Looking for any/all info possible for this sword!

[Stockfball11]

Hopefully I’m running out of questions to bother everyone with 😂 but my question is…is polishing worth it. Everywhere reputable seems to charge $100+/inch. Which is understandable for the amount of work going into it. But based on the pictures of posted and the length of the blade it’s looking at going to cost ~$3000. I have no intention to sell and Im certainly not in tune to sword pricing but I don’t imagine the one I have costs that much and spending more than the price of it to polish it seems crazy to me. Please advise 

[Stephen]

It doesn't need a polish Andy. Just keep  it oiled correctly,  take it to a show, show it around and learn more, which is never-ending. 

 

Great piece of history in your hand learn more about Bizen school you'll appreciate it even more. 

[Nihonto student]

Dear Andrew,

 

as suggested by Stephen, the best thing is to take it to an event and get opinions from competent people who can help you in its evaluation which depends on many factors and advise you as best as possible.

However, I would like to give you some info  to stimulate your curiosity about the object you have in your hands.
The line of smiths using the name Sukesada is among the longest in the history of the Japanese sword, nihontoclub.com lists around 70 different smiths using this name, of which the best (For many) in the Koto period are Hikobei no Jō Sukesada (彦兵衛尉祐定) and his son Yosozaemon Sukesada (与三左衛門尉祐定, 1466-1542). The name Sukesada is generally associated with the mass production of swords during the Sengoku period where the demand for swords was high and so the quality tended to be poor on average, but this does not mean that higher quality blades were not produced. In particular regarding Sukesada the general rule is that the type of signature reflects on the quality of the work, here you will find the explanation in detail https://www.mandarin...ssary/bizen-sukesada. I would like to point out that this rule is not imperative and there can always be exceptions, which is why a blade must always be viewed in  hands... but following this rule (If your signature will be considered authentic) the blade will be a medium-high grade and will certainly make it a desirable object. There are many Sukesada blades on sale but many fewer signed and dated.

 

Regards,

Giordy