HVM Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 Hi all I am looking to buy this Wakisashi. Looking at the available photos I believe to see the Tamagahane grain and the tang and habaki looks to be correct to me. But I'd love to hear the opinions of the experts on this Wakisashi. The information given by the Wakisashi says it is from the Edo period and made by 'Housyu Ju Fujiwara Masayuki'. Is that correct? Quote
ROKUJURO Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 Hylke, welcome to the NMB! The smith is given correctly in the old TOROKUSHO (registration paper which should not accompany a blade but stay in Japan when exported). It is not a certification paper. The blade's surface does not seem in good condition (polish), and details are not visible. TAMAHAGANE is the raw material for making steel for traditional blades. Your WAKIZASHI looks o.k. for SHINTO, but this period lasted from (roughly) 1600–1780, so that was a long time with some changes. You will have to research the smith with special litterature, but I am sure some expert from the forum will help you. 1 Quote
Brian Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 Some info on the smith (if it's not gimei) https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/5161-help-in-identifying-sword-type-photos-attached/ I would resist the urge to purchase these numerous Japanese "dumped swords" that usually come from Japanese sellers dumping them on the Western market via eBay because they have issues and won't sell there. This is halfway through a polish, and will never be completed. You'll always be irritated with the half polish and grind lines. Stuff like this is a dime a dozen out of Japan, and really won't satisfy any real urge for a Japanese sword aside from having a Japanese-sword-shaped item showing 1/4 of what you want to see. Rather ask on the forum and see what the sellers have, you'd probably do better. That said, it's real, and is old. That's about all that can be said about it 1 1 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 Hello and welcome to the forum. This is an authentic Wakizashi, however it is in poor condition and would not make a good purchase. Best to invest in something with a good traditional polish that lets you clearly see the various aspects of what makes Japanese swords so interesting. 1 1 Quote
Tensho Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 As was stated by everyone else. Looks to be from Daimyou54eb, and that they polished out the surface rust that was on it. A common practice by them. Not sure why they keep doing it, as it is much better to neutralize the rust than to scratch the whole blade up. 1 Quote
Alex A Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 They wouldn't keep doing it if folks didn't keep buying it OP, educate yourself so you don't end up with buyers remorse and lose money. No disrespect intended, all been there 1 Quote
HVM Posted July 15, 2023 Author Report Posted July 15, 2023 Thank you all very mutch for giving me feedback on this Wakisashi. I am happy that I am at least able to determine that this is a period correct one. The polishing I did not notice. I also don't see a clear Hamon. Is that common for this smith? Or is it removed by polishing? I will defenatly further educate myself. Already bought some books on this topic. But from my experience, the best education comes from reading books, and learning from the experienced experts. Thank you. Quote
Alex A Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 Best education i have found is learning the words and asking questions here plus reading sales pages, a lot. https://www.aoijapan.com/ https://www.touken-m...ran/tachi_and_katana plus see other dealers above. Ps, you come across decent stuff on Ebay occasionally (usually over priced), but that's a small fraction in a never ending galaxy of stuff that wont sell in Japan, as pointed out 1 Quote
HVM Posted July 15, 2023 Author Report Posted July 15, 2023 2 hours ago, Alex A said: Best education i have found is learning the words and asking questions here plus reading sales pages, a lot. https://www.aoijapan.com/ https://www.touken-m...ran/tachi_and_katana plus see other dealers above. Ps, you come across decent stuff on Ebay occasionally (usually over priced), but that's a small fraction in a never ending galaxy of stuff that wont sell in Japan, as pointed out Thank you. Great links. Beautifull swords over there. I am now often looking at Catawiki. Quote
Alex A Posted July 15, 2023 Report Posted July 15, 2023 For the confused. ”christ on a bike”, term, google it 1 Quote
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