Jumyo Shinto Period Wakazashi With Papers Or Koto Period Katana Unsigned From Reputable Dealer

[Daso]

Hello All,

After all the fun with my basement Moriie gimei, I wanted to add a more reliable and better condition piece to my collection. I found a very interesting and excellent condition Jumyo wakazashi (21.5" cutting edge) signed Hitachi No Kami Fujiwara with papers (probably year 1650) in good original polish which will cost me a bit more but still in budget or I also found a cheaper good condition Koto period Katana with 27" cutting edge in decent condition but it's unsigned with no history but dealer is reputable. I always wanted the longer Katana but wondered what anyone else thought about these two choices. Any thoughts on the Jumyo swordsmiths as well? This will be my first purchase. Probably $600 difference between the Jumyo and Koto blades. Thanks in advance.

[Alex A]

No pics?

 

I can see why you would be tempted by the wakizashi, signed with papers, a good start. (would prefer a recent polish), need pics!

 

I can see why you would be tempted by the Katana. We need more info on it, Measurements, Pics including nakago, bare blade, everything the seller can tell you about it, and pics!

 

Blade quality and condition obviously a major factor.

 

I couldn't say without more info, sorry about that.

[Daso]

Sorry, I didn't take pics of the sword and completely understand that no one can judge the options well with vague descriptions. Will try to get some photos of Katana.

[drbvac]

Well - obviously if of equal quality or close in terms of condition - myself - I would always choose a Koto blade and a Katana and the papers would be secondary unless there is something to make you worry about the description offered by the dealer. Older Katana's are always a little harder to find and all else equal are usually worth more than a wak.

[Daso]

So I took a weird detour and went with a complete unknown Katana and need everyone's help in figuring out what I have. Please remember that I am totally a newbie to this newly found obsession and I tend to take some chances at times.  I'm posting a bunch of pictures, but below are some of my neophyte observances (please correct me if I am wrong so I learn) and I would love to figure out more about this Katana.  I was going to post a new thread as well.

 

Blade tip  - O-Kissaki

Temper line - Notare

Curve - Shallow

Tang - Square tip - Kiri - Kaku-ichi-monji

Grain - Hard to see any grain - plain ( I hope it isn't a cheap new steel sword)

Shape - Shinogi - Zukuri

Blade length is 26 1/2 to the beginning of the Habaki, 1" habaki and 6" tang with two holes. There also appear to be three dings in the blade which look like a sword strike but not deep.  No hagire that I can see with 400x scope.

[JonnyO]

So I took a weird detour and went with a complete unknown Katana and need everyone's help in figuring out what I have. Please remember that I am totally a newbie to this newly found obsession and I tend to take some chances at times.  I'm posting a bunch of pictures, but below are some of my neophyte observances (please correct me if I am wrong so I learn) and I would love to figure out more about this Katana.  I was going to post a new thread as well.

 

Blade tip  - O-Kissaki

Temper line - Notare

Curve - Shallow

Tang - Square tip - Kiri - Kaku-ichi-monji

Grain - Hard to see any grain - plain ( I hope it isn't a cheap new steel sword)

Shape - Shinogi - Zukuri

Blade length is 26 1/2 to the beginning of the Habaki, 1" habaki and 6" tang with two holes. There also appear to be three dings in the blade which look like a sword strike but not deep.  No hagire that I can see with 400x scope.

Seriously? I'm a "newbie" too, but that looks like Chinese junk.

No offense.

I'm sure the gentlemen here who are disciples will elucidate.

Best of luck!

[Brian]

Seriously? I'm a "newbie" too, but that looks like Chinese junk.

No offense.

I'm sure the gentlemen here who are disciples will elucidate.

Best of luck!

 

I think it is you who needs to elucidate. What strikes you as Chinese here? Although not high class by any means, everything is Japanese and conforms to what you would expect to see. What are you seeing?

[Daso]

Seriously? I'm a "newbie" too, but that looks like Chinese junk.

No offense.

I'm sure the gentlemen here who are disciples will elucidate.

Best of luck!

I like your style, I hope this is where you let loose