VRGC

You live and you learn!

Thanks Jean, I am aware of that but thanks for notice! Yes definitely more interested in Nihonto, was looking for a nice tanto but guess I was too quick on this one. regards Victor

So latest news, I cancelled my order and got my money back. The paper work didn’t add up to the blade, thanks for the imput from you all. Next time I will consult this page earlier rather than later when buying!

From the information I got on the listing, the blade length is 14.8cm. I can’t measure it myself as I don’t have it yet but that is also what is matching on the registration card. That is way off from the NBTHK 21cm. what I find strange is that they would pull this trick on a auction website, which claims legitimacy for all order made there… it’s not like I got it off EBay or some other sketchy place. I contacted the seller to give him a chance to explain and if not I’ll take it up with the online auction house (Catawiki).

Hi Steven, Thanks for the input, its true that we often overlook the sword and are too focused on the paperwork. In this case the sword caught my attention more than the paper work, although would be/have been a nice bonus... In this case, is it just a none matching paper with the Tanto? What would be the reason for a difference in blade size? could it have been shortened or is this unlikely? Because if the seller offered it with paper work that doesn't match, then that is not truthful. Regards, Victor

Hi Ron, Interesting, could it not have been shortened/ refited? If I overlay them (digitally, best I can) the position of the hole does match and so does the back and edge notch. Regards, Victor

Hey there, Recently I purchased this Tanto at auction. Here’s what I know Estimated Period: 1603-1868 (Edo Period) Material: Tamahagane Overall length: 27.2 cm Signature: No signature on mei, according to 11t/t - 後代広賀 Godai Hiroga by Judgement paper Has two papers; torokusho and NBTHK Kicho Judgement paper Japanese seller Estimated value by expert €700 - €1000 Tried to find information about this smith but I didn’t get anywhere using Nihonto club website. I absolutely love the pattern/yakiba and the Bo-Hi. I also see that the habaki is wooden and seems to be connected to the handle, is that common? It has one or two rusty spots but I’m consider getting it professionally polished at some point since it’s a relatively small blade, the price should be manageable. Any extra input based on translation NBTHK/ torokusho/ and or new input on sword/ smith? Much appreciated!

Hi John, I know this is a low end sword, I mean with a value of under 1000 bucks I am clearly not expecting it to be an undiscovered master haha. My initial goal was getting a Nihinto. The rest, regarding the mei is just speculation and a fun research, that’s fine! I bought it on Catawiki, an auction platform for collectables. Selected by Patrice Sabbah via the platform and seller from Japan (I’ve seen their ads on EBay). kind regards

Hi John, That might be the case but typically, a torokusho is granted to genuine Nihonto swords, excluding fakes, gunto, or foreign-made swords. If anything, this certification indicates the sword's prior presence in Japan and legitimacy within it. Additionally, the fact that someone registered this sword implies its significance, possibly recognized for its beauty and or historical value (simply for being a Nihonto). The sword has been evaluated by an expert before the auction, Patrice Sabbah, who is well-known in the field with over 30 years of experience in Japanese blades and he holds a CEA certification. Several features, such as Tamahagane and a suguha hamon, suggest its traditional craftsmanship rather than modern or non-traditional methods. However, the intriguing mei inscription adds to its mystique, making it even more fascinating to me and its potential historical significant. Kind regards,

Hi Franco, I appreciate the input and I also agree, for me finding out the authenticity of the mei is more of a 'fun hunt' rather than a 'must have'. I find it fascinating that this sword was designed and worked on by a smith around 300 to 500 years ago.. and it still holds up to the test of time. I will do my best to care for it and carry it forward in time. Kind regards

Hi Rivkin, When you say without papers I assume you mean without a certificate of authentication such as the NBTHK? It has a torokusho, if the sword is registered and goes through this process the belief is that it is or has some sort of authenticity. At least it’s a genuine traditionally-made sword, that’s a good sign. Obtaining a Torokusho is only possible with authentic Japanese swords or Nihonto. Thanks for the extra input in the, a different take than I have read so far on its history. Regards, Victor

Hi Bugyotsuji, Yes the torokusho is staying in Japan. What do you you mean with Aoi Art? Where does it mention NTHK? Regards Victor

Hi Franco, Any idea who within this group would be able to help me with the authenticity of the mei? I haven’t had much input from the community regarding this point. I’m curious if anyone has some input! Thanks kind regards Victor

Hi Rokujuro, These pictures are from the seller unfortunately.. when it’s in my hands I’ll remember that. thanks Victor

Thanks, I appreciate the instructions, I will definilty ask!

Hi Franco, This is what I read about the tang.. So I can't do anything to the red rust on it?: Do not under any circumstances do ANYTHING to the tang (nakago) of the sword. This is one of the most critical areas of the sword when it comes to identification. ANY ALTERATION of the tang - any cleaning, rust removal, anything at all MUST BE AVOIDED. If the tang is altered, it can make identification nearly impossible and can reduce the value of the sword by half!!

The torokusho states it was registered as wakizashi

Thanks for that, I am currently in the process of receiving it from Japan. Once it arrives, I will make sure to take care of that!

Firstly, hi I’m new to the group! Recently I purchased this Wakizashi at auction. Here’s what I know Estimated Period: 1603-1868 (Edo Period) Material: Tamahagane Overall length: 61.7 cm Signature: 神田住兼(*)-Kanda ju Ka from what I can make out 神田住兼常 (Kanda ju Kanetsune) Has a certificate (torokusho) from Japan Estimated value by expert €500 - €700 I’m mostly curious to know if the mei is genuine. I have gather some 神田住兼常 (Kanda ju Kanetsune) signatures myself to compare, I will add them to the post aswell. Thanks!