Kisu always a problem?

[Andi B.]

Hello all,

 

to get a feeling about beginner blades and prices - is a kizu (kitae-ware) like in the example below something to be worried about (refer to the actual "value" of a blade)?

As an example, blade http://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumeinobutaka is not very expensive but has this kind of flaw.

Could this be a bargain (at least a fair price - I think AOI are really reliable) if someone is not "disturbed" by this kizu or is this generally a no-go?

I know of course that experienced collectors wouldn't even buy it for less money because they are simply not interested in such kind of blades...

Any helpful opinions?

[Marius]

Well, the price reflects rather the fact that the sword is suriage (not desirable for shinto). I would not worry about that kizu (it is pretty common), but then again, many people will.

 

IMHO a nice blade for a good price if you like Kanbun shinto.

[hxv]

Dear Andi,

 

The flaw is certainly not a fatal flaw. Whether it is a serious flaw or not really depends on your collecting objective and criteria. You will need to decide what you want to collect and how you will go about building up your collection. For instance, some collectors will not collect unsigned swords made after the Nanbokucho jidai. Some collectors will not collect shinto and later swords that are unsigned or signed but not ubu nakago, ... What do you want to collect? Answer that question and you will have found a path... I hope this vague answer helps.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[kusunokimasahige]

Does it not also depend on whether Kizu might blow open when the sword is polished ?

 

I saw a sword online which had a big blister [fukure] (delamination) and thought that that might burst open when polished.

 

 

KM

[seattle1]

Hello:

Aoi-Art has a considerable track record in dealing with foreign buyers and is a reliable and trustworthy dealer as far as I know. They are happy to supply information when asked, particularly when one is dealing with Tsuruta san.

I agree with Mariusz that the consideration might hinge more on the fact that it is suriage rather than the kizu. It is a good length even though suriage, though to my eye the classic Kanbun shape of the era isn't particularly well shown. That it is Tokubetsu Kicho provides an interesting illustration of how the standard did change somewhat between those days and the more modern Tokubetsu Hozon and Hozon criteria. For the latter check Danny Massey's site, nihontocraft.com, and go to Articles and NBTHK Shinsa Standards. When that was initially translated and printed it had the approval of Mr. Tanobe so it can be considered accurate. It seems to me that the sword under consideration would not meet the current Tokubetsu Hozon criteria.

While we can all be smitten by a particular sword, criteria notwithstanding, it is helpful to have some choice criteria. There is nothing wrong with collecting suriage Shinto blades though the price should incorporate not just the suriage aspect but the degree of additional uncertainty that such things introduce.

Arnold F.