Asking..What would you do?

[Leonard]

28 inch Katana, signed Chōjusai Toshikazu kore o seitan = carefully forged, mid 1800's smith.

 

WW2 bring back from father, traditional made not military, gifted to me, no dollars in it.

 

By somebody, lightly sanded blade, and Habaki damaged, impact marks of removal attempt.

 

No visible Kizu or Hagiri, Machi is strong. Hamon is Suguha, and Sori a bit shallow.

 

Koshirai appears much older than blade,

 

Aogai Chirashi saya damaged, tsuka as well.

 

Invest to restore....by who?..I have no clue.

Or just leave as is?

 

Regards,

               Leonard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Brian]

Maybe consider getting it to @Ted Tenold or Woody in Vegas. Lots of guys will suggest you don't jump into expensive restoration, but with nothing in the sword financially, and with a level of sentimentality, if you decide to do it, get lots of advice first. Looks like a nice sword.

[ChrisW]

I agree with Brian here. You can at least talk to a polisher like Ten Tenold, Woody Hall, or Bob Benson and ask for their opinion. The Chicago Sword Show is also coming up in April and you could meet with some of those polishers there.

[Jacques D.]

Without any advice from me, a polishing is an investment that must take into account several factors. The reputation of the smith according to his talent (saijo etc.) and his value on the market, the condition of the blade and what you want to do with it (keep or resell) and very important is the mei is legit or not ?

Chounsai Toshikazu is an average swordsmith (chujo) with few examples of his work in the literature (only one oshigata found)

 

[Tensho]

For what its worth,  I sent a few blades with small appraisal fee to Bob Benson to have him give me his opinion on whether or not they were worth a polish.  He was straight up with me and brutally honest. Wrote down what he attributed them too and if they were worth the trouble or not. These were mumei, not in great shape either. It was well worth it. 

[Franco D]

Thoughts;

For the discriminating collector Shinshinto swords should be signed and dated. On the plus side it's 28."  Which makes it desirable, but pricey to restore (polish, shirasaya, habaki).  Shallow sori, a plus, neutral, or minus?  Koshirae can be a plus, but in this case the koshirae needs restoration as well. If you plan to keep this nihonto that's one thing, as an investment is quite another. Do the math. Restoration plus time and possible headaches vs as is, against return. 

 

What do swords by this smith sell for?

 

[Bruce Pennington]

A bring back sword from your father?! I was personally in your shoes. I had mine polished, and it took me two years to find all the parts to restore the fittings. It was worth every dime and all my time. I’ll never regret doing it!

 

All my other swords are in original condition, but this one was going to get restored to its original glory (maybe even better than it was originally).

[Leonard]

  Gentlemen

 

                 Can't thank you all enough who have contributed so far.

  This is a dilemma that I'm sure many face, and don't write about,

   the more input from those of you with background the better for us to learn.

 

                Been a gun guy all my life, and for example building the knowledge base

of Lugers was daunting, and it's not even in the same ballpark of achieving that with Nihonto.

 

Best to all,

                   Leonard

[BjornLundin]

My 50 cents, take your time. Understand what you have, ask (show) to experts and get their opinion. Possible start with making a shirasaya and tsunagi and restore the koshirae. Sorry for all the mispelled words.

 

If it was part of my history then I would restore it and depending on the blade polish it or alternative leave it as it is and stop any rust.

 

-Björn

[Stephen]

What your father do if it was left to him by his father?

I think you know the answer, time is on your side it's not going anywhere. just keep it oild until your ready.

[Mark]

do you live in Chicago?  If so bring it to the show in April. There will be multiple restoration craftsmen in attendance and other experts . You can show it to them, get estimates, figure out who you prefer then when you are ready you will have a plan.

 

http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

 

mark

[Leonard]

Mark,

 

           I've been to that show more than once,

 

          never seen anybody set up as a restoration / polisher.

 

          How could I possibly identify them if they're there?

[Mark]

Sorry, guess you needed to ask Grey or I.  Bob Benson is always there and set up with 3 tables, i think he figures people know he is a polisher, maybe he needs a sign.  There are a few others who are there on and off.

 

Maybe this year i can try a restoration area. when we were downstairs area was limited. This year we are upstairs in the ballroom with plenty of space. In Vegas we are having restoration demos, maybe i can do something similar in Chicago. I know Brian T will be there, i think Woody may be coming, and others

 

mark

[NewB]

16 minutes ago, Mark said:

Sorry, guess you needed to ask Grey or I.  Bob Benson is always there and set up with 3 tables, i think he figures people know he is a polisher, maybe he needs a sign.  There are a few others who are there on and off.

 

Maybe this year i can try a restoration area. when we were downstairs area was limited. This year we are upstairs in the ballroom with plenty of space. In Vegas we are having restoration demos, maybe i can do something similar in Chicago. I know Brian T will be there, i think Woody may be coming, and others

 

mark

 

That'd be great. 

 

 

J.

[b.hennick]

David McDonald usually sets up to wrap handles during the show.