Natichu

With respect, no one is arguing gunome-midare doesn't exist. How does this prove your point or show a contradiction? Naming the specific (ie the subtype) doesn't mean the general (ie overarching type) doesn't exist as a category. Again, this isn't to say I think (or even have the knowledge base) to say you're wrong, just that I don't think the pieces you've put forward logically support your position. At any rate, I look forward to the reading of the hamon in Monday.

Just on that point: "刃紋：刃紋は小乱れ、小丁子乱れとなり染み心となる。" The official Japanese description on Aoi for this sword: https://www.aoijapan.com/katana：mumei-unsigned-attributed-to-ko-aoe-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-tokenconsignment-sale/ At any rate, I'm content either way, but was just interesting to see come up (albeit ko-midare).

As you note Jussi, it's a bit of a taxonomical difference likely without great substance except to those at the highest of levels. For example, in my case, does it matter whether what I can't identify is a hamon type or a hamon subtype? Either way, the nature of the classification is not exactly nearly as important as the fact I can't identify it properly either way LOL.

I think we're straying well beyond my knowledge and abilities here but I'd say:

Just to close the loop on my previous thought, I can see both the Connoisseur's Guide (page 92) and Facts and Fundamentals (page 44) being somewhat ambiguous, but likely leaning towards Jacques' point overall.

Given my failing grade thus far, I have to assume I'll be wrong, but:

An interesting point. Though I would say that just because the specific style of midareba is by convention given, it does not mean the overarching family doesn't exist as such - particularly when the overarching family is referenced. Regardless, thank you for continuing the thread, and I look forward to the next set of questions!

Interesting. I'll have to check my Connoisseurs Guide when I get home, but my recollection is that he states something similar to Markus Sesko in the text. In his Kantei Guide, Mr. Sesko writes: "First of all, we distinguish between if the hardening is straight or undulating and refer thus to the two main types of a suguha (直刃) and a midareba (乱刃) respectively. According to the actual outline of the hamon, the latter type, i.e. the midareba, is further subdivided into a notareba (湾れ刃・のたれ刃, large waves), gunomeba (互の目刃, larger roundish elements), chôjiba (丁子刃, smaller clove/tassel-shaped elements), or tôranba (濤瀾刃, surging waves). Apart from that, there is the so-called hitatsura (皆焼) where large areas of the blade are hardened. A hitatsura can be based on a notareba, gunomeba, or even a chôjiba, so this term does not refer to a specific hamon outline. "

Best guess (read: you get what you pay for):

While I haven't had time to throw in an answer on the latest (I would have been correct on tani, incorrect on the other two), I for one would enjoy you continuing the line of thought.

I'm not entirely clear on terminology, but as most seem to have interpreted it as physical orientation based on light source, 4.

Thank you very much Jussi! Unfortunately I don't have many books to dip into, so went with internet digging instead. As I found the sword itself, I won't post my guess as that's entirely based on internet luck and not on any kantei knowledge-based skill. But very much enjoyed digging into things over a morning coffee, so thank you! Great way to start the new year.

It would certainly help us beginners to be able to follow the intellectual footprints of those who got it correct!

The NTHK worksheet lists it as 4 bu (a hair over 1.2cm).

Any chance we could get measurements for the motohaba, sakihaba, and kasane?

I'd never turn down free, and it does look like a lovely blade. So let me know if you're giving it away to clear out space Otherwise unfortunately I'm holding funds for an option along another line, but have to say if I wasn't trying to be quite so particular I would have messaged already!

Wishing you a speedy recovery Jacques!

Wild and definitely uneducated guess: Echizen no Sukehiro (second generation, pages 1001-1002 in Markus Sesko's "Swordsmiths of Japan"). As a complete beginner, I just wanted to say thank you to Jacques for posting these and getting the conversations going. Even though I will only rarely be participating, I will definitely be lurking and appreciate the effort that goes into these.

Thanks so much for reaching out. That is definitely a stunning piece. I've also long had my eye on your Hida no Kami Ujifusa as well. If budget ever allows I'll certainly be considering both, but will likely reach out at some point to see what options you might have available.

Bump, still looking.

Was just about to start copying some links into the thread. Thank you!

I would have thought it was only shortened that much, so only the topmost characters of the mei remain.

I believe Mike Yamasaki can assist with all of that. You can find all contact info through the Tetsugendo Facebook page (the website is undergoing a renovation at the moment I believe). https://www.facebook...8820&mibextid=ZbWKwL

I believe you can access it on the Internet Archive, but also here (a bit more user friendly): https://onihonto.com...onto-ca-yuhindo-com/ I believe both are lacking many of the photos, but the text is there.

I'd suggest the photography is likely something new for many, as well as the accessibility. So while it may not expand your knowledge base, it does for many of us earlier in our journey than you are. Not all publications need to be all things to all people to be works of worth.