chinaski

Komonjo has a bunch of new listings. This one has my curiosity peaked...I'm not buying it, just a curiosity question. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135297889956 This one is Hozon papered and attributed to "Kanenobu" I used Google Translate on the papers and it appears it the papers are alluding to this being Gimei? Something along the lines of "Identify and prove this" I seem to recall reading something that NBTHK will paper Gimei swords or am I wrong here?

It says it's an unsigned Wakizashi and states the length along with the date of appraisal. NBTHK papers don't really say too much.

Oh wow, I have watched their videos before, but I had no idea he was working as a Blacksmith. I found some of their videos when I was looking up Akiya houses in Japan.

Yeah, I found out one squirt is all that's needed. Kind of looks "streaky" if you do more than that. One squirt, wipe, then wipe off again with a Microfiber towel. That seems to be working for me so far.

You can buy Camelia Oil in a Spray Bottle. https://www.amazon.c...ca314019cb3e807&th=1

Thanks for sharing! How cool!

I have posted the Mei and Papers on this sword before, but I have never posted images of the sword itself (I don't think I have?) That being said, it's a bit of an anomaly. It was suggested that the Mei was poorly cut and the Kanji was written by someone that is unfamiliar with Japanese writing. However, this sword is accompanied by NTHK papers with KANTEISHO (72). The worksheet indicates late Edo period and Meikan More. I posted images on Ray Singer's Facebook group and Mike Yamasaki responded with the following: Anyway, I like this sword very much and it definitely has some unique qualities.

I get it...his listings are definitely very obtuse. Maybe the term I should have used instead is Caveat Emptor. The listings I have seen have never even mentioned the word Nihonto, maybe in the past they do? All of his descriptions are very vague that's for sure. I bought one of his swords before I even knew who the guy was, but I do know I did purchase a real Nihonto, albeit with "issues" - but as I am learning, I know now to never drop real coin on something without verification and study. I would buy from him again, but I would tread very carefully.

I don't necessarily think Komonjo is being deceitful or trying to rip people off, it's just that knowing what you are buying is completely on you....I think the same can most likely be said for any lower priced Nihonto sellers on eBay. I have read here on the NMB forums of people that have purchased quality blades from him and they have papered. I own a Komonjo sword that I purchased recently. It's an Edo Mumei Wakizashi with old NBTHK papers. It has condition issues, but I didn't give a lot for it and I don't really care. I wanted it as an inexpensive display piece. I'm happy with it for what it is, and I knew I wasn't getting some diamond in the rough or anything special. I just wanted something for my fireplace mantle that I don't have to worry about. I would buy from him again, but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on his swords.

Higher resolution pic of the Tanobe Sayagaki from my TH papered Hidemitsu Tachi (Kozori Group, Nanbokucho)

Bruce is that flat Mune indicative of Arsenal produced swords? You seem to be the resident expert here on these.

No signature (Mumei) There appears to be a glue like substance on the Nakago (tang), it also has an odd shape. The Habaki is very crude The Kissaki isn't very well defined. This could be a mass produced WW2 era blade, but I am not knowledgable enough to determine and I am still learning myself.

Inscription possibly reads Kuniyuki or Kuni Yuki but I am still very much learning and more knowledgable folks will know more than me. That said, I am 99.9% confident the 2nd Kanji character is Yuki. The Nakago-shinogi and Kissaki look a bit off/odd as well, but again I am not an expert. And edit: I didn't read your entire post before posting, I just looked at the signature and went through my Kanji references. I'm actually pleased with myself that I was able to "translate" that. LOL.

Roger that. Yeah, he had a lot of items for sale. Honestly, I bought this as a display piece for our fireplace mantle...more or less to have something "worry free" - But I will enjoy it for what it is. There will be other Nihonto in our future for sure, but I can't justify keeping a more expensive item out in the open. Edit: And now that I have researched this a little bit more, I see what you are talking about. LOL. It's all good, and this wasn't that pricey of a purchase, but caveat emptor. For my fireplace mantle, not unhappy with what it is.

Interesting for sure. But yeah, I for sure have no idea other than I believe this came from an old collection and most likely wasn't touched for awhile. The seller had a lot of items for sale.

Few pics of the Nakago (Auction Pics)

I'm here to learn, so I won't be offended by any criticism whatsoever! I wonder why someone would do that? This sword "lived" in the San Francisco Bay Area, and that area certainly has some wild temperature and humidity swings. There are file marks on the other side of the Nakago btw.

Few more...

I wanted a full time display piece as my other two swords, including a TH papered sword, are locked in a safe. There are a few condition issues, but I didn't give a lot for this thing either. It will look nice on my mantle. The Habaki is wood and integrated into the Tsuka. Nakago appears Ubu, I was attracted to the Hamon (Midare?). The sword is in old polish. I believe the old papers attribute this sword to Inshu Tadakuni, so mid to late Edo period? I know the reliability of those old papers is a bit of a discussion in and of itself. Regardless, I think I did ok for an "entry level" sword of this caliber.

I am kind of with you on that, unless you really just love the thing and aren't concerned with recouping any of your investment later on down the road. I recently purchased on eBay a Mumei Waki in old polish with old NBTHK papers, appears to be a Shinto blade. Papers attribute the sword to Inshu Tadakuni, but who knows with those old papers. That said, I bought it because I liked the Hamon and figured it would be a fun study piece, even though there is probably not too much to learn from. It could definitely use a polish, but it presents well enough and I am comfortable to put it on display full time while my other "better" swords are locked away for safety and security. I wasn't expecting to win this thing but I did, but I also don't want to put good money after bad etc.

Almost 8 feet long. I would hate to be the fella that had to carry that thing around.

The sword is in Sayagaki and I posted that in the translation section a day or so ago. Evidently that says the following (Thanks to member "Nobody"): 菊紋 = kikumon 太刀銘 = tachi mei 金剛日向守盛久 = Kongō Hyūga no Kami Morihisa 天明六八月日 = on a day in the eighth month of Tenmei 6 (1786 CE) 刃長 壱尺九寸壱分半有之= length: 1 shaku 9 sun 1.5 bu (~58.02 cm)