zburkett Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 I recently got a sword in standard WW II mountings with the blade signed Yokoyama Kouzuke Daijo Fujiwara Sukesada (I am told). I was also told that this signature was often forged in the Edo period. Where can I find more information? Second, the sword is in slightly rough shape. Four chips in the blade, the largest 1/16" deep. It also has the beginnings of pitting and discoloration. What is the best way to maintain a sword with respect? I am something of a knife collector but know almost nothing of Japanese swords. On a pocket knife I could clean it up with semi-chrome polish. Is that ok for a Japanese sword? Quote
Geraint Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Hi ZBurkett. Please sign your posts with a first name so we know who we are speaking to. If you go to the FAQ tab at the top of the page you will find some guidance on how to care for your sword but the first rule is, "If in doubt, don't". I would leave the chrome polish where it is. If you can get some photographs of the blade lots of people here will be glad to comment on your sword and advise you on next steps for research and caring for it. An overall shot of the blade and detailed shots of the nakago, (tang) plus some measurements would be useful. Welcome to the mad world of Nihonto! All the best. Quote
Fuuten Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Welcome, just to be safe, do not do anything to the sword. Just keep it from rusting as best as possible. Also like said, pictures will help getting more accurate information. Quote
DirkO Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 This article might prove helpful. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/4063-yokoyama-kzuke-daijo-fujiwara-sukesada Quote
nagamaki - Franco Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Hello, The chips 1/16th depth or less should be removable barring unforeseen circumstances. Posting images including overall with close ups of the tang, tip, chips, signature, and rust would be a good start. Quote
zburkett Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Posted July 25, 2016 Thanks everyone. Here are the pictures as best as I can do them. The first are the three swords in my collection with the one with the broken handle being the one in question. The second photo is the sword disassembled and the last two are the signatures as best I can do them. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks, Zack Quote
Grey Doffin Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Sword care and etiquette: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm And resist all urges to try to fix something; anything you try might do damage. Grey Quote
Stephen Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Bizen blade, we need another shot, blade up, tang down , we read from top to bottom Quote
ggil Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 one side of the tang is actually the date the blade was made (this is the convention: ura side = side facing you when worn or 'hidden' = mei..... and omote = side facing away or 'public' side = date). Pretty nice to have a dated blade! Also that blade is "ubu," or original; meaning that the nakago (tang) hasn't been shortened. This also is a plus! Quote
Stephen Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 the non mei side is Bizen Osafune Junin, where hes from not a date this time , waiting for another shot of the mei 1 Quote
ggil Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Thanks Stephen. I gotta start learning some Kanji! 1 Quote
zburkett Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Posted July 25, 2016 OK, here is another shot at pictures. BTW Grey, I don't think it needs fixing, just TLC. I'd like to take it out for a beer and get it to tell me the story of its life. 1 Quote
zburkett Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Posted July 25, 2016 I'll try to get the other side attached. Quote
SteveM Posted July 25, 2016 Report Posted July 25, 2016 Looks like the name in your original post is correct. I reiterate what everyone else has said before - not a lot to do at home that would extend the life or enhance the beauty of this sword. Continue reading up on this site on ways to store and maintain it. It doesn't look like an obvious fake, so now it becomes a bit more forensic - which is often too difficult to do via photos. Quote
zburkett Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Posted July 25, 2016 Thanks Steve. Some years ago I worked with Richard Stein who knew a lot about Japanese Swords. Now I can't find him. Does anyone know where he is and if he is well. He is a great guy l lost track of. Again, I'm not sure I really care if it is the original or an old forgery, I'd just like to know. Z Quote
Greg F Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 Hi and welcome Zack. Well done asking here before trying to do anything to your 1st sword. Not everyone makes the right decision. Greg Quote
Brian Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 Thanks Steve. Some years ago I worked with Richard Stein who knew a lot about Japanese Swords. Now I can't find him. Does anyone know where he is and if he is well. He is a great guy l lost track of. Again, I'm not sure I really care if it is the original or an old forgery, I'd just like to know. Z He's on the forum, am sure he will notice your posts soon enough. Quote
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