Northman

Very good photos! Thanks for sharing.

I'd be interested in this analysis as well. There are conflicting claims out there pertaining to the use and quality of swords produced using nanbantetsu. I've read some claims saying that the inclusion of foreign steel made for a tougher, perhaps more "functional" steel, albeit not as artistic. I do know that nanbantetsu was used in Bungo by some of the Takada smiths (early Edo period). I also remember reading that the neighbouring Daimyo of Hizen banned its use by all smiths within his territory. Was this for political reasons, or was it viewed at the time as inferior steel as well? Sorry for so much "remembering" here, but I don't have any sources at hand right now.

Fantastic news indeed! One heck of a reincarnation story. Congrats, and looking forward to seeing the "(re-) finished product". I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience for you.

Hello folks, While perusing the web for all things Nihonto, I came across a very interesting sword on Nick Ricupero's "Nihonto Art" website. https://nihontoart.com/shop/incredibly-rare-5-body-tameshigiri-kinzogan-katana/ This is a Kawachi no Kami Kanesada Katana c. 1686 that apparently performed a 5-body cutting test! That's the most I've ever seen on a sword - at least on one for sale on the open market. As someone who has practiced tameshigiri in it's modern form (heh heh...), I understand the power of a sharp, well balanced Katana with appropriate niku, but 5-bodies seems absurd! Are there any doubts around the authenticity of these test-cut inscriptions? Not saying that they could be modern faked inscriptions, just that at the time of "testing", those involved may have stretched the truth a bit? Regardless - a beautiful sword with QUITE the reputation, no doubt.

Typically when I've heard it referred to in Japanese videos or audio, the full "日本美術刀剣保存協会" is referenced. Nihon Bijutsu (日本美術) just means "Japanese Art", or "Japanese Museum", essentially. Maybe 日本美術刀 is used as a short form, which is essentially "Japanese Art Swords"?

Many thanks - knew this has already been collated! Guessing this is indeed pinned somewhere too?

Hello folks, I'm wondering if there is a listing or register of online dealers of Nihonto. Is there one on this site? If not, maybe we could try to build a pinned thread for this? This section of the forum seems like the most logical location. Would be nice to have a one stop shop of online dealers, especially trusted dealers, or dealers that our forum members have experience with.

Also some pics close-up on the blade itself would be helpful.

Quite the story behind that blade! Definitely beat-up, but may be worth further preservation measures. At the very least, based on the oxidization, it seems “old” (LOL). Yes more pics will be required. Close ups of the blade are a must too. Also, some dimensions would be helpful (length of the cutting edge, length of the tang, width of the blade towards the base of the blade, thickness etc.). Pics and dimensions will be needed to say anything more about it really.

Agree with Raynor here. Tsuba definitely affects the balance of a sword, particularly the point of balance by adding or subtracting weight closer to the kashira. That said, weight and distal taper of the blade (difference between moto kassane and saki kassane, and moto haba and saki haba respectively) play the biggest role in balance. Size of the nakago also affects the point of balance, and of course sori can effect the overall balance and handling of a sword significantly.

Very interesting breakdown, Jussi. This is more in line with my initial expectations, though noting the caveats you’ve added, and the fact that the focus is prior to mid-Muronachi. I’m guessing that the necessities of war leading into the Sengoku jidai was a key factor that caused certain schools to ramp-up production (I.e Mino)?

Thanks Ken. I actually came across this article recently. Fantastic read. I'm impressed with the precision involved in this research, though I shouldn't be surprised based on who wrote the damn thing

Thanks for this concise overview. Very helpful and interesting.

Wow - Mino = late to the party, but highly productive? Or perhaps, not all that late to the party anyway. Can't recall where I read it, but hear that there was a while when the Yamato smiths were pumping out blades, many of which were never signed. Maybe there wasn't a lot of truth to that claim.

^ Exactly the types of things I’m wondering as well.