Antique or Modern Nihonto Katana

[EmmaNZ]

What do folks here think about Hitatsura Hamon? I read they can be more prone to Kizu, but this looks amazing. Really unique, not something I figured I’d like. It doesn’t hurt that the Koshirae is beautiful.

 

http://world.seiyudo...m/product/ka-121222/

[Robert S]

I saw that one too - the hamon is outrageous.  It's a lot of $ for tokubetsu hozon, but certainly not your run of the mill work.

[Alex A]

Just a thought

 

With your budget and as you want a display.

 

Would you not consider looking for a nice daisho with matching old fittings ?

 

Look for a late Edo sword stand.

 

 

 

 

[EmmaNZ]

I would consider that for sure.   I haven't yet seen any daisho for sale that grabbed my interest, though.

[Alex A]

Someone may see something.

 

If you see anything good let us know, id be interested see them.

 

Not my usual window shop

[oli]

if you are looking for a Koto sword for display it should have a tachi koshiara like this: https://nihontou.jp/...gu/tachi/085/00.html

[Tcat]

It sounds like you want to create a beautiful display. If for display then I think the quality of the koshirae is quite important.

I also think one sword is not enough but lets not get ahead of ourselves... 

 

Daisho is not a bad suggestion...

 

But since you have a nice budget to play with, my suggestion would be to spend a little time looking into fittings schools and extant issaku/matching set koshirea examples and themes. Nothing you have shared so far has been particularly spectacular for the sort of budget you are hinting at.

 

Purchasing a newly made sword will support the continuation of the craft if its custom-made for you by the smith. An option would be to create your own personal koshirea from existing tosogu sets or even have a new set made, however there are extremely few fittings artists operating today and for the most part their scope is limited, wait times long and prices astronomical.

[paul V]

If you are hesitating between an antique or a modern sword, perhaps you might choose for the best of both worlds. Namely a masterful utsushi of one of the most famous ancient Japanese swords, the Sanchomo, by one of the best Japanese swordsmiths of today, Ono Yoshimitsu?

Coincidentally, there is currently one for sale at Tsuruginoya.

https://www.tsurugin...om/items/a00634.html

 

Paul

[EmmaNZ]

5 hours ago, paul V said:

If you are hesitating between an antique or a modern sword, perhaps you might choose for the best of both worlds. Namely a masterful utsushi of one of the most famous ancient Japanese swords, the Sanchomo, by one of the best Japanese swordsmiths of today, Ono Yoshimitsu?

Coincidentally, there is currently one for sale at Tsuruginoya.

https://www.tsurugin...om/items/a00634.html

 

Paul

Thanks Paul. Something along those lines is a great suggestion. The blade you linked to is magnificent, but I’m not really looking for a Tachi. I tend to like the look of swords with less Sori than that one.

[EmmaNZ]

I finally purchased a sword. I decided on a  Kunihira Kawachi blade with Koshirae. I thought hard about an antique but ultimately decided, since this might be a one-sword collection, I’d rather put my money towards supporting practicing artisans who are keeping the swordmaking tradition alive.

[EmmaNZ]

My only photos are from the seller before they packaged the sword, I’ll post my own once it arrives.

[EmmaNZ]

[EmmaNZ]

[Tohagi]

Hello,

 

To try an answer to your initial question,

the kunihira kawashi seems a fair choice. It'll take value over the time and you will have a strong perfect sword unique and appealing to you.

 

To have a Juyo is a great responsability toward next generations.  I personnaly avoid such a weight on my shoulders and I pretend to be a collector.

 

If you are sure to make the path, Mike Yamasaki,(or Lonely planet proposition) is your Best choice.

 

Hope that's helps,

 

Best regards, 

 

Éric VD 

 

Ps: sorry I didn't saw you'd already buyed the sword. By the way, is the hamon runing out from the ha at the kissaki?

[Lewis B]

8 hours ago, EmmaNZ said:

I finally purchased a sword. I decided on a  Kunihira Kawachi blade with Koshirae. I thought hard about an antique but ultimately decided, since this might be a one-sword collection, I’d rather put my money towards supporting practicing artisans who are keeping the swordmaking tradition alive.

I came across this maker a couple of weeks ago. They are producing a series of honyaki kitchen and chef knives made using Tamahagane steel, that look amazing.

You have a very fine piece there.

[Tohagi]

Probably a reflexion from the camera... 

[Robert S]

Looks a lovely piece, and I agree with the thought regarding the value of supporting living swordsmiths and helping to keep the craft alive.  Nicely done!

 

[Gerry]

On 5/29/2024 at 11:15 AM, EmmaNZ said:

I would consider that for sure.   I haven't yet seen any daisho for sale that grabbed my interest, though.

If you're still in the market for a daisho to go with your katana, this set has nice koshirae at a reasonable price.

 

https://www.toukenko...&katana_A050123.html