Matsunoki

Even IF the Mei was genuine I still wouldn’t pay anywhere near the asking price. Focus on the quality of the work…..it lacks finesse.

Imo vastly overpriced and not great quality. I think they’ve had this one for a while.

So what actually is this utsuri like effect? In what way is it not the same? Method of production (there seems to be several), metallurgical structure? Be good to know what looks like utsuri but isn’t. @COD has the benefit of having the blade in hand vs working from images….plus he saw the smith at work. In what way is koto utsuri higher quality? Does it improve flexion tolerance? Does it improve cutting? Does it improve longevity. Observing this interesting topic (as a real novice) it seems we have very few hard facts but a great many opinions.

Why not replace the childish sarcasm with constructive explanation if you know the answer?

Not to my knowledge unless it was sold quietly without hitting the open market. Anyone ????

I’ve had a couple of blades with distinct utsuri but it looked more like nioi……misty white rather than discernible particles. One was a large shinshinto Kinnoto style blade. Looking forward to seeing how this topic develops.

To expand the question just a wee bit (with apologies) exactly what is utsuri metallurgically speaking? I know what it looks like, I’ve read what it is visually described as, I know it can be tricky for a togishi to reveal but what is it? I also have a vague memory of reading that it was created by subtle variation in the depth and composition of the clay based coating prior to hardening……not sure if that was fact or opinion.

It is also suggesting the kozuka/kogatana was a throwing knife?…..because the balance is all wrong for that surely?

That depends on how you use it and how vigorous you are….it isn’t harsh.

I have used this product in the past on both bronze and copper with some amazing results. Great patience and care is needed…..all the usual toothpicks etc etc. I used to place items in a bath of it to start with and then work slowly. Haven’t used it lately (it went out of production but is back now) but from memory it also leaves a protective coating. https://verdi.care/?srsltid=AfmBOopfmM98iXEsjHu4UW_hFPrZ4Jq44pagEBJpCCIZjs6uU-FWXg5q

If the saya were mine I’d leave it alone. It would be a very tricky repair and could end up looking worse depending on who did it. It’s pretty common for old saya to split and distort in various ways. The blade is safe in its shirasaya.

Can you get to any of the amazing USA sword shows?…it’d be like all your birthdays came at once. Also is there a local sword club or society where you can gain experience and see things that are available with the massive advantage of actually handling them first?

Well, great decision to come here first. We do see a lot of over eager first timers arrive here with their first treasure only to be hugely disappointed when they find out what they have bought. The sword in the images does not appear to be fake. It looks like an old blade that has been heavily shortened and is in poor condition…..it could be a total write-off…..impossible to tell. Somewhere on this forum is a great thread dealing with fakes. Can’t remember what its title is but I’ll have a look. Doubtless someone else @Brian @Scogg can quickly direct you there.

No offence intended but how much experience do you have in examining and handling Nihonto? Most of us in here would advise that you acquire a good basic knowledge before buying anything unless you absolutely know and trust the vendor. Personally I would not buy this sword based on these images. The blade looks out of polish to the extent that you can’t even be sure it has a hamon or boshi. Other nasty problems might be lying in wait…..there are numerous flaws and issues that can spring unwelcome surprises.

They are a decent auctioneer. I’d suggest pointing out it is a more modern Chinese fake and show them the comments you have received on here. See what they say. It definitely isn’t early 20thC.