Hokke

There are two ways to go about this and it would appear you are already leaning. There are basically two types of collectors. First, there are those with a deep appreciation of the history of nihonto. Then there are those who just want something they find visually appealing and the specifics of the blade are secondary. Based on your comment above, it would seem you are the latter. Absolutely nothing wrong with this type of collector and it makes your decision somewhat easy I would think. The question is, can you afford it? If the answer is yes, then you have to ask yourself, am I ok with taking a considerable loss on this purchase in the future? If the answer is yes, then it seems you have found something to add to your collection, easy peasy. Sometimes we just want what we want, regardless of the advice of others. We've all been there at some point in our lives, myself included. Good Luck with your purchase

Im not sure if bleeding out via ankle is merciful, but it sure does make for good reading.

The lead time from Japan is just part of the process as they have to get a license for export. However, if you go with a reputable company like mentioned above, your risk is exponentially diminished. That being said, the biggest risk is the shipping itself, as pirates working in the shipping hubs have made a dent in the market. The only way to combat this is to make sure that the retailer you purchase from has your package fully insured in case of loss. This problem with missing packages seems to me more prevalent in the EMS system, so if possible you may want to choose UPS, albeit considerable more expensive. Purchasing things from overseas requires more patience, but if you love the piece you are buying, it's worth the gamble IMO. I made a purchase last month and the package went missing. It was fully insured and am now working with the retailer to process the claim. Thankfully, of all the packages I have imported, this was one of the most inexpensive, so I am relatively unbothered, just a bit annoyed.

Is there one specific feature of the nakago you are seeing which leads you to gimei or is it a combination?

Appreciate it Piers, that brings everything together nicely. I was not paying proper attention to time period nor alternate terminology. Can you tell I know very little to nothing about antique firearms? Now I know a bit more, thanks.

Of course, my post was meant only to comment on the quoted subject. I very much understand wanting our friends and loved ones healthy.

Sometimes people dont want to be checked on, they want to be left alone. We have no idea what Hackmans motive was. From what I know of it, having Alzheimers can be a long and tragic life to the end. It is very possible he didnt want to burden his family with seeing him decline. He perhaps didnt want peoples pity and sorrow surrounding him, a daily reminder of the disease and its inability to be cured. I just wish people would stop projecting their choices on others to the point of condemning those they have never met.

Yes, I should have used the term used in the picture. I am speaking specifically to the "blind hole". Extinguishing a match just seems weird of a design. Hopefully the use of the smaller hole is more clever or utilitarian.

Why is the koshirae being sold separately? Is this a common practice on higher end pieces? Or is it saying that the high bidder will beed to pay an additional 100KY to obtain the koshirae as well?

Im curious why anyone would need a small hole, poorly positioned as it is, for the sole purpose of extinguishing a match? Was there a time of an emphysema plague that I am unaware of? Seriously, I know that sounded sarcastic, but it's a genuine curiosity. Is it possible this hole had yet another use that has been lost in time? If that is the sole purpose, it seems far more useful to place it in front of the hand rather than behind it.

I have seen a number of these videos over the years but this is the first time I have seen it done like this. Dont get me wrong, I dont frown on modernizations like power hammers and boric acid, but I have to admit the belt sander and angle grinder took something away for me. Maybe it just feels too modernized? ....I dunno, cant really put my finger on it.

At the end of the day, ANYTHING we purchase on a daily basis outside of what is necessary for basic living is just STUFF. When it comes to stuff, if you are fiscally responsible, you need only ask two questions, which I consider a rule. Will this item bring joy into my life and can I afford it. If your answer is yes to both of those questions, IMO, then it matters not what the end value will be. So to answer the OP's question - Yes, i have no problem buying a sword that I know will not maintain or appreciate in value.

Curious, do you usually respond repeatedly and favorably towards those whom you do not trust? I fail to see the genesis for such ire towards another member. Last I checked, KungFooey, whomever that may be has done exactly what is normal and expected on an ONLINE forum. This somehow has generated a level of distrust, but why is that exactly? Is this member trying to solicit funds for a project? Is kungfooey trying to sell anything to anyone? Is there a representation of mastery of knowledge? Fact of the matter is this, so far as I can see, the only thing kungfooey is guilty of is the occasional provocative post or comment. There have been many like this in the past and likely no shortage in the future. You said, "folks like to know who they are talking to". This may be true, but they are NOT ENTITLED to know anything other than what is presented. Kungfooey may actually be a guy named Fred in his mother's basement, but the question remains, how does this matter? I dont have a clue as to the person behind kungfooeys keyboard because it DOESN'T matter, until such a time as it does. Should that day come, it is up to each of us to collect and examine information that allows for an informed decision and even then there is risk because THATS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. Shitting on people because your spidey senses are tingling only means something if your senses mean anything to anyone else, which is unlikely because you are not special. So how about you proceed as you have ALREADY and choose to participate with this member or not. Valueless posts about your "trust" are neither entertaining nor useful.

In line with what Jussi said, I have a Hokke Kaneyasu that was dated 1368 to 1375 Oan. Mine is enbun-joji in shape which ties it strongly to Nanbokucho with Yamato influence.

Fantastic, thank you so much.