SwordGuyJoe Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 In a previous post (viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5309) I requested assistance translating a mei for a wak that I picked up. I have added some photos and am looking for more assistance. The translated mei puts this as (Hawley's) YAS 804 - 807 (generations 1 through 4), but I am not sure which one. YAS 804 - 806 show a kiku symbol, which would lead me to believe that this is YAS 807 (The 4th generation), but I have also found Yasuhiro's with the same mei, no kiku, attributed to generations 1 through 3. Is there any help you can provide to point me in the right direction as to which Yasuhiro crafted this blade and approximately when? Here is a link to the photos, including those found on the eBay listing. I am also trying to determine whether it requires (or is worth) polishing. If it is one of the Yasuhiros listed above, is it worth the money to polish, and paper, considering that I have already invested $500+ on it? I don't mean to ask a tacky question, but I don't want to pay over $2,500 to polish and paper the blade if not really worth it. I found some Yasuhiro blades for sale online that says that it is, but as my posts have indicate, I am really more of a Showa era gunto collector who has only recently dabbled in older blades. Thank you so much for your help! Here is the link to photos: http://web.me.com/joseph.kraninger/Joes ... .html#grid Blade appears to be in very good condition, but whether polishing or not, I need to buy a shirasaya, any good contacts and rough estimates for what that would cost me? Thanks again. Quote
pcfarrar Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 Joe, The sword looks a little tired and if you polish it there is a possiblity that those grain openings will get much worse. I would keep it as is and don't bother with a shirasaya. Just keep at it with regular uchiko. Peter Quote
Grey Doffin Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 I agree, Joe. There are too many openings in some of the wrong places to justify the expense. What's more, no reason why the blade can't be enjoyed as is; the present polish is in good enough shape to show what there is to see. A common misconception is that polish is necessary to protect the blade; unless active rust is involved this isn't the case. Sometimes, and I believe this is one of them, well enough is best left alone. Grey (not too far from you, in Minnesota) Quote
Jacques Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 Hi, Sorry to tell this but this sword is dead. Too much forging flaws which should increase with a new polish. Quote
SwordGuyJoe Posted May 18, 2009 Author Report Posted May 18, 2009 Nothing to be sorry about! I appreciate the feedback. The reason that I was looking for a shirasaya is because the blade is in koshirae that is not original to the sword. The fittings are too big, perhaps for a katana. I would appreciate some more information: The sword is dead: What do you mean and how can I tell this? Any thoughts on which of the Yasuhiro's this is? Thanks again, I am drinking it all in as we speak! Quote
Jacques Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 Hi, The sword is dead: What do you mean and how can I tell this? This sword was overpolished and it is quite tired. More, if you look at the picture "Yasuhiro, Part Blade 6" It seems to be a collection of hagire or, at least, shinae. Personally, i find 500$ is expensive for a blade like this one. Quote
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