outlier48

Morita-san, thanks for the clarification! Great job from which we can all learn! I think I need new glasses. Charlie Brashear

Bunsei 4 year, 10 month, lucky day Charlie Brashear

Ray, Nicely done! Charlie Brashear

Rob - I didn't find a reference to Fuyusada in my limited resources. Lots of Fuyuhiro smith, though. Anyone else able to find a reference to a smith using Fuyusada? Charlie Brashear

Great response! I'm not sure what there might have been that would help validate the time frame. Anyway - great looking and I would love to have one like it. Congrats! Charlie Brashear

Curran, anything else about the kake that might help confirm the approximate age? No reason to doubt it; just curious since you have it "in hand". Charlie Brashear

Chris - thanks for the explanation. It was straightforward and easy to follow. I found the comment regarding over and under pricing based on name familiarity very enlightening. Charlie Brashear

Hi Rob, yes LOTS of research! Hopefully your addiction has not grown to the point of an impulse buy from certain well known auction sites. Take your time and learn, then, when you are ready, there will be, as there are now, any number of swords that will be available for purchase from reputable dealers. Unfortunately, many "newbies" get the "bug" and follow the age old adage of "ready, fire, aim"! Welcome to the world of nihonto! Charlie Brashear

Hi Don, If you have not already done so, take a look at the FAQs at the top of the page. There you will find answers to your questions about caring for your sword. I'm sure others with more knowledge than I will shed light on your other questions. BTW - I agree with Grey - nakago appears suriage. Also, it looks like someone without knowledge or experience may have tried to "polish" this sword (or maybe it's just the photos). Charlie Brashear

Hi Steven, 左 can be pronounced SA, SHA or hidari and translates literally as "left". There are several smiths who reportedly used this name. At least one reportedly did use this single kanji as his mei. There is probably much more info available from other members of this board. Hopefully some of them will "chime in" on this and enlighten us both. BTW, do you have any more photos or a description of the key characteristics? What is your opinion of era, school, smith based on the sword's characteristics? Charlie

This, plus the info in the FAQ section of this board, is why, as a newbie, I don't even bother looking at items on ebay. I may miss out on a rare find (doubt I would be the one to corner a "deal" on ebay) but I would rather deal with members of this board or of a bona fide sword club or with those internet sellers who are well known on this board. My fervent hope is that all those new to nihonto will read the FAQ section, buy books, go to meetings and shows, study quality blades "in hand" with a mentor and then make well informed purchases. This sound advice has been offered many times by very experienced members here. Wishful thinking that all newbies would follow it? Charlie Brashear

Steven, I know what you mean. I have spent - off and on - over 18 months reading books on nihonto and studying my one and only wakizashi. And it seems like just when I think I have found out everything one could possibly know about this sword, someone on this forum adds to my "knowledge base" about it and sends me off in a new direction where fresh discoveries await. NMB and its members have been an invaluable gift. I just wish I had more $$$ to feed my nihonto addiction. Charlie Brashear

Hi Rob - nice get! Yeah, the mei is difficult to read. Are you saying "友貞"? I'm guessing here and could be way off. Any known Tomosada signing his work with a two character mei? Charlie Brashear

Hi Steven - I think Mark is actually being generous (nothing against the seller). Even if this blade can be polished, you would be looking at quite an expense to have that done, not to mention the time it would take. There is a great deal of information you might find of value in FAQ area. A lot of work went into it and newbies like me really learn a great deal there. If you have not done so, you might want to check it out. Also, some advice I received from members here went I first became interested in nihonto was to buy books first and learn as much as one can. Finally, joining a local nihonto club and attending shows will allow you the opportunity to see and hold quality swords, an invaluable experience. Good luck in your explorations through the highly addictive world of all things nihonto! Charlie Brashear

Jim -Welcome to NMB. I like your work and would appreciate more pics if you have any showing details. Charlie Brashear

Morita-san, どう致しまして。 The cover is indeed magnificent. Kudos to Paul Martin and Nakahara-san on the book. I can barely wait! Will you be sharing highlights with us unfortunate folk in the US who have to wait a few more months until our copies arrive? To further whet our appetites Charlie Brashear

Morita-san, おめでとう！ We in the States must wait until September Nonetheless, I am certain it will be worth the wait. Charlie Brashear

Kevin, can you post some pics? Charlie Brashear

Harry - thanks for the correction. Charlie Brashear

Kevin - I am curious where you learned that Showa-to stamps were discontinued by early 1942. I gleaned from "Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths From 1868 to the Present" that in 1937 Japanese military authorities decided all non-tamahagane made swords were to be stamped to distinguish them from traditional swords. From 1940 through the end of the war this became mandatory. I think it may be possible to find a pre-1940 Showa-to without a stamp. Charlie Brashear

So, it seems that both "A" and "B" are genuine Ono blades? :? Charlie Brashear

Moriyama-san, thank you for the corrections Clearly I still have a lot to learn :lol: Charlie Brashear

Chris - PM sent Charlie Brashear

Andy - please post pics of the sword, including one or two of the tsuka. That will in answering your question about removing it. Also, you can search the forum and probably find the answer(s) to your question about removing the tsuka and maintaining the sword. Charlie Brashear

Ray - Kanji on the headband on left appear to be the family name Hisanaga. I cannot read the superscript character on the right. I think the other kanji on the right are luck or fortune. Again, more knowledgeable member of the forum will confirm or correct. Charlie Brashear