tim89

Why are several sellers in Japan selling the same items on eBay? I'm looking at a fuchi kashira. Timothy N.

I removed the strings so we can see the inside. Timothy N.

I purchased a wakizashi a few months back at an estate sale I think it's gimei, I had Mr. Ray take a look he believes it gimei as well which is 100% alright. Originally I thought hisamitsu but depending on how you look at it is can be different. bizen no kuni ju or bizen no kuni junin Nagamitsu Hisamitsu Hisanaga Mitsunaga Posting just to share and opinions are welcome. If anyone has work similar please post of course. Also, I am greatful that Mr. Ray S. Is always so helpful. Thanks you Timothy N.

The cups interesting. I see a little similarity with the over flowing design. I will take updated pictures of the sake jar later this week. I'll use a magnifier so I can get better details. Timothy N.

Piers, I was wondering that. When I bought it I took it to my sensei and he said it is perhaps "mountain peoples". I was not sure if he ment ainu or yamabushi. Timothy N.

I purchased this old saya a long time ago cause I found interesting due to the carving. I know nothing about it. Timothy N.

Bruce, Hey sorry I didn't give any information other than the torokusho. I'm usually pressed on time these days. Have twin 2yr old sons that have me running all over the house. Noshu ju nin kanetsune kitau kore The other side is just the rules describing the need to keep the torokusho with the blade at all times. I've been under the impression that it is traditional forge but more than likely oil quenched, which im 100% alright with if it is. This is the only blade I have from that time period. Everything else I have is 1980s>present or <1800s. Anyways, some more pictures. I played around with different lighting. Although I've studied Batto for many years I'm still trying to become more proficient with the smiths and the collector side of things so that I may appreciate and deepen my understanding of Nihonto even further. Timothy N.

Timothy N.

Oh sorry long day I only get to read bit and parts of comments at a time. Apologies Normally I just buy directly from Japan. Perhaps I'll pay a little more attention to what komonjo is putting out. Timothy N.

I grew up in Japan and I've trained in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Nakamura ryu while there. Currently I'm state side studying Mugai ryu and Toyama Ryu. I've used the same dedicated sword since I was 15. I have others that I only use when preforming kata/waza and others that are just for enjoyment/ love for history. I'm actually in the process of moving back in a year to a year and a half. I got curious at what someone said earlier about receiving papers from a blade that came from komonjo. so I was just thinking about what a possible reason the prices would be low. I did consider blades having flaws/ kizu. Anyways, I had gotten curious then looked at the sell with more detail yes John C. I agree as well. 2devnul im not sure what you mean by gendaito are all made outside of Japan. (respectfully) Many of you made excellent suggestions on alternatives and gendaito. However, there are still some gendaito I would not use for cutting. In the end just find something that speaks to you. Also, listen to your Sensei and value his opinion. Good luck! Timothy N.

Random thought on komonjo. I do find it strange that the blades are so cheap. The blades that are formal could be going from Japan to china first. I'm sure china buy blades from Japan in order to copy the blades. If they mass produce a replica then the price of the initial blade would probably not mean much. Then they turn them over to this guy. I've heard mixed things, some fake some real. If he's selling mixed batches of real and fake it could also be used as a test how close the productis to the real thing. Anyways just a solution as to why it's so cheap even if it's real. Timothy N.

Bruce, I'm sure it's been thought of, have you been able to correlate the quality with the Dots? I have a copy of the torokusho somewhere at home. I'll try and find it and post that too. I'll try getting in touch with my sensei in Japan but it will take time. His father was an imperial guard so he might know. I've been curious about those markings as well. Timothy N.

Bruce, I will also add that I did buy this while I lived in Japan. It's in a civilian koshirae and has markings that indicate it's was used for tameshigiri cutting (tatami). When in Japan it had a registration card as well. Timothy N.

Bruce, No stamp. It's also about 13.9 cm ubuha. Timothy N.

I have a Kanetsune. Not sure what the punch is at the bottom of the nakago though. Timothy N.

Any more pictures of the kanetsune? Timothy N.

Has anyone in the US had any issues with ordering Samegawa from Japan? Sincerely Timothy Newsom