Does A Shortened Nakago Devalue A Nihonto?

[general_piffle]

Apologies for yet more newbie questions but the knowledge here is too good to ignore!

 

So I wondered if a shortened nakago would devalue a sword or make it less attractive? Specifically a katana. Part of the mei is still there but just the place and province not the sword maker's signature.

 

I understand that the practice was fairly common to enhance a sword's characteristics at the request of a new owner but was curious to find out what view is today as in what collectors think of such pieces?

 

Thanks.

 

Joel

 

[paulb]

unshortened swords always command a premium. How much shortening devalues a blade depends on how old it is and by how much it is reduced. With Koto blades suriage (shortening) is more common and accepted. On Shinto swords and alter it is less acceptable. 

A lot has been written here about Ubu  and Suriage work. If you do  a search on these terms you may find a lot more detailed explanations

[Geraint]

Hi Joel.

 

You may find the information on this link useful.  http://members.chello.nl/tfujimot/

 

All the best.