lzechman

Here are a few more photos that I’ve taken since I received the wakizashi. I’m pleased with the purchase. The habaki fits loosely, but the shirasaya is very nice. Is there any proper way to fix the loose habaki?

Mark, I’m definitely planning to attend that show, and will make it a point to look you up. Maybe I can purchase a sword from you. I may try to hit the show north of Baltimore too.

Well, that’s not entirely true. The Celts originated in Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), and migrated into Greece, Spain, and yes, into the British Isle. Although the falcata originated with the Iberians, the Celts living there which formed the Celtiberian culture would have used such swords. At least they have been found among Celtibetian archeological sites. Try googling Celtiberian culture if you want to learn more. It is still a subject of debate, but the Celts may have migrated into Spain from Central Europe before they headed to the British Isle, but this is still debated. At the very least, it was around the same time. So they may not have been a Celtic invention, but they definitely were used by Celts, or at least that is the consensus. And of course most know the falcata was copied by the Greeks, in the form of a kopis. I’ve also reproduced Bronze Age Celtic swords similar to the one that had been found in Ewart Park, in the UK. I even work hardened the edges, as the Celts did. I attached a photo. Can’t entirely take credit for that sword though, as Neil Burridge cast the blade for me, but I finished it, did the work hardening, and riveted on the handle. Ive also reproduced a few gladius, including two Pompeii and one Fulham, and I’m currently working on a second Fulham, with bone grip, and all. The earlier Roman swords such as the one in the picture do have a leafed shaped blade, which, as you mentioned was of Celtic influence. Later Roman swords ditched the leaf shape for easy of construction, as seen in the Pompeii Gladius.

I apologize for my replies to quotes. I’m still getting used to the forum.

That’s my intention. I have a room that is humidity controlled. I typically check on all my collectibles two or three times a year. I’m located in central Pennsylvania. I’d love to make it to a big show, but those all seem too far for me at this point. If my interest persists, I may consider it in the future. I do think there is some kind of militaria show in York PA coming up sometime this year though. Whoops, that’s embarrassing. I feel like I should know that. Yes, I want to get a few reference books, do you have any specific one that you can recommend? Preferably something that isn’t very expensive, for a beginner. I see that you are into Celtic culture as well. I’m currently working on a reproduction falcata.

Thanks Mark. I purchased this wakazashi. I didn’t do so to turn a profit. I collect edged weapons, and have always been intimidated by nihonto. I just wanted something authentic. I may eventually try to purchase a pristine example. I fancy tanto, and would love to have a nice one someday. My daughter can sell this one someday when I’m gone. The price I paid on this one doesn’t concern me much. I could get a low end Chinese sword for a similar price. Any interest I have in learning more about this sword, is simply for my own satisfaction.

Thanks for the reply. I suppose I should have been more specific. In your opinion does it look to be real nihonto? The sale has ended, or I would post a link to the listing. I purchased this piece. I can supply pictures when I receive it next month. I’ve gotten mixed reviews concerning the signature. The seller on eBay said it is a Yoshitsuga. AI has told me the kanji refers to a region/area in Japan. If it is nihonto, is there anyway to figure out, roughly how old it is. I’m kind of assuming Edo at this point, but I’m obviously a newbie. Any information is appretiated, and as I mentioned, I can supply better pictures in the future. Any recommendations on a good dealer in the US that I could work with in the future to purchase a nicer sword? I prefer tanto over other categories.

Full disclosure. I purchased this wakazashi. I realize it is out of polish. I can see some blemished on the blade from the pictures. I also realize it is not worth having it polished. I was just looking for something authentic, as in a Japanese made sword, to study. I would like to get something in better condition in the future, but was just looking to get my feet wet. I paid $355 after shipping and tax, which is well within my budget. There was only one other person bidding from what I could see. Ultimately I would like to figure out more detailed information about age or the area that it was made. So far I have fed pictures of the signature into AI to see what I could find. I’ve gotten mixed reviews on this manner. Thanks for the info. I may post more pictures once I get it in person.

First time poster. Hello fellow Forumites. I’m not a collector of nihonto specifically, but I make knives, and collect edged weapons, and had a question about a wakazashi I saw on eBay. I’m curious about this listing, and wondered what anyone’s opinion is about this item. It has no origami. Is it real? If not, why? Educate me, as I would eventually like to acquire nihonto for my collection, and would prefer something authentic.