How would you classify this flaw?

[Schneeds]

Kitae-ware, yaki-ware?  It is mostly above the hamon, but does extend a bit into it.  I cannot tell if that is an open layer from a fold, or a crack from tampering.  Or maybe neither?  Any thoughts appreciated.  

 

[David Flynn]

Kitae Ware. Doesn't look good.

[Lewis B]

Delamination. What era is the sword from? Left hand image not too bad for a Koto blade but the fissure on the right is a big problem. 

[Alex A]

Aye, looks like a weld issue. (Ware)

 

Your pictures are bad but can just make out a faint similar issues on the blade.

 

Japanese SWORD FLAWS (japaneseswordindex.com)

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Classic Kitae-ware. In some select schools using Masame Hada, like Yamato Hosho, it isn't viewed quite as negatively.

[Schneeds]

7 hours ago, Lewis B said:

Delamination. What era is the sword from? Left hand image not too bad for a Koto blade but the fissure on the right is a big problem. 

 

Koto, Nanbokucho.  Both images are the same flaw, with direct and indirect lighting.  Trying to decide how big an issue it is.  

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

These WARE may not be visible on a newly forged blade but can occur after a few polishes. Not beautiful. Maybe it is tolerated on historically important blades.

I wouldn't take to war.

[Schneeds]

12 hours ago, Alex A said:

Aye, looks like a weld issue. (Ware)

 

Your pictures are bad but can just make out a faint similar issues on the blade.

 

Japanese SWORD FLAWS (japaneseswordindex.com)

 

Is this better?

 

[Schneeds]

12 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Classic Kitae-ware. In some select schools using Masame Hada, like Yamato Hosho, it isn't viewed quite as negatively.

Naoe Shizu in this case, so sort of a Yamato relative

 

The existence of the ware doesn't bother me nearly as much as the fact I can't find it in any of the sellers scans or images, despite image enhancement.  I guess it could be hidden by contrast. 

 

We live and we learn. 

[Jacques D.]

On 7/11/2024 at 9:49 AM, PNSSHOGUN said:

Classic Kitae-ware. In some select schools using Masame Hada, like Yamato Hosho, it isn't viewed quite as negatively.