Jason Pavicic

Long story short, I purchased a Nihonto back in May while visiting Japan from Tozando in Kyoto. It has a proper certificate, from late Edo period. It took 4 months to get here, Saya was damaged etc. Finally, I have everything and all is well, ready to display. Unfortunately, while trying to put the Nihonto back to together, the Mekugi pin/holes do not line up. I've watched countless YouTubes and tried mixing the order of parts, no luck. Really don't want to start banging on it. First the 3 pictures show the following: Both Seppas installed, Mekugi goes in at severe angle and stops. Holes are off. Removed bottom Seppa, goes in a little better, but still stops with less angle. Holes are still off. Removed both Seppas, everything lines and Mekugi goes in cleanly, as expected IF Seppas were in place. Observations: If I had various Mekugi pins (size and or taper) to try, it might work even at the severe angle for all parts. In the last pic, I shows the Tang compared to Tsuka. Here you can see an additional Mekugi hole not being used, and the Tsuka is much longer than the Tang (is that normal?) Sori is 33" long. My gut, the Nihonto is legit, for sure. However, this is not the original: Tsuba, Seppas, Habaki and Tsuka for this Sori/Nihonto. When I selected this Nihonto, it was never full assembled. Sori and Tsuka were displayed separately... Questions to the forum: Any tips or tricks to try, to get it to work? Sent same pics to Tozando, they're consulting their Craftsman for options. Any US based folks who specialize in this type of work? Thinking it would be just easier to freshen up the look and have a custom Tsuba, Seppas, Habaki and Tsuka built to match the holes on theTang? Other recommendations welcomed. Thank you in advance for taking time a look at this issue. Respectfully, Jason

Peers, thank you for all your responses, so far! I had no idea there was a sub culture of Nihonto collecting; until my certificate was called into question. Really appreciate all the details about my katana and or it's authenticity that everyone has shared. Nonetheless, it was a dream of mine since I was a kid to purchase a real samurai sword from Japan. Never thought I'd have the chance to goto Japan and make it happen, but it did this year! I felt by purchasing from Tozando it gave me the best chance at securing a real Nihonto (made from Tamahagane) which I believe did happen. The katana sure doesn't feel or look like a steel, replica and or Iaito; especially, the hamon pattern. For me, if the sword was created by Tamahagane and it is as old as it's claimed to be, the signature authenticity is irrelevant, for me. My dream was accomplished. No plans to sell, I'll probably be buried with it Yes, the habaki is there. The Saya was badly damaged in shipping. Tozando asked that I send all of the pieces from the handle and the Saya for them to repair. For now, all I have is the blade as displayed above. When everything is returned and put back together, I'll ask Tozando on the certificate, why it wasn't resubmitted. Attaching below are all the documents that I received with my purchase. Maybe it'll shed more light? Thanks again for sharing the knowledge! Katana_jpavicic.pdf

Thanks for the tip on scratching, miss on my part. Trying to find those pieces of cloth for the stand, so I can display the blade on them unsheathed. That blade is a thing of beauty to walk past, well, for me...

Hello, I purchased my Katana (see images) at Tozando in Kyoto, back in May. It took 4 months to ship. While trying to get the certificate and other documents translated, I was told that potentially my certificate is one of the older certificates, which got caught up in a Yakuza scandal and are considered invalid? The tang on my sword has a signature: Heianjo Yasuyuki. I find it hard to believe Tozando would sell me a fake antique sword. Hence, why I'm asking the group here to review my details. While handling the piece and cleaning it, with proper gloves, the piece is quite exquisite, and the craftsmanship is off the charts. Look forward to any feedback, good or bad.