Gates

I am very new to sword collect, a virtual novice. I was recently allowed to choose a blade from my dads small collection and based mostly on gut feeling I chose a blade. Below are the comments that my father gave me along with the rubbing of the tang after he had given me the blade (no fittings, except tsuba) Koto Long blade Tomo-Yuki Saku Part date on other side. Had on it mon Zukashi tsuba O-surage nakago (shortened or cut off tang) 2 char signature with saku (made this) Date on other side not readable As I said I am new to this but from what I can tell it might be a worthwhile restoration. It does have some chips but they dont cross into the hamon and it does have a kink but has no flaws that are fatal. It seems to have seen plenty of action throughout its years. (If only swords could talk). I also read this: "Entering the Nambokucho Period, there is a smith called Tomoyuki who lived in Takada no Sho and is said to be the founder of the Takada school. The Takada school thrived through up to shinto times. Tomoyuki left tachi and tanto with mei." （Token Bijutsu No.594）Nihon Koto Shi (History of Koto) By Dr. Honma Junji. I want to get it restored if it is worthwhile, and insured if has significant material vlaue. But as i am new to sword collecting not sure who to contact, who to trust. So I thought that perhaps somebody here may be able to offer me some advice. Thanks Keith

Hi everybody, Sorry I am very much off topic. I am very new to sword collecting. I dont really know too much at all. I was very interested in Mark's comment about the feeling of holding a Tomoyuki blade. For my 30th birthday my father allowed me to choose a blade from his small collection. I began holding one after another and one blade I felt stood out as it felt not only more well balanced, I dont know much but I know a little it had a beautiful curvature and good hamon activity, but that not what made it stand out is stood out because it instantly generated a feeling, similar to those you have decribed, feeling like it still held the ki of those people who had held it before me. Below are the comments that my father gave me along with the rubbing of the tang after he had given me the blade (no fittings, except tsuba) Koto Long blade Tomo-Yuki Saku Part date on other side. Had on it mon Zukashi tsuba O-surage nakago (shortened or cut off tang) 2 char signature with saku (made this) Date on other side not readable As I said I am new to this but from what I can tell it might be a worthwhile restoration. It does have some chips but they dont cross into the hamon and it does have a kink but seems to have no flaws that are fatal. It seems to have seen plenty of action throughout its years. (If only swords could talk). I also read this: "Entering the Nambokucho Period, there is a smith called Tomoyuki who lived in Takada no Sho and is said to be the founder of the Takada school. The Takada school thrived through up to shinto times. Tomoyuki left tachi and tanto with mei." （Token Bijutsu No.594）Nihon Koto Shi (History of Koto) By Dr. Honma Junji. Given that Mark you seem to have a particular interest in this style I am interested in any feedback that you or any one may be able to give me, and any more info about the smith. (I dont really care what the material cost is for the blade as the sentimental value is priceless. Although I have to say I am intrigued as it seems, to my untrained eye, like a very nice one and if it is valuable then I would want to get it insured). I also would like to get it restored, but so far have been hessitant as I want to get it done by a person of the appropriate experience. Thanks look forward to hearing back from you.