Osoraku Tanto

[Tater]

Hello,

 

A friend of mine is trying to sell me his osoraku tanto for $1400, and I want to know if this is a fair offer. I've read a bit about this type of blade on this forum, but I'm not sure about the attribution or age of this one. It sure looks nice, but I would like opinions and insight on this blade based on the photos and video. Thank you in advance. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Mumei? What did he buy it as?

[Tater]

Yes mumei, both he and the previous owner don't know the attribution. 

[ChrisW]

Ask him to take it to Shinsa first. There's one in Chicago next month.

[Rivkin]

Yet another Kiyomaro wanna be with very dense hada.. 

Most likely the very end of shinshinto or early showa. 

[NewB]

This is what I sold it as. Valuable members thought the nakago could have been through treatment to look older but I can't say yay or nay to that. I've seen numerous blades from the shinshinto period displaying oddly looking rust but that is up to you. There's zero doubt in my mind it is traditionally made, authentic Japanese blade. I got it from Japan! It's a nice, healthy - in recent polish blade IMHO 

 

Hope that helps

 

J

 

[ROKUJURO]

In my eyes a spectacular blade - MUMEI or not. Have one made at that price!

[NewB]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

In my eyes a spectacular blade - MUMEI or not. Have one made at that price!

 

Thank you

 

There are few available from the showa period at the  2500-4400 dollar range and they are in Japan... this one is 1400 and is within the US

[Baba Yaga]

Nice! I wonder why the 2 Mekugiana? 

[Larason2]

I think it's a good price for a gorgeous blade. I'll take it if you don't want it!

[Bugyotsuji]

And there you have it folks! Osoraku-zukuri are not so common, and it looks like a nice example. How many here have handled or even seen one? Opinions will vary, but do you like it? Why do you like it? The beauty? The rarity? Your own reasons should be the deciding factor.

 

I had a signed Sō-shū from the Bakumatsu, with koshirae. Eventually I sold it on when the time came around. Je ne regrette rien.

 

Opinions are blowing in the wind. (Well, that’s the theory anyway.)

[Baba Yaga]

This particular sword has already been presented, looks like it received a new polish.   

[jesse]

I have one similarly shaped but my hamon is no where near what this one displays.

Beautiful.

 

Warm Regards,

[rkg]

That's a nice looking blade - I suppose you could argue it should be cheaper, but we all argue that, right? - you just kind of have to assume its Gendai/modern/its gonna be difficult to resell/you might take a loss and ask yourself if you like it $1400 much.  I spent a scary amount of money getting a modern one polished from its as-finished state, so it seems like a bargain to me/I assume other people would just buy it as well.  FWIW, obligatory osoraku image -  Mine:
 

Best,

rkg

(Richard George)

[Stephen]

Like said, where you going to find one for that price even if it's new.

I'd not wait for someone else to snap it up

[Ed]

Mumei, 2 mekugi ana, no attribution. Who cares, stop nit picking, that is a very nice blade and a very fair price.

[drbvac]

Can you put me in contact with the seller as I would buy it right now for $1400.00 - bargain in spite of questions.

[Brian]

Hover over his name, then choose "MESSAGE"
@Tater

[NewB]

1 hour ago, drbvac said:

Can you put me in contact with the seller as I would buy it right now for $1400.00 - bargain in spite of questions.

the blade was sold by its new owner a week ago

 

j