Polishing of Kanemoto Katana

[Soshin]

I just wanted to start this new topic about the polishing of my Kanemoto Katana, which has been in the works for over a year. I just received an update from the polisher. The dark spots in the ji and ha have been cleaned, as well as the rust specks on the mune (see before restoration photo below). He is now working with the uchigomori stone for those areas, he will then move on to shiage.

 

 

At this point I am so far down the "rabbit hole" I will disclose who the professional Japanese sword polisher is. It is Woody Hall who is based out of Las Vegas. Once I get the sword in hand, I will post photos to this topic on NMB. Have a wonderful week everyone.  

 

   

[Brian]

Going to look amazing.

[Mark S.]

Can’t wait to see the finished product!  His work is great.  I’ve had a couple done before and currently have a blade in the queue.  

[cju777]

 Nice!

 

How long is the queue these days?

[Soshin]

8 hours ago, cju777 said:

 Nice!

 

How long is the queue these days?

 

Not sure Chris U., I think you would need to contact Woody directly, but I would suspect the queue has a wait time of about 6-8 months at a minimum.

 

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. I am excited to see what the Kanemoto Katana looks like. Here are a few more previous photos of the sword before the polishing restoration that were part of the original post.        

[Mark S.]

I would use 9 months as a start, but I really hate to speak for Woody or his schedule.  It also really depends on what else is going on… shows, demonstrations, etc.  He gets pulled in lots of different directions. 

[cju777]

Thanks! Wasn’t looking for an exact quote or to put anyone on the spot. Just a sense if it was months, or years!

 

I’d certainly reach out if I decide to move forward on something. 
 

@Soshin thanks for sharing your polishing adventure!

[Stephen]

Your going to be very happy David.

Following 

[Prewar70]

That is beautiful 

[Soshin]

I heard back from Woody Hall today. He has been working on my blade since last week and he thinks he should be done in a couple of days. He is going to let me know when he is finished and the blade really to ship. I will keep everyone updated.

 

  

[Soshin]

I received the Kanemoto Katana today. While the outside lighting on this chilly rainy day was not the best the katana still looked great after getting it unpacked and the Saran Wrap taken off the blade from shipping. (This is a bit harder than the tanto I had polished in the past.) Here are some photos after I cleaned the oil from the blade. The sanbonsugi (三本杉) style hamon made up of a very refined nioi (匂) is extraordinarily strong with this sword. The mune and bo-hi of the sword are now exceptionally clean and completely rust and stain free. I will be submitting this sword to NBTHK shinsa next year.     

 

  

[Stephen]

David looks good from what little we can see... looking for some outside pic. 

Main thing are you happy with it?

[Soshin]

44 minutes ago, Stephen said:

David looks good from what little we can see... looking for some outside pic. 

Main thing are you happy with it?

 

Yes, I am incredibly happy with how the polishing turned out. Sometime later on a sunny day I will take better photos with my camera and not my iPhone.     

[Michaelr]

Very nice David. Glad you are happy with the results. Thank you for sharing the pictures

  MikeR

[Brian]

Nice classic sanbonsugi. Shinsa should be a breeze. Looks great, enjoy!

[Guest Simon R]

Absolutely gorgeous blade!

[Soshin]

11 hours ago, Brian said:

Nice classic sanbonsugi. Shinsa should be a breeze. Looks great, enjoy!

 

Thanks Brian,

 

I'm not sure about the results of the NBTHK shinsa next year but we will see. I am sure I will learn something by submitting it. Just to refresh everyone's memory this long sword (~73 cm nagasa) has a shorted tang (suriage 磨上). The Kanemoto niji mei is also turned-black (orikaeshi-mei 折返し銘). Here is a photo from an ealier post about my katana.

 

    

[Katsujinken]

Woody did a great job! Congrats David. Looking forward to seeing this at Token Kai sometime. :-)