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No casting there imho.

Hi all, I'm looking to source a copy of the oft-mentioned Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords. Hoping for a reasonable price ($75 CAD or so), any condition will do so long as its readable. Many thanks in advance!

The closest reading, I guess, John!

The picture proof. Size don't matter.

If they are registered they are not longer banned.

For those that have ever wondered about the reason (?) for the hairstyle, that became popular for Samurai and non-Samurai. Never really thought about it, had the NHK series on record and it just popped up. Appears full series here, SAMURAI CHONMAGE TRUTH - Time and Tide | NHK WORLD-Japan

Hi all, Nathaniel in Canada. Long time interest in Japanese history, culture, and in particular martial arts. Just getting started in terms of more serious study of nihonto specifically, though I have always had a fascination with them. After watching the assorted sites for the last few years have finally made a first purchase I'll be making a post about once I have it in hand. Looking forward to learning more and very excited at the depth of knowledge many of the members here have shown throughout the many threads I've read!

Congrats, you got it for a good deal.

Hello: I'm hoping for a confirmation on the "Taka" in Takamichi. The character does not appear to have the "leg" strokes so I'm not sure. Thank you, John C.

Greetings, I thought I'd post one of my recent acquisitions. Perhaps in the same way colorful snakes scare potential predators away with bright colors, this parachute chord wrap scared potential bidders away. The wood core is original, but the same is gone. I'll hopefully send it off to get rewrapped soon. @Bruce Pennington thanks for referencing the hiragana "I" in your previous post. The mune is stamped い 八八.The tsuba is stamped 7 80 and the fuchi has a faint 4 on the release button prong. Conway

I agree with Jean Collin. I don't see any signs of casting on the tsuba. Nice one! Robert S

Thank you Jean, and Dale! The triangular negative space ontop of the leaf is what made me think maple, for some reason. But the more kiri depictions I look at, the more I wonder. Ambiguous leaf might simply fit best. As far as the casting goes. I cannot find any discernable "seams" anywhere; and the irregularities appear to be corrosion to my novice eye. Obviously I hope it to be real, so I'm the most biased party here. If there are any photos that would help, let me know, and I will do my best. If it were real, would anyone be willing to guess on it's age? Thanks again for everyone's input. I always learn a lot, and appreciate it. Cheers, -Sam

We have discussed WWII gunto getting registration papers before. Still looking for a good link. Here's one from a while back: Working from memory, it has to do with the fact that they are letting people register WWII gunto that have "been discovered" in their homes lately. Shops and antique dealers have some sort of legal right to register swords, too.

Sam, I would love to hold your TSUBA in hand, but just looking at the photos, I think it is a legit OWARI TSUBA. The "irregularities" on the MIMI are either TEKKOTSU, but more likely old corrosion remains. Signs of casting would look completely different.

I think the plant design is a little ambiguous. I can see the resemblance to a Maple leaf plant motif but it also has characteristics of Kiri? The example below from the Varshavsky collection is not a million miles away from your tsuba design, the Kiri motif is just "pulled" further out of the rim and has the usual central top of the leaf which is missing on the one you have. [I have no idea why] " The Kiri (桐) pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves." https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/episode-5-design-plant②/ https://varshavskyco...collection/tsu-0259/ “Gosan no Kiri” once was used by royal families or leaders for their emblems, and it’s being used even ordinary people today as their family crests. Arabesque designs are put between “Gosan no Kiri” patterns and engraved by openwork. Arabesque pattern represents prosperity and longevity. Maples would tend to have more tips to the leaves [depends on each species]

Coincidentally, the same sword was posted on reddit a couple of days ago (including pictures of the blade and koshirae and a note from the person who purchased it): https://www.reddit.c...vv/inherited_katana/

There’s no raining on this parade . It’s no problem at all - I’m here to learn. Hopefully I’ll get some more opinions that help confirm or deny that it’s cast. Here’s some more photos where I focused on some of the areas you circled. I appreciate the help! It’s always a learning experience (last photo of one of the more smooth sides) All the best, -Sam

Hello Sam! I am probably totally wrong and don't want to "rain on your parade" (I am certain other members will let me know!!). But this is what I see! Pictures attached. With respect, Dan

Bummer! Not doubting you, but would you mind pointing out where you see casting flaws so that I can see them? Admittedly, I’m not well versed in fittings Cheers, -Sam

Whatever leaf! My opinion is that the tsuba is cast! It looks to have several casting flaws. Take a hammer to it and see if it breaks! Onward! With respect, Dan

It's exactly as I got it, no other parts. Thanks for your opinion and time John.

I’ve got this tsuba that I’m pretty sure is Owari. I had thought the motif was maple leaf, but I saw some similar listed as paulownia leaf. Maple or paulownia? Something else? Cheers, -Sam

Original WW2 Army Katana GENERAL's TASSEL For Sale. $2400 or best offer. Here is the link to additional photos: https://stcroixblade...t-ww2-samurai-ija-2/ --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades

Phil, Sorry, didn't read the whole of the thread so I must be a genius too. If it isn't a traditionally made/ ancestral blade then it has been dressed up to look like one so it's either a WW2 era blade that's been dicked with or it's a modern copy that has been made to deceive. Just to be clear, you have a tsuka (not necessarily belonging to the blade) and the blade with the habaki but no scabbard? Did you have it carbon dated too otherwise it's a bit of a leap of faith to conclude that the blade itself is WW2.

KAJ is an incredibly interesting and eccentric guy. Writes Sherlock Holmes fan fiction among his many other hobbies apparently.