Crusader22

It does the job, I think it looks complimentary to my acorn Nihonto / Shin Guntō collection. Nothing fancy, but it struck me. Jeff

Thanks, thats exactly in line with my (lowered) expectations! I mean that in a good way. And, I forgot to answer, but no, nobody named "komonjo". Yes, ebay, but ~280/98% feedback, and almost all swords, I decided to try with my limited knowledge. All on me, though. I figured if 280 people didn't get hosed it was likely I wouldn't, certainly some of his sword sales would be "known" in that way if he were a fraudster. I looked around but saw nothing so far. Anyway, I do still like it, and despite my modest means, (that the $ amount I paid is likely high) I am ok with the whole thing. In my mind, it is a Japanese low level smith, altered blade, and non original koshirae, and wear and condition issues., but not new, the older, the better, if someday I get more info. Maybe Chinese junk, too. Oh, well. Lesson learned. Let it be a cautionary tale. Jeff

Ok, thank you all for sharing your knowledge and opinions, I do appreciate it. Jeff

Ok, I guess it's time to shift this conversation from what I hoped for - "Don't worry, Jeff, it's probably original nihonto", to the apparently more likely - "Jeff, you got hosed". Having said that, and considering the confident assertions of the latter, can anyone answer the following (just for education on fakes)? When might this have been faked? (For instance, in the 1900's as a display item?) If so, why sign it? Is the mei a good, or a poor forgery? Was a specific period or style of engraved mei attempted? If so, why? Was this blade a "good" or a "poor" forgery, and has it been altered? What level of skill was involved? AGAIN, discount the koshirae in this evaluation, obviously they are not original to the sword, but are any of those parts, or all of them (or none), authentic? I think Im done posting on this sword, I admit defeat. Sorry to be a pest, or the archetypical "dumb new guy" that does exactly as I have here...back to reading/lurking. Jeff.

The other side does not look like this. The lighting greatly exaggerated these markings in this photo.

Im really struggling with the photography, especially light sources. I apologize if the crappy photos make my crappy blade seem....crappier. Jeff

Well, Im thoroughly confused (and somewhat concerned and disappointed). I will provide pictures as requested. Jeff

I also like the shape and form of it. It is thin, and the arc of the blade is shallow, less pronounced, and the width is such that it looks more delicate and slender. All in all, it looks unique to me, and I love the deep blue ito and Mantis/Cricket theme, as an expression of duality in those two insects - the hunter, and the sound of the "aum" in the cricket song So, yes, Im ok.

Thanks! I am learning too, its a steep curve. With a lot of info to sift through. Jeff

Thanks, and like I said, I love it, though no museum piece. All that concerned me was authenticity, not necessarily "quality" of a better smith. Just hope to nail down an era and location. Thanks! Jeff

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Again....I know the tsuka and all fittings are not from the sword. I know it is by no means "high end". My only concern is the age (and now, legitimacy) as a real Nihonto, hopefully Koto.. If not, Ok. I took a bath. @GeorgeLuucas Jeff