Bruno

stricto sensu: 3 (USA, Canada, Australia)

It has NTHK papers which is equal if not better.

Character on the nakago mune appears to be 江　"e".

Thanks Leen. He was really a good smith. Collecting his work is a smart idea.

Hi Leen, Any marks on the nakago mune? Neat and nicely finished gendaito.

Is it known how many years he trained in Japan?

legit.

Anyone know where replicas or similar Gunto bags can be purchase?

Ask David McDonald in Montana.

Hello, Did any of you ever deal with this seller and can you recommend him? https://www.Japanese-sword-katana.jp/ His swords are nice, photos are well done, prices are decent. However his descriptions are very laconic. I don't see any of his description mentioning kizu or ware or any default. Owner seems to have a limited english so I would like to read experiences from members who already bought from him. Thank you

Different, but Takayama-to are known to have the togishi mei carved on the nakago next to the smith mei. I used to own the one on attached photos.

I did not know French soccer League 1 could interest an american gentleman btw. In 2012, that's correct John. So everything is possible when you know the right persons to ask!

In 2023, a french guy, Mr LAVIGNE, was able to return a Gifu or Showa stamped Type 3 showato (not even a nihonto) to the owner family. He bought the sword at an auction in Tours (France) without knowing what it was. Then he decided to return the sword to Japan. It was even on a local Japanese TV news. So never say never... https://quinzaine.japonoccitanie.fr/evenements/temoignage-echange-la-belle-histoire-du-retour-dun-sabre-au-japon-par-michel-lavigne-et-madame-marie-fiton-presidente-de-lassociation-les-amis-de-nishinomiya/

IndeedJean. So farI always used John TIRADO but would like to give a try with an European shirasaya maker. One who makes top notch shirasaya.

I would be interested too.