lonely panet Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Hes probably being talked out of it as we speak Quote
Hoshi Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 I strongly suggest you get @Ray Singer’s help on this one and follow his recommendation. I can vouch for his character and ethics. The blade is likely quite valuable. It has Nambokucho period aura. Soden-Bizen or Sue-Sa comes to mind. Perhaps a few tens of thousands of dollars. Much less if it’s later work suriage, or if it has unseen flaws. More if it’s from a famous Nambokucho grandmaster. Which is unlikely, as cutting tests weren’t performed on top master blades. In any case you’re looking at ~1 year + significant costs to get it appraised, certified, and restored if it makes sense financially. Best of luck! 1 Quote
Mark Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Paul Nice sword. Do you have flexibility to travel? Les mentioned the upcoming sword show http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ The show is in a few weeks. Bob Benson will be there so will many other experts. The NBTHK-AB is having a display/presentation so a number of members will be in attendance. In a weekend you would learn more than you can with pictures/emails etc. Experts could examine your sword and give accurate, specific information. You will also see hundreds of swords so you can compare yours in hand. If you have questions let me know. It is getting close but as of today a few rooms are still available at the Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-TOKE Mark nixe@bright.net 3 Quote
Rivkin Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 The worst case scenario is probably Dewa Daijo Fujiwara Kunimichi. He loved the shape like this one. Which is still ok, just not a ton of money. If its real Nanbokucho its really valuable. This is the kind of blade that needs to be send to NBTHK unless someone simply does not have 1000$ for the service. In light of tariffs I would seriously consider someone like Benson who can hand carry it if needed. If you can take more photos, it would be helpful when photographing activities (not the overall shape or nakago), to put light source on a side and turn off all other lights in the room. This is the easiest way to produce good images. No oil on the blade when photographing. Quote
Paul Godfrey Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 Thank you. I am entertaining different ideas for research. Might be a trip to a sword show. Might be shipping it to Japan. I just don’t know yet. In the end I would probably be just as happy with an appraisal from a competent professional here in the states. Quote
Rivkin Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Personal opinion: There are a few people in the US who can offer an advice on the blade itself (if its in good polish) at the level of NBTHK judges and probably will be at the show. Brian Czernega often offers a more detailed review, Mike Yamasaki will be more conservative/concise. I am not sure if anyone in the US specializes on cutting test signatures, so this judgement is best done by NBTHK in Japan. Quote
Mark Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 at least as a start bring it for hands on examination is helpful. Plus you don't need to worry about shipping etc. Bob Benson will be at the show so you can show it to him, ask his advise, and if you ware comfortable with him he can explain what services he could offer to help you. I always like going slow and learning mark Quote
Paul Godfrey Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 I am considering doing that Mark. Thank you. Quote
Scogg Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 And if you are not able to make it to Chicago on short notice - there is also the upcoming Orlando Sword Show https://orlandoswordshow.com/ All the best, -Sam Quote
Franco Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 On 4/9/2025 at 1:11 PM, Paul Godfrey said: I am considering doing that Mark. Thank you. Expand On 4/9/2025 at 12:52 PM, Rivkin said: I am not sure if anyone in the US specializes on cutting test signatures Expand I don't know of anyone here in the States more knowledgeable about cutting test signatures than Brian Tschernega. Who can even restore missing cutting test inlay. It is almost for certain Brian will be in attendance in Chicago as well as all the other major Japanese sword shows. Regards, 1 Quote
nulldevice Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Brian is a great guy. I had many wonderful conversations with him at the Vegas show and learned a lot from him. 1 Quote
Franco Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 On 4/9/2025 at 10:44 AM, Hoshi said: Perhaps a few tens of thousands of dollars. Much less if it’s later work suriage, or if it has unseen flaws. Expand Something to be aware of and keep in mind about cutting test swords. Arnold Frenzel would talk about the fact that cutting tests were often performed to test the integrity of the sword in addition to its cutting ability. Even then, flaws may not show up until later when the sword is put to polish. Ouch! Quote
Mark Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Brian will be there. I prefer to meet a person i may do business with and establish a relationship before giving a valuable items for them to care for. I find sometimes it is just a personality thing but if i have met them face to face at least i have a chance to judge for myself if they are the person i want to deal with. With all the issues i have had recently with shipping/mailing (see other threads about this) i much prefer face to face interactions only my own opinion mark Quote
Paul Godfrey Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 This is precisely why I am reluctant to send it to Japan. This fear may be unfounded, but I can see a host of problems that could come up. also, is it possible to go back and edit my postings? Seems to be an option on this one, but on older ones it is not an option. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Edits are only available for a set time period. Don't recall exact times, but it's longer if you become a Gold Member. Even then, it times out. Quote
Scogg Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 The reason is to prevent people from editing their words after responses have come in. And also a stopgap to spammers who might go back and mess with seemingly legit posts. Other reasons too, I’m sure… That being said, a moderator can edit your post anytime - if it’s something minor, a typo, or if you’d like to omit something personal. Send me or @Brian a message detailing what you want edited, and we can maybe help. All the best, -Sam 1 Quote
Brian Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 Sam is correct. HAVE to limit editing. The common spam trick is to join forums...post fairly normal replies, and then a month or more later, go back and add in links etc in old posts. They don't get many views...but they aren't after that. They are after the bots that scan websites, and those embedded links get them better rankings in search engines etc. Lost count of the number of edited posts to add stuff like that, that I have picked up and deleted. Limiting editing time is the only way. Gold members get far more time to edit. We assume those that paid for memberships are less likely to be spammers. 1 Quote
Paul Godfrey Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 Thanks guys. I will send a direct message this evening. Quote
Paul Godfrey Posted April 10 Author Report Posted April 10 On 4/9/2025 at 6:22 PM, Scogg said: The reason is to prevent people from editing their words after responses have come in. And also a stopgap to spammers who might go back and mess with seemingly legit posts. Other reasons too, I’m sure… That being said, a moderator can edit your post anytime - if it’s something minor, a typo, or if you’d like to omit something personal. Send me or @Brian a message detailing what you want edited, and we can maybe help. All the best, -Sam Expand DM sent 1 Quote
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