Nick m

Sir thank you for your advice yes I've been looking today some more and also on the forum to see recommendations for reputable polishers. And yes I've seen Gray's posts and some of his other stuff on here so when I get to the point of getting mounting and fittings I will definitely reach out to him. I highly value the information that the steam members here have shared with me and the resources that they have posted to learn from as well. I have found that if I hit a point where I have doubts that I can reach out to the forum here and I will get not just timely but advice that is based upon a significant amount of research and experience of the others.

You are correct and I agree with you there. But I have found as I have gotten older that when other individuals who have knowledge that I do not it is wise to listen to them. Although I will not deny that in my youth I failed to do that and have paid the price and either money or damaged items.

Esteemed members, Sorry if too long As I have only been a member about 6 months and am a first time owner would like to share my perspective from the advice I have seen here on the forum.( Correct me in I am wrong on anything please) Find that the decision to polish is fraught with many risks and rewards. I have think that in this day and age of instant gratification many do not under stand the history, culture and significance of their ninhoto and just want that perfect Hollywood sword.. at least when it comes to the younger generations. I have 2 boys so it is frustrating at times to give advice and watch them direguard it. I think that: 1. Telling new owners to preserve (wiping, oil etc) initially is right 2. Telling new owners to educate themselves on the culture, history and significance of ninhoto (Google is your friend) and talk to others is right. 3. Telling new owners to physically see what a sword in the different levels of polish look like is right. 4. Recommendations on reputable polishers and or sources of polisher research is right. 5. And that once the new owner has made some progress in the above for than a knowledgeable or informed decision as to whether to polish or not can be made by them. In the end we can only provide the sources and knowledge, the owner has to decide for themselves the true reason for wanting to polish and why they want the ninhoto. For example my "dumpster find" my end goal with or without a polish is to aquire period correct fittings and mountings and return it to a fully functional form. However there were several generations of Smith who use that signature. So I have research. Procurement of the fittings and mountains will drive in the end whether I polish my blade or not. Let the slings and arrows fly.

Thank you for your advice and new information. I have no intentions of doing any restoration/preservation as a DYI.(outside of wiping and oil) I have thought of polishing, and have received the recommendation from members here as to reputable polishers. But right now that is something for another day it's not like it has to be done right this minute. I find as a retired army combat engineer that the process of making the sword, form, and functionality, are artistic qualities in their own rights. And as some of my research has shown and in discussion with other esteemed members here The bungo schools we're not valued for their artistic qualities, they were valued more for their functionality. Right now I've been looking online for books and literature to educate myself. As well as planning a couple of visits to some of the second hand book stores here to see what I can find. I find I need to expand my knowledge base before I undertake any restoration or preservation. At the same time my research will include. Mounts and fittings being mine was found without any. My ultimate goal even if I do not polish it is to get the period correct mounts and fittings so that I can restore it to its functional form.

As many know on here back in june 23 I rescued a Wakizashi from the dumpster after much oil, tissue paper and wiping i believe (except the tang)I have a handle on the active rust And wanted to share some better (hopefully) pictures of my find. Nick

Sir, Since I have acquired this that has become my adventure, identifying validity of not only the mei, but to also learn about the history of the school and the Smith and most of all the process of making the sword. As an army engineer and a mechanic the process is on how one goes from raw materials to a functional form it's always been a interest to me. And besides in a couple of years when I retire from my second career this will give me purpose each day

John C. Thank you for the link, I will view it tonite. What I have been able to find so far about the Smith if there have been up to nine generations. With first starting in 1661 and the last ending about 1784. Do you have a recommendation then of who I could speak with or who is reputable that could confirm or deny whether or not the mei is authentic? Nick

Esteemed Members of the Group, I am in need of your recommendations as to who in the US you suggest that I might contact in order to have my blade polished or to at least have a window opened to further assess the blade. V/R Nick

Brian, Though I only recently found this site, I want to thank you for all the hard work you have put in to making this site. Additionally, I want to thank the members of this site for freely sharing their knowledge and thoughts with me, for with them I would still be scratching my head as to the Mei translation, but also the basic background as to the right and wrong of collecting and restoring nihontos.

Sir, Thank you for explaining the process, I have no intention of attempting any hands-on restoration work as I do not have the necessary skill set to even think of attempting it. That is something I would leave in the hands of a respected professional. Respected Professionals that I have seen others here have utilized, to have their own items restored. V/r Nick

BaZZa , Geraint, I want to thank everyone in their willingness to educate this newbie. After reading some more of the other excellent posts here on restoration/conservation, I used my borescope and looked into the Saya and noticed that there is significant amount of dirt and rust staining inside it. So I think I am going to get another one, before I have the blade polished so that I do not contaminate the freshly polished blade. I know I may not be able to find a vintage one, however as Geraint stated that just makes it more of a quest. I am finding that I might have to settle for reproduction items vice period items. I know that this quest will not happen overnight and will probably have to be done in stages, but in the end I feel it will be exceptionally worthwhile venture. One that will allow me to learn as I return this sword to its functional form which will only enhances its artistic qualities. As someone who rebuilds old cars and engines by hand, I can fully appreciate the trials and tribulations that the smith went thru as they endeavored to create a function weapon, while at the same time imbibing it with the artistic qualities we today have come to appreciate in their work. If you want better or close of pictures of a specific portion of the blade or Saya please let me know and I will post them. The one picture of the Saya and blade together above is how it came to me from the dumpster. V/r Nick

John Thank you for the quick response and confirming what I thought Mine measured 23.5 inches/ 59.69 cm V/r Nick

(If this wrong forum please move) Ok today I did a little research on here and some measurements on my recent acquisition and I have found so far that the Mune is Ihori (low) and the Nagasa is 23.5 in (59.69 cm) . With the Nagasa measuring under 60 cm that would make this a Wakizashi? Based upon Grey's translation of the Mei as being Fujiwara Noriyuki, in which multiple generations used this Mei between 1661-1783, that would make this a Shinto (New Sword) I have concluded that being this sword came to me in a WW2 Saya, that I will be acquiring the fittings and mounts to coincide with the Saya time period. With the cost to acquire vintage fittings and mounts my wife will probably kill me when I am done but guess in for a penny in for a pound. As this is all new to me, I am sure I will be back with more questions or request for opinions from the group. V/R Nick