Is this kizu so bad?

[Marco]

Hi all,

I’m new in the forum and this is my first post.

My name is Marco and I joined this forum for learning purpose.

 

I recently bought my first Nihonto but I noticed a small kizu and I’m trying to understand if it’s a fatal kizu that prevents the sword from being used and what is it’s gravity.

It seems to be a Fukure (blister) but I’m not sure since this is my first blade.

 

Can anybody help me please?

Thank you in advance for your time

 

Marco

[b.hennick]

Yes it is a fukure (blister). It is not a fatal flaw but certainly devalues the blade. A polisher may be able to repair it. It needs a well trained in Japan polisher. In the worst case it will need an umagane (inserted metal plug). 

[ROKUJURO]

Marco,

welcome to the NMB!

It is indeed a FUKURE, but it is relatively big and it is in the YAKIBA. I do not think that this can be repaired easily with an UMEGANE. But good polishers (in Japan) can do miracles sometimes, so let's hope the best!

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Marco,

Usually fukure in the yakiba (hardened area of the blade) can't be repaired but even if the fukure is above the yakiba it is an expensive repair and is warranted only if the sword is very good quality or better. You don't mention what your sword is but unless it is special you should leave it be; don't go looking for a polisher.  This isn't a fatal flaw but it is a large negative.

A reputable dealer should have told you about this before you bought the sword. If a collector comes to me wanting to buy a sword, I tell him everything (the fukure would have been mentioned in my description; it is only fair. Not saying I'm a saint; this is how it should be.

Grey

[ChrisW]

Oof. That is rough that you were not informed of such a cosmetic defect. Perhaps if you're not in too much love with the blade, you can seek to return it and find one without?

[Marco]

Thank you all for the replies, your kindness and the terminology explanation.

 

Grey, I attached a file containing all the details I got from the seller but I got your point.

 

 

 

description.docxFetching info...

[Hoshi]

Return it as fast as you can. That is one ugly, undisclosed fukure. That's not a small kizu, especially in Shinto. 

[PietroParis]

The seller's description reads:

"Blade is in very good condition. Nothing of rust or rust spots. Not hagire, no nicks, and not fatal damage, of course. Please see the close-up pictures for amazing details."

 

One would think that the blister was worth mentioning here... Was it visible in any of the close-up pictures?

[Surfson]

I agree with the idea of returning it.  If that is polished, it will likely unroof that blister and it will turn into a large ugly area of core steel.