Polish or not = Cost benefit analysis

[drbvac]

How would one figure the cost/benefit of having a new polish done on a blade?

 

I have a muromachi tachi which could use some touch ups of the boshi and it is in relativley good polish otherwise so how does one decide if they should spend the cost of polish on a blade.

 

I understand one would probably not spend $3000.00 to polish a $2000.00 sword but what is the way to determine the value added or if one should polish or not? Would spending the 3 grand on a 10,000.00 balde make it worth 3 more

[katanako]

Po;lshing blades is very expensive as you know. You will use cost/benefit analysis IF you are thinking of return on your investment.

If you plan to keep it to enjoy, then just do it. Once I buy a sword, I become extremely attached to it, and I will never sell it. It will go to my kids. That is why I have spent alot of money on this one ebay junker blade for $400 to get it repolished and rehilted with new saya...over $4K. That's like spending $200 at the vet's office to remove a tumor from a $1.99 feeder rat (which I have done). To me, there's nothing more rewarding than turning a Tammy Faye Baker blade into a

KELLY O'DONNELL blade (she's the cute red headed pixie on NBC News who is the White House correspondent).

 

HENRY USA

[Ken-Hawaii]

The cost/benefit ratio is determined by more than just the dollar values of the blade & work.

 

First, do you have the funds to pay a qualified togishi to do the job right? Second, is the blade important enough to you to spend the money? And, third, is this a blade for your personal collection (i.e., enjoyment, study, etc.), or are you planning to turn around & try to resell it for a profit? All of these factors play a part in any decision.

 

You also mention that most of the blade is in "relatively good polish," so that can cut way down on polishing costs. But if it's an old polish, then a polish of just a few areas may result in a distinct difference in appearance. I had that happen on a tanto, & ended up going back to the togishi & having him polish the entire blade - glad it wasn't a katana!