Lookin for opinions on blade flaws

[Sporkkaji]

Hello, there's a sword listed online that is currently reasonably priced with little interest which is probably due to some very ugly spots on the blade. Just wondering if flaws such as the ones pictured here would be considered "fatal" and should be avoided at all costs, or if they are merely cosmetic and don't affect the integrity of the blade? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Grey Doffin]

That is a very tired sword, with a serious kizu in the hamon. I would stay away from it unless you just want a wall hanger.

Grey

[kfkonrad]

A lot of open grain, the boshi is quite tired (but still present), and ware.

 

If these are the only flaws, structurally they are most likely not fatal.

 

I agree with Grey though... it looks to be a tired sword.

 

Any more photos?

[Sporkkaji]

Here's a few more, but I posted the worst looking ones first.

[sanjuro]

I must say that an area of open grain and ware/kizu of that nature plus a very thin hamon on the boshi would totally put me off. This blade is really tired. The flaws are not actually fatal as such, but the blade needs a polish and would I think not stand it, and the boshi hamon may well disappear entirely. As a study piece perhaps..... As a collectable piece no.

[Grey Doffin]

The new pictures spark interest; maybe there's hope. If this is a Shinto or later sword the answer is still no. Still no at late Koto I think. If earlier and the price was really attractive, then maybe. Lots of old blades have skinny boshi, and I think this boshi would survive a polish (not that I'd have this sword polished).

I'd want to see all of the sword to learn about other compromised areas, and the price would have to be very sweet; possibly?

Grey

[Sporkkaji]

Oh well, someone wanted it more than me. Was an old signed wakizashi in gunto mounts.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0541161589

[Brian]

Junk and low end mediocrity is fetching high prices lately on eBay, and decent stuff isn't selling. Quite sad really.

I see NCO machine made swords fetching more than Shin Gunto. All very bizarre.

 

Brian

[nagamaki - Franco]

  Brian said:

Quite sad really.

 

yes, it is, and rather amazing in a discipline where artisans spend so much energy reaching for the best possible result.

[ububob]

To add to Franco's thought above we as students and buyers are constantly reminded of the benefits of research and study but in spite of that I recently read a thread here that went on for three pages and discussed a piece of junk yet the buyer believes the blade is not tired and that his photography is poor. Abe Lincoln once said, "You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of time but you can't fool all the people all the time." To that I would add that we can fool ourselves and not even know it.

[jason_mazzy]

one man's junk is another man's treasure bob. And seeing as a blade bought for $200 could easily double or triple on ebay I would say thats a mighty fine piece of return on "junk".

 

on another side note, at one time someone cared alot about that blade. and it has been around a long time. alot longer than you or anyone here. give the junk a little repect. I only showed what I had because I liked it. If you have a problem with my sword then say it with some tact or don't say anything at all. people like you are the reason new people don't want to buy anything or are too scared to show something they like. try being constructive instead of destructive.

 

These swords many times were much more than a piece of iron to the owner. so excuse me if I care or enjoy or like a piece of history at a great preice. Quit killing the futures collectors enjoyment and instead nurture it.

[ububob]

C'mon Jason you're pulling my leg.

[John A Stuart]

To each his own. I think this thread has run it's course and any further discussion better in PM mode. John