Ffffrosty Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Everyone, I just received my first katana, but I need help with the mei and date. Can anyone offer any thoughts? There are 2 different shots of the mei to show the characters better. Thanks! Mark Quote
John A Stuart Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 This is an odd one for me. Only in Chinese reading seems to be, 'Harata Shozan Taro'. John Quote
John A Stuart Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 can't read the date. Second year of sometime. What is this on? Can we see the whole sword? Please. I am suspecting a Chinese fake just by these pics so far. John Quote
Mark Green Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Mark, Sorry bro, looks like you have a chinese fake there. Click the fake sword tab above, and see what you think. From the mei, and Nakago, I would say fake for sure. Sorry for the bad news. Mark G Quote
Mark Green Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 The fake sword tab does not seem to be working????? Mark g Quote
John A Stuart Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 Mark, That is because it is hooked to nihontokanjipages. John Quote
Grey Doffin Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 I have a guide to fakes on my ebay ME page. Search ebay for seller greyguy0 and click on the ME button. Grey Quote
sencho Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 Looks like they have progressed from the Dremel to chiseling them now! cheers! Quote
Ffffrosty Posted December 4, 2008 Author Report Posted December 4, 2008 Thanks so much everyone... I had my doubts about it as well. Although I am very surprised with the quality of the blade, as in it is perfectly straight, the edge is very sharp and the hamon is real not etched and very well balanced. I studied the sword when I was younger and am now looking for a "real" katana. Here are some close ups as well as a pic of the entire sword. Thanks again for the help! Mark Quote
shan Posted December 4, 2008 Report Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Mark A rose by any other name? Its the worst hamon i have seen.No activity and its so "flat" and "dead". I wish i could just show a novice (sorry)what a true hamon looked like,then there would be not market for the Fakers. Its a choice of "pussyfooting" or getting straight to the point. If it was sold as genuine then send it back. Out of curiosity what did you pay for it? I would be surprised if the Chinese went to the effort of forging and tempering,it takes too long ,is too labour intensive and is not ecconomically viable,there will always be a market for fake swords of poor quality. Not nice to hear but straight to the point as i expect you would prefer. regards shan Quote
Ffffrosty Posted December 4, 2008 Author Report Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Shan, Yes, I like direct and yes I am still a novice... so no offense. It was actually bought more on an impulse, and I didn't pay too much, but will be sending it back as it was advertised as real. I agree with you on the hamon, when I said it was well balanced I actually meant the weight was well balanced. Too bad I purchased this before I had a chance to spend time here, because I have learned a huge amount looking at posts here. Anyway thanks for the input. Mark Quote
shan Posted December 5, 2008 Report Posted December 5, 2008 Hi Mark, I doubt that there will ever be a fake sword sold through this forum,The members would not stand for it. If you have a pre defined budget look to the "for sale" posts and you will get your first real sword and from that can then judge all others with a good point of reference. regards shan Quote
Jean Posted December 5, 2008 Report Posted December 5, 2008 Mark, One of the giveaway in these fakes (it is easier to spot for newbies) is the mounting : the handle (tsuka) and the way it is wrapped (very poorly done), the ito is of a vey bad quality, knots are crude). Generally, Metallic parts (Fuchi/kashira - habaki/kozuka) seem brand new. In fact, the Koshirae looks like it has been made yesterday. Japanese craftsmen are known for their excellency and their refined taste. You'll never find cheap/flashy in Japanese Art. Just post a picture of the handle and we can show you the difference. Quote
Brian Posted December 5, 2008 Report Posted December 5, 2008 Just to add..not a real hamon. Polished on or etched. If it was shipped from China, there is no way they will refund or allow it to be shipped back. Good luck, and keep reading. I will have to find another page to replace the lost "fakes" one above. Might link to Grey's one instead. Brian Quote
Henry Wilson Posted December 5, 2008 Report Posted December 5, 2008 Johny come lately here but never mind looking at the sword. The pics of the nakago are such a give away. It is sooooo not nihonto. Quote
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