More problems arise

[sorisori]

So, I got a lot of interesting answers to my previous post, this is a Mino tanto from the Muromachi period, and it is "無铭" on its registration certificate, but recently, I found that the word "一" appeared on the side of the "铭", I am not sure if it is a scratch or half of the word, and secondly, at the end of the blade I found a huge fingerprint-like pattern, both sides, but compared to the real fingerprint, it is too large 

 

 

ps:   left one is my fingerprint comparison

[Larason2]

Well, I'd start by saying that's probably a palm print, and you should probably rub it off sometime soon with some sword oil and a soft cloth. The "一" is probably a kitae-ware. 

[Shugyosha]

What Carlos said re the kitae ware.

 

As regards what look like hand prints, if you don't have any luck with oil and a soft cloth and you have a good quality uchiko ball you could use that to see if it helps. The use of uchiko has gone out of fashion lately as it can damage the polish so be careful. I'd say tap the ball on the mune of the blade (not the hiraji) to spread the powder across the blade and then wipe off with minimal pressure, do both sides and the whole length of the blade to avoid any uneven effect.

 

Deal with it sooner rather than later as oil from a finger/ palm print will eat into the polish if left untreated. If that doesn't make any difference, don't use anything more abrasive as you're probably stuck with it and keep some oil on the blade short-term to prevent any further corrosion.

[sorisori]

On the left is my fingerprint, and on the right is the pattern on the knife, like a fingerprint, which cannot be removed, and the pattern is very large, not like a finger or palm

[sorisori]

On 5/29/2023 at 2:19 PM, Larason2 said:

Well, I'd start by saying that's probably a palm print, and you should probably rub it off sometime soon with some sword oil and a soft cloth. The "一" is probably a kitae-ware. 

On the left is my fingerprint, and on the right is the pattern on the knife, like a fingerprint, which cannot be removed, and the pattern is very large, not like a finger or palm

[Matsunoki]

As said above by John and Carlos, the pattern” on the right is definitely either a thumb, finger or palm print, possibly smudged a bit. We have seen them many times!  If it does not come off with gentle oiling or careful use of uchiko then it has etched itself into the surface and sadly only a professional polish will remove it. Please don’t try it yourself as that is a guarantee to make it worse and possibly cause far worse damage to the blade.

[John C]

10 hours ago, sorisori said:

and the pattern is very large, not like a finger or palm

Rowan:

Just my two cents, however I agree with the others. I have the same problem with one of my blades from a 40 year + fingerprint. I have also seen acid from prints and sweat permanently etch a pair of handcuffs!

John C.