Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Hi all, I'm new to the forum. I collect mainly khukuri knives, but I also have this wakizashi. If you have any opinions, I would love to hear them. Personally I am unable to find another nihonto with a hamon quite like this. I won't bother naming it haha. I know this historic piece can use some TLC, but this is how it came to me and I'm in the process of identifying it and depending on the age/"rank" I want to have it done correctly. Regards, Ferry 6
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 Here is a better look at the tip of the blade, forgive me for not using the proper terms, I haven't memorized them all yet. 1
Brian Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Shows definite promise, I think it will be amazing in decent professional polish
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 By the way, I am aware the nakago is very informative, but I'm not ready to mess with the mekugi yet, so I'm going step by step. 1
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Looks a rather flamboyant blade! Can we please see the nakago (tang)?…both sides without the habaki (collar) on.
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 I see we posted at the same time. I will be happy to show the nakago in the future, but since it has not been opened/exposed since at least many, many decades, I need more preparation for that. 1
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 You should be ok….gently does it. Look closely at the mekugi…..it should have a taper so push on the narrow end so it pops out at the wider side. Use something with a flat face the same diameter as the end of the mekugi to avoid wedging splitting or wedging it 1
ROKUJURO Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 And please show the NAKAGO (tip-upwards) with HABAKI OFF.
rematron Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Hi Gimmick. Welcome. One thing I’ve learned from this forum is that the best guess of the age from photos requires a naked blade and you’re not going to get a lot of input until you provide those images and measurements. It’s already a guessing game without an expert holding it in their hands. Photos of just the blade with no other visual or measurement information is very difficult to evaluate. There’s no going slow. That said, do what you have to do and have fun. 2
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 Ok guys, ask and you shall receive. I will need several posts considering the attachment limit. There is plenty to be seen though!
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 I don't know if this helps or if this makes it harder, but here is my attempt at drawing the kanji. I've looked at the glossary but I am not getting very far. I think the first ones are Tomo and Nari, which gives us Tomonari, which is a name that must be familiar to some of you? 2
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Difficult to see on the actual images. The lighting is not good. Try playing around with a torch or desk lamp shining it across the nakago at different angles. Sometimes the kanji suddenly show up well due to shadows from sideways lighting. My eyes hurt. 1
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Bizen Osafune ???? Sukesada saku You might have a lot more luck in the translation section…..some real experts there.
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 I used a flashlight to make the drawings. Anyway, I'm pretty sure most of the part on the "right" is identical to this, except for the smith, which is also what you are saying: 1
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 10 minutes ago, Matsunoki said: Bizen Osafune ???? Sukesada saku You might have a lot more luck in the translation section…..some real experts there. I think the last three kanjis, after Yokoyama, might be identical to those on this one, which as you said is Sukesada saku? 1
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Yep,looks like Bizen Osafune ju Yokoyama suke…..but not sure re last character of smiths name. Red wine has now intervened in our interesting debate. I’ll have another look tomorrow but I know for sure the guys in the translation section will nail this ina few minutes. If it is a real Yokoyama school blade….well done. 1
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 I'm very much willing to make a thread in the translation section, but I would imagine they venture outside of there too and might run into this thread by themselves? Anyway, I'm having fun trying to figure out the first part, so maybe I will get it later tonight. 1
Okan Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 3 minutes ago, Gimmick said: I'm very much willing to make a thread in the translation section, but I would imagine they venture outside of there too and might run into this thread by themselves? Anyway, I'm having fun trying to figure out the first part, so maybe I will get it later tonight. Lekker! 2
Gimmick Posted February 4, 2023 Author Report Posted February 4, 2023 So another shot at the smith: 1
xiayang Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 If you need a little help, here's a transcript: Spoiler 友成五十八代孫 安政七年二月日 備前長船住横山祐包作 3 1
Matsunoki Posted February 4, 2023 Report Posted February 4, 2023 Sukekane??….I’m tired and a bit blurred!!!, 2
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