Schneeds

Personally, I only buy things I'm prepared to live with indefinitely. Because you never know. Homes, cars, electronic, etc. So that's an easy answer for me

That is a very interesting point you raise about boosting the prestige of TH, and one I'd not considered. Sucks for the person submitting it that session, but a good overall strategy on the part of the NBHTK to keep things interesting and TH relevant.

That is a nice looking blade especially the kissaki. I would also like to add that vulgarity absolutely made Wolverine's character better.

Easy way to confirm accuracy: a nickel weighs 5 grams.

Could be. If they had the papers in hand though why wouldn't you just provide a photograph? Maybe theyre desperate for revenue and can't wait.

I would want a specific guarantee on that papered attribution from Aoi before bidding. A lot of times they state a guarantee in the listing when forth coming. They did not on this one.

Depends on why you want it. The fact that Jussi can't find another example of a Tomoyasu is perhaps the most interesting part about it for me. If the papers hold up as Aoi claims you'd have a signed Heian blade with an extreeeeeeeemly rare attribution. From a historical perspective alone I'd say that's worth the current bid. It does beg the question though as Jussi pointed out, why not wait for the papers on hand? That would almost certainly increase the bids, and i would think command a hefty price. I too am very curious where the final price ends up.

Many here are proponents of rubbing a bit of oil over the nakago with finger tips after oiling for long term preservation. https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/15202-nakago-oiling/

For whatever reason, the photographs of this are different from AOI's standard. The scans on the left are the same, but the photographs with lighting are both fewer, and in part out of focus. Contrast it with that Enju tachi further down. That is a longer blade but fully photographed their normal way. Just thought that was a bit odd.

"The forging pattern is itame with utsuri, the hamon is straight with small midare, with some small ashi and ko-nie and fine yubashiri. It has a classical and calm, elegant feeling, in which we can discern traits of Ko Bizen. It is an excellent work for which the original attribution is appropriate." Assuming the translation is accurate he does indeed talk about (compliment) the blade and is agreeing with the NBTHK, I think.

Sugata is absolutely gorgeous. I'd be thrilled to own that blade.

Are you asking just how to remove the paper? Is it in shirasaya? (plain wood sheath) or koshirae? (decorative sheath). You could try a vacuum but it sounds like you probably packed in there hard. After that I'd probably try a rifle cleaning rod, small caliber. Failing that if it's in shirasay they can be split open but that's not something for a novice.

That looks very tasteful and high end!

I gave that one a hard look when it popped up. I tend to like Omiya in general and that has a nice sugata. From those pictures the jigane is of course quite coarse, but I think that dealer has fair prices and 800,000 is quite reasonable for what you're getting.

I saw someone here mention once they use a rifle barrel brush for cleaning; that always seemed like a good method to me. I would get a .22 bore nylon brush and rod should the need arise.