a 3 but I’m not so certain. I’ll attach a manipulated close up from the area—but I suppose it could just be worn away. Kindly, Justin

Good morning! Once again thank you to everyone for their help and input. It’s interesting how much history can be gleaned from one orphaned sword. The photo of the back of the tang was specifically to show that there are no stamps or markings. I did however reevaluate and I see no other punch marks, dates, dots or other markings elsewhere on the nakago except as already seen. please see additional pictures. Kindly, Justin

Good eye! I took a better pic and it does look like a seki arsenal stamp. I know this has been hashed out here before but does this automatically make this blade showato or can it still be gendaito or is it something in between? Thanks, Justin

You guys rock! Thank you so much! I will see if I can narrow down Kanemitsu and find a match. Will keep you posted- Justin

Hello- I just picked up a sadly quite rough ?type 98 and would appreciate any help with interpreting the nakago. I tried my best and believe it is Showa-July 1936?? for the date but likely am way off. The length from tip to tail is 35” and sadly the blade is a bit pitted and oxidized. I did lightly clean with alcohol and oil but that’s as good as she gets. The fittings seem nice but are missing the Tsuba and have considerable patina. Let me know what additional questions you have. kindly, Justin

Hi- Thank you for the comparison photos of your beautiful tsuba. Do similar patterns such as yours and mine imply that they were likely made by the same smith or just a generic pattern which was replicated by many? Here is a picture of one eBay for sale in Japan currently--though not nearly as pretty. Kindly, Justin

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I will definitely read up on the heianjo school. That’s an interesting hypothesis about filing the center and was something that definitely threw me as the authentic ones that I’ve looked at all have that “beat up” look. If at all helpful or interesting for you or others I can include some measurements. diameter: 56 mm nakago-Ana: 26x7 mm Thank You- Justin

Hello- I recently picked up this unsigned Tsuba online. As I am new to Nihon to and Tsuba I would be curious as to any thoughts on this piece. It is open work iron but I am unable to tell if is cast or forged or even authentic. Any input would be much appreciated! Kindly, Justin

Thank you all for the feedback! Yes already it’s fascinating just delving into the history of the samurai and sword making process. Even having a few cheaper swords still offers a chance to learn with the books. Similar to how a plastic skeleton might help with anatomy I suppose . kindly, Justin

Thanks David! That’s helpful. I got a good deal on it and can see the differences between this and my older blade. But I will definitely spend time reading before acquiring any more:) Kindly, -Justin