Don Wong

Is it possible this is Mokume circled above in red? I am in the process of taking more critical measurements and researching when I came across a pattern in Hada which is similar. Is it accepted and confirmed it is shingane? More thoughts to come….

Thank you

Ok thanks

So shingane technically is a patch. On my blade where Jacque circle ⭕️ it does appear to still have grain, it’s not totally void of grain, right? Is it that important it was done on this blade, if in fact it has shingane? For me the big question is whether or not this blade was created by the smith in it’s current shape, slender and tapered. Are there any makers in this era that may have done custom smithing to produce this type of blade. Was he thinking outside the box for this era? Or was this blade tired from polishing as stated above.

Ok, I will measure the kasane as well as other sections on this blade and report back.

So are we saying this blade was intentionally made this way from it’s conception from the Smith for the buyer?

The thought of this blade being heavily polished has crossed my mind. Decisions to be made. I like the fact it’s old, it feels amazing in hand…

Thank you..:

Here’s another shot, very difficult to get it just right. I’m also getting some of the other dimensions as well…

Here is a tang image, the tang measures 6 7/8”, I am getting better images of the Hada…

Playing with some images, check this one out showing close up of Hada

Gakusee, thank you for the honest reply. I have an opportunity to trade this blade for a newer blade, with papers. The person interested really liked the length and feel of the blade. I just wanted to see what the general opinion was of this blade. I really like the fact that this is an old blade, balance and feel is amazing. When holding the blade to a single source light, and running the light down it’s length, the lines and surface are perfect. The polished shape to me is stunning. Thus the reason I have kept it for so long. Yes, there are scratches and small black surface rust as you can see in the images. But it is mine. Lol I am working on getting better images of the hada and tang length… Thank you All…

I will work on getting better images of the Hada and tang. Thank you all much for so many things to consider…

From the Ha-Machi to the Kissaki tip is 27.5” long. I will get a better image of the tang and measure tang length. As well as take a better image of the Hada… I will try some suggested techniques for a better shot of the Hada… I seek information that will help me decide what to do with this blade. This blade is slender and fast, balance is very fine, if not amazing. I ask only next question to be sure the blade is not tired and over polished. Is it consistent with blades made from the suggested year made from 1510-1540, late Muromachi period? Is the blade interesting enough to consider papering? I am considering getting Shrira-saya for it. But if it’s worth it, getting it properly polished is not out of the question… Thank you All,