Why we fight: 4 Broad Classifications Kinko Kantei Methods

[kaigunair]

Was looking up info on a recent purchase when I came across a JSSUS reference to the Nihonto Koza, Part 6 Tosogu Part I. Got to reading different sections and came across one entitled: Four Broad Classifications of Kinko Kantei Methods.

(unfortunately, it seems there was more clarification in Part 2 of this series, but I don't think that got translated... )

 

Basically the author outlines the following four types of kantei methods:

1. Authenticity (Shingi) kantei method

2. Naming (Shimei) kantei method

3. Maker determination (Saku Kiwame) kantei method

4. Quality (Yuretsu) kantei method

 

I find its interesting to note that #4 is attributed to "O-Benji" or europeans and americans. Never heard that term before. But I did think method $4 is probably how I have been approaching my kinko studies and tosogu evaluations.

 

#3 is attributed to the Goto-ke. #2 appears to be some sort of kantei contest approach.

 

#1 is a bit humorous as I think it describes what happens here often:

 

"...Unless one grasps the broad outline by means of oral instructions and books of a kantei master and then has many years of experience, mistakes are probably unavoidable, particularly in this kantei method. Even if you say that there is no greater pleasure or enjoyment than studying well the authenticity (SHINGI, genuine or spurious) with congenial friends, at the most seven or either, under a bright light on an uncluttered desk, and evaluate well the superiority or inferiority, a yes or no cannot be arrived at, the question is divided into several theories, pros and cons are offered, and it seems that various compromises cannot be made (note: the one long run on sentence is how it was written). Confusion occurs in separating the genuine from the false at each one of these bad sessions, and eventually it comes to create antagonism and alienation. This is one evil which accompanies this kantei method."

 

So, given that we have:

-forum members whom we would not consider ourselves "congenial" with (perhaps due to past thread wars)

-not 7 or 8 persons at a time but 10, 20, 100+ voices;

-to study not under a bright light , but using photos with bad lighting, angles, pixels, etc ;

-a lack of an uncluttered desk, using the internet as cornucopia of data to pull from;

-the fact that many of us are neophytes with neither oral instructions or books of kantei masters, nor years of experience,

 

then its only natural that the most informative and interesting forum threads often end in antagonism and alienation. We might also posit its probably those threads which are un-informative and un-interesting which best avoid this conclusion.

 

Why bring this up ? Well, hopefully to encourage comments from those experienced sensei's who have gotten burned one too many times with the "antagonism and alienation", and have become use to self censoring their input. Just because a topic ends up a bit , that might be an indicator its actually going the right way, since everyone is able to learn what the differing sides of the "authenticity" issue is. Not that we want to anagonize or alienate, but that certain aspects of that happens when we have an opinion. No opinion, no issues but no thoughts either.

 

If there is enough interest in more details of the kantei method classifications, I'll gladly try to add them to this thread.

 

I would be lost without this kodogu forum, so everyone.

[raven2]

This is very interesting. I think you are hitting on some very good points.

[zentsuji2]

I am for one glad of the disputes,during identification of blades,i read in awe at the masters on this site,who can tell by a kanji stroke if it is a father or son,then an addition by another person, who has knowledge of hada,or hamon, kanteis the blade that way.

We also have in my opinion the foremost experts on ww2 swords,reaching new research boundaries, it is one great big kantei board,which is second to none, especially to the collectors on a budget who are striving for a papered sword,but are trading up to it.

Thanks to you all, for pictures, sword marks,mei explanations, smiths history etc.

Where else!

Regards to all and thanks.

Ian bellis