NBTHK Showato?

[SteveM]

↑  I think those guidelines are just for the NTHK. As far as I know, NBTHK hasn't changed their official authentication policy (updated 2015), which is that swords submitted for authentication have to follow certain guidelines, among which are the following

 

４ 明治時代以降の刀工の作は在銘で出来の良いものに限る。

"#4 Swords made after Meiji shall be limited to well-made swords with extant mei" 

 

There is no further definition of "well-made". So, still vague and slightly subjective on the question of guntō, and leaves it open to interpretation.  

 

 

[Bruno]

3 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

So, according to Chris Bowen, we shouldn't see any more papered showa-to after 2019, unless they show "a preservation value."

That is what I understand concerning NTHK NPO at least.