Hada or delaminating?

[patrick7813]

Guys

 

OK, I’ll admit that I’m still learning and have alot to still learn. I have this Mano Masayasu forged blade (see picture) and I don’t know if what I’m seeing is the hada or evidence of delaminating (ware’)? I’ll gladly welcome all opinions.

 

Thanks,

[cabowen]

Poorly forged or steel with impurities and poorly forged. Not really a delamination, just not clean welds with clean steel.

[patrick7813]

Thanks Chris. I was hoping that wouldn't be the situation.

 

Cheers,

[runagmc]

Just larger and rougher hada than is normally seen on newer swords...

[mdiddy]

I have held a few Mano Masayasu and they all had coarse jihada similar to your sword.

[patrick7813]

Guys

 

Thanks to all. I’m feeling somewhat better now.

 

I know I’ll (likely) be skewered for suggesting this but if I use one of the American based polishers (e.g., Fred Lohman; I’ve used his services before with very good results) for this Showato, will these issues distract from the finished product? It has a minor nail catcher nick in the Ha and I know that can be easily removed but don’t want any ware or shintetsu exposed in the Ji due to these “areas” (there are several) afterwards either. The shin gunto type 98 koshirae housing the blade is in mint condition so, to me, it's likely worth the investment.

 

Cheers,

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Patrick,

Looks like the current polish was better quality when it was done that you might expect from Lohman & Company. If the only problems with the current polish are a few nail catching nicks maybe you'd be better off leaving the sword as is. Mint koshirae and nearly intact, well done war time polish sound better to me than mint koshirae with a 2nd class modern polish.

But others might disagree.

Grey

[patrick7813]

Hi Grey

 

Thanks for the input. I’m always torn about retaining the original wartime polish or not. I’d rate the original wartime polish on this blade as excellent +. I usually try and evaluate it by either (1) my desire to retain in my collection and therefore get it polished or (2) plan on parting with it later and therefore keep the original wartime polish. A collector friend has told me I’m too much a perfectionist to be a collector.

 

Of course, if I get any polished that effectively eliminates parting with them because it’s nearly impossible to recoup that additional expense. Regardless, it’s not something I’ll run off and have done immediately. I’ll heavily ponder for some time. BTW, I’ve had 2 polished by Fred (one an Ikkansai Kunimori) and was very pleased with the outcome. Others agreed when seeing them “in hand” too.

 

Cheers,

[cabowen]

BTW, I’ve had 2 polished by Fred (one an Ikkansai Kunimori) and was very pleased with the outcome. Others agreed when seeing them “in hand” too.

 

Cheers,

 

I don't wish to offend, but speaking plainly, you need to learn what a proper polish looks like. The amateur polishes you have gotten from Fred might be ok for showa-to or low end gendaito but they are a form of abuse if done on a collectable blade.

[patrick7813]

Chris

 

No offense taken. I always appreciate your thoughts. Firstly, we're not talking about a collectable blade here (unless you're like me and collect Japanese military swords which likely aren't collectable in your definition). Secondly, I do understand the difference between a polish that Fred provides (and would only go that route on a Showato) versus a polish for a collectable blade (which I do not have). I'm also well aware of opinions that any quality Showato or Showa era Gendaito for that matter, with a tiny minority of exceptions, won't/don't qualify for the criteria of a collectable blade.

 

Cheers,

[cabowen]

 

......I'm also well aware of opinions that any quality Showato or Showa era Gendaito for that matter, with a tiny minority of exceptions, won't/don't qualify for the criteria of a collectable blade.

 

Cheers,

 

There are many showa era gendaito that merit a professional polish and are collectable. This is were bad things often happen.

 

Glad to hear you are on the right track....

[patrick7813]

Yep, I get it. I don’t yet have any of those that merit a professional polish. I think we’re saying the same thing but you’re more artful.

 

Cheers,