advice on the first blade

[Rivkin]

To thy mercy I, though undeserving, apply!

 

After spending a lot of time on books and going through a lot materials on sword, I decided to purchase my first blade. My purpose is mostly studying. I have been collecting for a while, but only recently decided to slightly expand my extremely narrow interests by learning about nihonto.

My personal preferences were always - simple, very austerely decorated swords. I definitely strongly prefer sturdy, capable blades that can be effectively used today (not that I have any knowledge how to use Japanese swords).

Now, I understand that it is somewhat tricky to ask for an opinion about something currently for sale, but I would greatly appreciate if you could help me to choose, between these two (or may be I am wrong in the selection alltogether and the first blade should be something else):

http://www.nihontoantiques.com/fss381.htm

http://www.nihontoantiques.com/fss373.htm

 

Pardon my arrogance, but I would like to explain my reasons for thinking about these two.

I like the second one:

Simple, yet elegant mounts. The blade appears very healthy and usable (however I am a tad surprised that the seller does not say anything about iai-do or tameshigiri, as he does with other swords - for example http://www.nihontoantiques.com/fss387.htm). I love the curvature, which I find very gracious and overall fitting my preferences .

Minus - no activity, rather simple construction, therefore not a lot of learning (?) and a lot of rumors (?) about bungo takeda being relatively low grade, very few people actually liking it (resale potential?).

 

I like the first one:Lots of activity, like the hada, like the curvature. Minus: fatal flaw? I hate the military mounts (per se).

Also, I am a huge guy, and short swords actually look a tad funny when I hold them.

 

As you can see - not of knowledge in me yet, mostly just emotions, feelings. Again, I apologize taking your time with a such personal request, but would greatly appreciate any advice, even if it is to return to reading books.

[Curgan]

I dont think you can go wrong on any of these. Contact the seller and request more pics. As for the tameshigiri thing. I believe it has to do more with the swords age. An antique blade should not be used in order o ensure its preservation

[paulb]

good luck in your search for your sword. it is a good idea to talk to the dealer about what you are looking for. I am sure NIhontoantiques will be very happy to offer you help and guidance.

best regards

Paul

[Grey Doffin]

My opinion on the subject:

The 1st blade has a hagire and blades with hagire are very difficult to sell. Some day you'll want to sell whatever sword you buy now and this one will be a tough sell.

The 2nd is mumei with paper to an unpopular school; once again a tough sell. The blade and koshirae are quite nice and if you love it nothing wrong with buying it.

If I were you I'd try to get to one of the big sword shows in the US or Japan. You'll have great fun, learn lots if you make the effort, and your budget is healthy enough to allow you to buy something you can love.

Grey

[Curgan]

Great eye Grey! Where did you spot the hagire?

[Lorenzo]

Is stated on the description, and you can see it both ura and omote in the full sword picture.

[Curgan]

Is stated on the description.

 

Dump of me, but still can't see it. I spotted something in the middle of the blade but I am not sure. Could you please help me a bit?

[Lorenzo]

If you open the big picture with the full blade, look at the left image (omote) where the edge almost touch the border of the picture, let's say half of the total length of the sword nakago included. Visible in ura as well, but shorter.

 

You can see it also in the "details" picture, on the first detail from the top, right in the middle of the picture. It's shorter there so I guess that detail is taken from the ura side of the blade.

 

The seller is honest in pointing it out.

[Curgan]

Thanks a lot! Quite an eye you have! My four seem to be useless!

[Rivkin]

Thank you very much, I greatly appreciate the advice! Guess I'll dive back into books and start preparing for the next sword show .

[loiner1965]

you can see it in the details pic too.....uppermost picture

[Rivkin]

May I ask another question - what's a typical situation with old mouts? I understand the lacquer offers some protection, but can one really use typical shinto mounts, or it is rather unsafe? Would one be better off, if one wishes to display the sword in mounts occasionally, to make new saya+, get old tsuba, menuki, whatever?

[estcrh]

May I ask another question - what's a typical situation with old mouts? I understand the lacquer offers some protection, but can one really use typical shinto mounts, or it is rather unsafe? Would one be better off, if one wishes to display the sword in mounts occasionally, to make new saya+, get old tsuba, menuki, whatever?

I would suggest having a shirasaya for the blade and displaying the old original mounts along side.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

May I ask another question - what's a typical situation with old mouts? I understand the lacquer offers some protection, but can one really use typical shinto mounts, or it is rather unsafe? Would one be better off, if one wishes to display the sword in mounts occasionally, to make new saya+, get old tsuba, menuki, whatever?

 

Assuming you get a fully mounted sword the most common options you have are :

 

a) the sword comes in a polish you're happy with and in complete (healty enough) bukezukuri. You may wait till the next eventual polish. I made this mistake with a Naginata and a new polish was needed very shortly after.

 

b) you send the sword to a togishi for a new polish. You should have a Shirasaya made as well and never return the blade into the old mount to avoid any possible danger of scratching the new polish. A Tsunagi is also needed to maintain the original mount together if you decide to keep it.

 

c) you want a completely new polish and mount. Be prepared to break your wallet, even if you already have the Kodogu. Not common option.

 

Best resting place for a blade is Shirasaya.