drewas

Great, George. Thanks. I am enjoying the pursuit for more information and am picking up some of the lingo, too. I am disappointed that the sword is not as old as I thought, but I believe it is gendaito, at least.

Thanks. That should keep me busy for awhile. Ralph

This is going to be a steep learning curve, it seems. One problem is the terminology that is unfamiliar. The glossary here is helpful, but not complete. In reading I keep coming upon the words hada and hamon and the context leads me to believe that they have something to do with the polish of the blade or the temper marks along the edge. Can you help me with this? In one refererence the adjectives "oily" and "bumpy" were used in relation to these terms. What the heck?! I don't want to be a pest. Is there a reference you could suggest that might help a newby?

Thank you, Mr. Moriyama.

Thanks for the help, Peter. I know much more now than I did yesterday and I have a place to start to research the subject futher. I'll probably have more questions later, but now I have to start reading on the subject. I also hope to identify the smith from the kanji. I have a friend who is Japanese and he might be able to help me with a translation. I'll post ant new info that I come up with. Thanks again. Ralph H.

Although probably less interesting, here is a photo of the handle.

Less than an hour for a reply! I'm impressed and apreciative. I've taken a few photos that you requested. I want you to know that I am interested in learning about this sword for the sake of better appreciating what I have. I intend to pass it on in the family one day and would like to know more about it before that time comes. Thank you very much for any help. R. Hatcher

Wow! What a great site for information on Japanese swords. I am settling comfortably into middle-age and finally getting around to things I've been intending to do for some time. I acquired a sword from the widow of a WWII vet who brought it back from New Guinea. That's all the info I have. I have had it in my collection for almost 30 years. I was told once by a gentleman who seemed somewhat knowledgeable that the blade was from the Edo period, 17th or 18th century and the fittings from the late 19th century. I have tried to keep in properly stored and it is in the same condition in which I first acquired it. Although I consider myself a history buff and somewhat knowledgeable on some subjects, this isn't one of them. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.