Kai-Mihara Katana Pictures

[Mark S.]

A while back, I asked for assistance in translating a NTHK-NPO Kanteisho Paper for a sword I purchased at the Chicago Show two weeks ago. With much gracious assistance, I have the paper all figured out. However, I was asked for some additional pictures. After trying many, many, times, in many different kinds of light, almost all of my attempts have been a pretty poor representation of the blade. Either the picture is washed out, or the blade looks like it was cleaned with steel wool. In the hand, this is most certainly not the case. HOWEVER, a couple pictures of the hamon and grain of the sword DID come through, so I figured I would share! The more I stare, try different lighting, use a magnifying glass, etc., the more I see, and it seems to come at times when I least expect it... just a small change of angle and I see a completely different picture. Excuse a beginners 'awe'. The blade is out of polish, but I am looking forward to saving my pennies (O.K.... dollars) and hopefully, this time next year, I will start the hunt for a polish and shirasaya.

 

Here are the particulars of the Katana (if you didn't want to go to the other post):

 

General information:

Katana: Nagasa 70.9cm (27.91”) / Sori 1.8cm (11/16”) / Nakago (2 mekugiana) 18.5cm (7-1/4”)

Ubu Mumei. Was submitted for Shinsa at the Minneapolis Show, October 8, 2011 and received Kanteisho paper with the following attribution: Bingo / Kai-Mihara / Masamori / Tensho era. Not in full polish, but in pretty good condition as it is. Chu-suguha (medium straight) hamon and Tsumu Itame (tight wood grain). Most of the hamon is very straight and the misty area is separated from the rest of the blade by a very distinct 'white line', althought the grain flows in and out of the hamon (sorry, not sure how else to explain), but certain areas open up a bit and the edge of the hamon becomes more 'interesting' as well. Score: 75/100 according to the original worksheet.

 

Thanks for looking,

Mark S.

[Geraint]

looks lovely, Mark. The sunagashi and other activities in the hamon look very good. You mentioned shirasaya next year, what does it have now?

 

All the best.

[Mark S.]

You mentioned shirasaya next year, what does it have now?

 

WW2 Gunto Mount

[Jean]

Good pictures, Mark lovely activities clearly visible.

[cabowen]

Should be quite beautiful in new polish...congrats!