Is this a HAGIRE or another fatal flaw

[Jon]

Hi all is this a fatal flaw, from the pictures it’s not on both sides and curves a bit ?

 

cheers Jon

[Matsunoki]

Jonathan

It’s not hagire as it is not through the ha (edge) but seems to emanate from the exact juncture of the mune and nakago. I’ve never seen this feature before. Unless it’s a simple scratch I’d say it’s pretty bad news. Can you feel it with fingernail?

[Jon]

Hi Colin

 

the blade is for sale on line so I cannot get hold of it, thinking about it and interestingly it does have hozon papers so I suppose unless it’s from damaged or a blow after receiving the papers it cannot be a fatal flaw.

 

cheers 

[NewB]

I personally would not purchase it, with such massive flaw which to me appears fatal. 

 

J

[Matsunoki]

Jonathan, personally, based on these images I would not even consider purchasing it even if the price was tempting.

what does the vendor say?…..or what does he not say….that often tells you a lot more.

[Ooitame]

Hard to say without more pictures of that area. When in doubt ask, if no response, pass!

[DoTanuki yokai]

If I would need to say something based only on that picture it is a hair.

It is only visible on one side and not in the hardned area and does not look like ware.

I think a scratch would reflect more light. 

[Bazza]

"It" is also from the munemachi not the hamachi.  I would ask the vendor to clean the area then rephotograph it to clear up the question.

 

BaZZa.