Norimitsu Tanto

[pt1093]

    Looking for feedback on a tanto I recently purchased, with my limited expertise it does appear to be authentic.  The tang is signed Norimitsu, with no other markings.  I found a lot of swordsmiths listed for this name, is there a way to discern between them by the chisel marks?  I ask because the bottom left chisel mark is longer than any of the examples show.   10 3/4 cutting edge, some thinning in the center near a hagire, otherwise sound.

 

Regards,

  Paul

[Ken-Hawaii]

I don't see the hagire, but if you've found one, the term "sound" doesn't apply! I'd also bet that your blade is gimei, but you'd need to send it to Shinsa to be sure.

 

As far as tanto in general, check out Sesko's https://markussesko.com/2015/04/13/kantei-1-sugata-7/

[SAS]

Looks more like a ware than a hagire. It would be interesting to see it in polish.

[pt1093]

Yes ware not hagire,  I  confused my terms.  

[Rivkin]

Sengaku blade, no Norimitsu of importance. Typical options are Kaga and Sue Bizen. I don't remember their yasurime by heart, sorry.

 

Kirill R.

[Alex A]

I would ignore the mei too. Something about the blade/nakago,  getting an hunch its a later blade, crisp edges and Hamachi, maybe

[pt1093]

Thanks for the info.  See attached photos of hamon after mild polish and vinegar etch.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Did you do the "mild polish" yourself? Uchiko, or something else?

[pt1093]

Something else.  I started with a flat medium Arkansas stone to level out the ha and ji.   320, 500, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000 grit wet sand all with WD-40 lubricant.  See photos of finished work.

[Brian]

* sigh *

No. We do not discuss amateur or self taught polishing here.