itsoverthere

Hi guys, I hope I'm not posting irrelevant questions but some things are not always clear and a little expert clarification can be immensely helpful. In this case the subject is Nie-Kuzure, as I'm having some difficulty in attempting to distinguish a case of scattered nie and indistinct boshi from a case of broken/repaired kissaki. I am attempting to illustrate my point with a picture wherein, hopefully, turnback can be seen but also what appears like continuation of the boshi up to the very point (the blade in the picture has had a hadori finish, I don't know if that matters). I have consulted "The Connoisseurs Book" in this matter but remain unsure (it actually just confounded the issue further). Does anyone have any suggestions about this? Regards, Adam - pic re-touched below

Sorry, didn't mean to suggest that this might be a surefire way to determine Age. It's just that I've heard people say oh it looks punched which means X. I realise why this might be so but also wondered just how much such thinking might also be misleading. Thanks Franco for the info. For some reason I thought they were punched cold but given my very limited knowledge that could very well be wrong.

Hi all, As I understand it, distinguishing whether the mekugi-ana is/are punched or drilled is thought of as a fairly reliable way of determining whether or not a piece is earlier or later than the beginning of the Shinto period. Given that during the Shin-shinto period it became much more desirable to have an older blade I was wondering if the artists/forgers who, in response to this, were producing new "old" blades resorted to punching the mekugi-ana (or at least making it appear so) in order to further deceive? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Hi, so I actually listed some details in my profile but as I read the posts a lot and have posted a few times (and will probably ask more than a few questions + hopefully in time contribute more) I thought I'd get involved in this post too. I'm actually British but living in Germany where I'm writing my PhD in archaeology + protohistory. Unfortunately my nihoto knowledge is still fairly minimal but my interest is high so I guess we'll see how that works out Regards

Thanks Guido, that's good to know.

Also, the card here is clearly different to many of those I have seen (it lacks the nice clear borders etc). I assume this is simply an issue of the age of the card but is there anything else to be aware of? + can anyone read what this one actually says?

Hi guys, Thanks to those who have posted. How strange it just disappearing like that ( ), that was rather dumb of me I was actually aware of what it is (and have read Guido's highly informative piece concerning the associated laws) but was more interested in what might happen were blades that had not been de-registered ever returned. It is clearly up to the sellers to take care of this but the buyer would surely suffer were it to ever come out at customs or such. Is it possible that such a situation could result in confiscation (or worse?).

Hello all, So I recently received a sword from Japan and - to my surprise - it arrived with this attached (see below). I know there have been a couple of similar-ish posts in the past but if anyone would be so kind as to indulge me I do have a few questions. Most importantly: 1) Does this mean that the seller has been a very naughty boy? And.... 2) If so, in such a case, would there be potential problems should the blade ever return from whence it came? But also.... 3) Could anyone tell me the details of what it says? (my knowledge only covers a few characters so far I'm afraid). Needless to say I would greatly appreciate any and all thoughts that anyone might be willing to put forward. Regards, Adam - Oh, and I covered the signature to avoid starting any more mei-related discussions

Thanks Brian, No, I'm not particularly concerned about age, I was just wondering. I like it regardless of how old it is, and I certainly think it should be better to have sth with quality more recently produced than a mass produced, low quality blade with greater age. Adam

Thanks to those who have made suggestions so far. The seller (who has been given a favorable mention - including by yourself actually Hybridfiat just a couple of weeks ago) seemed pretty sure about it - (excluding mei of course but including the age - but I guess who can be sure?). Actually though he did say if there were problems then he'd be ok to take it back. I admit I'm a sucker for openness but he seemed very genuine. Again though, thanks for the input. Does it seem possible that an old blade was more recently cut down?

It's quite a short Wakizashi - the edge is 14".

The seller said Muromachi period but.........

Hi, I'm curious about the Mei on this piece and was hoping, once again, that someone might be able to make a suggestion. Mei reads only "Yoshinobu" however the only Yoshinobu I can find any real info on is the Yoshinobu that was a student of Tadayoshi - a Hizen smith and as I understand it (with my very limited knowledge) this blade is in a Mino style. I realise the chances that this is Gimei but still I wanted to ask for any thoughts anyone might have. Again please forgive any ignorance but suggestions are very welcome. Thanks. Adam.

Actually, I do have another question about this same piece, concerning Mei but I guess I'll start a new post for that.

John, Yeah I think so, I was a bit confused about which parts should be touching if that makes sense. I've been so worried about flaws..... Thanks.

That's really all the advice I needed, thank you. As I have not had much opportunity to study such flaws up close I fear I may be over cautious, seeing things that aren't there I have much to learn!

Hello and Greetings, I'm new to the forum but have lurked for some time to read the good advice that is regularly dished out here. Well I guess now it's time to get involved as I am hoping that someone with experience may be able to guide a novice on a matter that is confusing me. I very much admire this (I believe Sanbon-sugi) hamon that appears to be a characteristic attributed to Kanemoto. I actually thought that perhaps there was nioi-gire but the dealer (one who has been commended for his honesty and integrity on this message board) assures me there is not. Thus I wanted to ask advice - does it look like there is nioi-gire and if not, why not? Please forgive any ignorance, I am new to this, but I thought a break in the temper line (as seems to appear here) constituted a fatal flaw. Any suggestions that anyone might have would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Adam