Tired Blade with flaws

[steve oakley]

Hello

 

I have had this blade for a while and was wanting to confirm a few things with your assistance.

 

The blade is old but not sure of how old. I was thinking that by its shape would lead me to think mid Edo however could it be pre koto considering the condition.

 

It appears to have had a number of polishes in its time. Attached are images being over polished. One image depicts what i believe to be nioigire (hamon running of the edge). I understand that nioigire is considered fatal if the hamon breaks.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

Steve

[cabowen]

I would lean towards koto, but not pre koto

 

Your title aptly characterizes it....

[seattle1]

Hello:

The term nioi-giri is usually used to refer to an interruption in the margin of the yakiba, though I suppose running off the ha would also fall within such a meaning. Looking at the images I wonder if what you see might be an artifact of the polish rather than a nioi-giri in actuality? The blade does appear to be koto but not so drastically shape changed that it has a run off yakiba. Depending on the age and quality of the sword, while such things are detracting, they are not necessarily fatal.

Arnold F.