Another sword from the estate

[MichaelZWilliamson]

Worn, but traditional.  It doesn't appear to be a high end piece. I see at least two forging flaws on the shinogi-ji. The hamon is faint and I'm terrible at getting pictures of them.

Any information appreciated.

 

 

 

[AntiquarianCat]

Hey Michael,

I actually kind of like aged and worn fittings like yours.

To be honest, the mirrory look and scratches across its length make me worry the sword was buffed, maybe as an improper way of removing rust. I guess the good news is that by taking it, you’ve saved it from further damage.

Right now the features are not very discernible, but perhaps if you use very fine uchiko, like what Robert benson sells, you can make the hamon  and hada easier read. Obviously it wouldn’t be a good idea on an in polish sword but since yours isn’t at all, and may have been buffed, it might  help make it easier to read. This has an explanation http://web.archive.org/web/20191102061738/http://www.sydneytokenkai.com/new-page-14.htm

[MichaelZWilliamson]

I've polished repros. Are you suggesting a window? Or just some fine cleaning of the surface?

[AntiquarianCat]

I wasn’t thinking buying a window from a polisher, I’m not informed enough to know if worth it. 
 

I wasn’t thinking a DYI polish either as that would risk damage and wouldn’t make the features more visible. Uchiko is a very fine abrasive powder, cleaning historically in use. If used in badly out of polish swords, it can make their details more noticeable. If used on in polish, it can wear away the polish.

 

You could always contact Robert Benson and ask if he thinks a window worth it but I was wondering if some of his powder alone would help. The link I gave was a discussion featuring him.

[MichaelZWilliamson]

I couldn't get the archive to open.

 

I doubt the sword is worth much at all.  I've had one low offer.  I'll take it to a show here and see if it does a bit better.  23" blade, so long wakizashi, and everything is worn.

[AntiquarianCat]

You know you really could contact Benson or other polishers. Try asking them what they think. In all honesty, you never really know until you give it to an expert in Kantei.

[ROKUJURO]

I like the TSUBA.

[SAS]

The existing fukure will get worse with any non sensitive polish; if polished, the togishi will have to work around those. Not a job for an amateur. Probably not cost effective, imo.