Up Date on Dumpster Rescue

[Nick m]

As many know on here  back in june 23 I rescued a Wakizashi from the dumpster after much oil, tissue paper and wiping i believe  (except the tang)I have a handle on the active rust And wanted to share some better (hopefully) pictures of my find.

Nick

[Nick m]

[Nick m]

[ROKUJURO]

Nick,

it is a good thing to save a blade! But if you look closely at it, you will see that the SHINOGI is very much rounded which means that it had been heavily ground before. The chances to show a clear HAMON are slim now if you do not have the capacities of a TOGISHI. Please remember that any DIY restoration attempt will worsen the condition and reduce the historical and monetary value.

I think I can see a shadow of a SUGUHA HAMON, but it might be difficult to be shown even with better photos.

As you know, it is technically seen as WAKIZASHI, but that does not mean that it was carried as such. There are many types of older blades that were used as primary weapons like UCHI GATANA, KATATE UCHU or CHIISA GATANA. Al these were mostly just below 2 SHAKU ( = 606 mm). Your sword has a long NAKAGO which makes me believe it was carried and used as KATANA.

My suggestion is to show the blade to a traditionally trained polisher and hear his opinion, perhaps having a "window" polished to see how it would come out (= not so expensive), and in case money falls from the sky, have it completely polished, plus SHIRASAYA and new HABAKI.

That is the moment you will truly appreciate your sword, completely independent of the signature.

[Nick m]

Thank you for your advice and new information.

 

I have no intentions of doing any restoration/preservation as a DYI.(outside of wiping and oil)

 

I have thought of polishing, and have received the recommendation from members here as to reputable polishers. But right now that is something for another day it's not like it has to be done right this minute.

 

I find as a retired army combat engineer that the process of making the sword, form, and functionality, are artistic qualities in their own rights.

 

And as some of my research has shown and in discussion with other esteemed members here The bungo schools we're not valued for their artistic qualities, they were valued more for their functionality.

 

Right now I've been looking online for books and literature to educate myself. As well as planning a couple of visits to some of the second hand book stores here to see what I can find. I find I need to expand my knowledge base before I undertake any restoration or preservation. At the same time my research will include. Mounts and fittings being mine was found without any.

 

My ultimate goal even if I do not polish it is to get the period correct mounts and fittings so that I can restore it to its functional form.

[ROKUJURO]

Nicholas,

as there is some (aggressive) red rust on your blade, oiling will not be enough to prevent further deterioration. If I may suggest, send some pictures to a reliable TOGISHI and ask for advice.

You certainly don't want to put your blade in a SAYA in that condition! 

As for books, we have good sources here on NMB. One of the professionals is Grey Doffin ( https://www.Japanese...rdbooksandtsuba.com/ )

[Nick m]

21 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

Nicholas,

as there is some (aggressive) red rust on your blade, oiling will not be enough to prevent further deterioration. If I may suggest, send some pictures to a reliable TOGISHI and ask for advice.

You certainly don't want to put your blade in a SAYA in that condition! 

As for books, we have good sources here on NMB. One of the professionals is Grey Doffin ( https://www.Japanese...rdbooksandtsuba.com/ )

 

 

Sir thank you for your advice yes I've been looking today some more and also on the forum to see recommendations for reputable polishers. And yes I've seen Gray's posts and some of his other stuff on here so when I get to the point of getting mounting and fittings I will definitely reach out to him.

 

I highly value the information that the steam members here have shared with me and the resources that they have posted to learn from as well.

 

I have found that if I hit a point where I have doubts that I can reach out to the forum here and I will get not just timely but advice that is based upon a significant amount of research and experience of the others.