Mid Edo Nihonto?

[Bijouxneko]

Hi gang,

 

Well, I was wondering if I could get some thoughts about this sword of mine. I believe it is mid Edo and possibly a Bizen blade due to the utsuri. It is Mumei, but has lost of activity. It is a Wakizashi with a blade length measuring about 53.5 cm. If anyone has any other ideas about this sword I would greatly appreciate their opinion. Thanks again and I am looking forward to hearing from you all.

 

All the best,

 

Justin

[Grey Doffin]

Do you know who polished this blade last? I'm wondering if what you're seeing as utsuri might not be an effect of the polishing process, which, for some reason I can't put my finger on, doesn't look right.

I may be wrong about this; I'm often wrong and kantei from pictures isn't easy even for those who are often right, so please don't take offense.

To answer your question, though. Utsuri and Bizen like hamon on a mid-Edo blade could point to one of the Ishido schools.

Grey

[nagamaki - Franco]

.

Hi gang,

 

Well, I was wondering if I could get some thoughts about this sword of mine.

 

 

if what you're seeing as utsuri might not be an effect of the polishing process, which, for some reason I can't put my finger on, doesn't look right.

 

greetings, this effect, that is, if we are seeing and talking about the same (overall) effect, sure looks as if someone used acid in an attempt to bring out the hada. At least that is 'how things appear' to these eyes.

[Mark Green]

Hi,

I would say ditto on Franco's thoughts. It sure looks like some kind of hybrid polish to me.

I don't see any utsuri?

Doesn't look right, thats for sure.

[reinhard]

This is a mumei blade and therefore open to many interpretations. It is too early to focus on Bizen and utsuri by now. These are only guesses by the owner. Just take it for what it is. Polish is not too good, but it doesn't look like "hybrid polish" nor acid etching to me. Strong hadadatsu and jifu will get you similar results within the frame of traditional polish. - Just for consideration.

 

reinhard

[Bijouxneko]

Hello,

 

Thank you all for the comments so far. Ok, as for the utsuri it is not visible in these pictures. I can only see it when I hold the blade into the light and straight away from me like when you try to see the temper line. I have to agree with some of the replies so far that the blade has not been acid etched. There is no smell and when you examine it in person it doesn't seem to be, although I could be wrong. The grain in the hada as well as the hamon is what initially made me think of the Bizen school. It has a curve of about 1.5cm or 0.6 inches. The polish does seem wrong but I have seen something similar in other traditionally polished blades which made me wonder. Anyway, thanks for the comments so far they are greatly appreciated and please keep the comments coming.

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Justin

[Mark Green]

Hi Justin,

It could just be that wild hada,and the polish, that is making me think something is up with this sword.

I feel that is some 'way over the top' hadori, :? looks to me to be well into the ji. And from the pics, (are some black and white????), I can't tell if there is boshi or not?

It may just be my old eyes, but when I enlarged the one pic I see a scratch or crack in the ha, just back, (left) of the kizu, (whatever). It may just be the black and white that is messing with me. Please take a close look in that spot and tell me I'm seeing things.

[Bijouxneko]

Mark,

 

Hello, thanks again for your comments. Yes, the little mark in the ha it just that. It is a very tiny little scratch at best. As for the lines you see in the ji; your eyes are not deceiving you. There is indeed chikei present in the jitetsu. I also have a little update for everyone abut this sword. I was talking with someone very knowledgeable and he believed it is an early Muromachi Mino Den, but still unsure of who might have forged it. Thanks again everyone for all of your help and please take care.

 

All the best,

 

Justin