Quick Shinsa Question

[Wickstrom]

Hello Gentlemen,

 

I am on my way to acquiring a nice,mumei, koto wakizashi from one of the members here. It is out of polish but its in decent shape. I read the rules and standards for the NBTHK but i am still unsure about this. Can a mumei blade without a polish still be attributed to a smith or school? I believe it has potential but i have heard it is best to go to shinsa first before putting big bucks into a new polish. I will post a picture of the kissaki and part of the blade that the member sent to me for the board's survey.

[paulb]

Dear Andrew,

For a shinsa panel to appraise a sword they need to be able to see details of shape hada and hamon. Certainly I have seen panels (NTHK) make judgements on swords in less than perfect polish but they have to be able to see something.

On the picture of your sword the only thing I can see is the shape (I am sure in hand more wold be visible) and I would doubt any judges would be able to give a worthwhile appraisal on what can be seen in the image.

Rgerads

Paulb

[Pete Klein]

Andrew -- you'll need to send it via an agent to the NBTHK anyway so possibly run it past Bob Benson who handles shinsa and is also a polisher. He's been doing this for decades and knows all the issues involved. http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/ Or go to the shinsa in San Fran in August.

[cabowen]

Shinsa'in need to be able to see the ji-tetsu, boshi, hamon, and any activity within the ji-ba to make any sort of meaningful judgment.

 

To reduce frustration and expense it is best for new collectors to stick to polished blades and leave the gambling to those with more experience.....