Beginner’s question

[newbie 2009]

We are new to the world of Japanese swords and are considering purchasing an antique sword from what appears to be a reputable dealer (the sword has “papers”). We have examined the sword and found it to be both beautiful and free of any damage except a small chip or air bubble on the back (mune?) of the blade. It is visible to the naked eye but only with good lighting. Is this a flaw we should be concerned about?

 

Thank you for your response(s).

 

Cliff B

[John A Stuart]

Hi, Small flaws are a common thing on nihonto and the way you describe this one and the location probably would not detract from the quality of the sword. It would be nice to have a picture of the sword and one of the flaw to really give a better answer. Plus, by whom the sword was made. John

[Bugyotsuji]

Is 'we' a shop, or a number of people?

[nagamaki - Franco]

Greetings,

 

One should always begin with the premise that nihonto should not have flaws and go from there. Is it a chip or an air bubble? What papers? Images? Condition of the polish? Age of the sword?

[reinhard]

Is this "we" talk a kind of "majestic attitude"? I'm Swiss and hearing from nobilities makes me think of heads on poles.

 

reinhard

[John A Stuart]

Hi Reinhard, That reminds me of William Tell, where they forced people to bow to a hat on a pole. John

[newbie 2009]

The "we" is my family.

 

I've attached a photo of the nick. Sorry for the quality of the pic, I need a close up lens. Any advice on the flaw would be welcome.

 

Cliff

[newbie 2009]

Forgot to respond to Franco's questions.

 

The "papers" are from NBTHK. The age is reported as 1500-1600s. There is no signature. The polish is fresh/new.

 

Cliff

[John A Stuart]

That is nothing to fret over. It seems to be a nick caused by a metal implement perhaps a sword. What is your sword? It seems to have a masame hada in the shinogiji. Is this a Mino sword? John

[loiner1965]

seems to have active rust in the sword nick..would this be old damage re rusting as it were due to recent polish or fresh damage

[Justin]

This looks like new damage to me. Perhaps the sword was recently dropped??

[Grey Doffin]

This looks to me to be a sword cut (kiri komi I believe?). These aren't considered defects when they are in the mune, as the mune is the proper surface of the blade to use to block an attack. I think you have nothing to be concerned over.

Grey

[Brian]

Yep..being on the mune and as small as it seems, I don't think this is an issue whether from a legitimate block or modern damage. It wouldn't put me off. With papers and in polish, sounds like a decent sword. Cliff...if you like the blade (and it sounds like you do) then I wouldn't let that put you off.

Glad to hear the family shares your enthusiasm for Japanese swords.

 

Brian

[reinhard]

Cliff,

This nick is no serious problem. Regular sword-care, including light oiling, will remove the newer rust from this spot and seal it up.

 

reinhard

[newbie 2009]

Thanks to all that responded. I think we’ll get the sword. It is the first but almost assuredly not the last sword and related items we’ll be acquiring. In addition to searching the internet and seeking advice, we’ve ordered three books (The Japanese Sword: A comprehensive guide, The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords, & Samurai Sword: A Handbook) as we continue to learn & explore.

 

Cliff