Opinions sought on two Wakizashi

[alant]

Please indulge my curiosity with your opinions on these Wakizashi. It may be my lack of knowledge showing, but I prefer the first. The blade geometry looks better. Always open to a better educated opinion however.

 

 

[Guest reinhard]

"...but I prefer the first. The blade geometry looks better."

 

What makes you think so?

 

reinhard

[alant]

In this case beauty may be in the eye of the beer can holder, but I don't like Hira-Zukuri as much as some people. Maybe it is an aquired taste?

[Guest reinhard]

"... but I don't like Hira-Zukuri..."

 

You've got a long way to go. Stay with us.

 

reinhard

[alant]

I bought the first for $590:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300217313721

 

The second went for $688.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300217016974

[Guest Nanshoku-Samurai]

Hello Alan,

 

both will cut sausage just fine but I see some major problems in #300217016974

 

Regards

[alant]

Hello Alan,

 

both will cut sausage just fine but I see some major problems in #300217016974

 

Regards

 

Please elaborate.

 

And here are some pictures from the seller of mine (300217313721).

 

 

 

[Guest Nanshoku-Samurai]

Alan,

 

in most cases there is good news and bad news.

 

First for the good: You got two swords in old but good polish, fully mounted. If you were to take them apart and sell everything individually there would be a good profit.

 

If you were to buy a rusty blade and have it put into condition of the two swords you've just purchased it would cost twice to three times the price. So you basically got everything way beyond cost of restoration ...

 

Now for the bad news: If you were to buy this stuff in condition that needs restoration, would it be wise to have it restored? Answer: NO. That is also why nobody would pay the actual restoration cost for it as these sword are tiered, badly shaped, Mumei, Wakis and one might have the Hamon running off.

 

Study these blades for a while if you would like to proceed with ths fine hobby and then sell them Or keep them if you are an occasional collector.

 

Or cut your sausage with them if you are hungry

[alant]

To set the record straight I only purchased the first, not the second.

 

It seems by the "good news" that the price was reasonable, that someone else paid for restoration (or did a good preservation job) which would now cost more than the current market would return on such an expense.

 

The "bad news" would only be bad if the blade needed restoration. I'm more than happy with "old polish" and am a very occasional (one time/one item collector in all probability). I do need to learn how to properly maintain this piece and assume it isn't going to be the same as what I do for my modern reproduction katana.

 

Which one might have the hamon running off?

[Guest Nanshoku-Samurai]

Alan,

 

> The "bad news" would only be bad if the blade needed restoration

 

No, unfortunately not. The bad news is bad because the sword is always bad no matter what you paid. It will always remain a poor blade. However there are people who would pay more for it than what you did and that's the good news.

 

Alan, my frank and humble advice is that you buy some good books, they will give you a better understanding of teh Japanese sword and also show you how to maintain it.

 

M

A

X

[Bungo]

" one might have the Hamon running off."

 

My eyesight is getting funky but I don't see the hamon running off..............

 

milt