Brian

If I am seeing the boshi correctly, then this is what I think it might look like after the repair, more or less. As you can see, the ko-shinogi would have to be adjusted quite a bit, but looks like there is room with the hi there. Of course none of this is sure, as a togishi would have to look at it in hand. This is just a guess and things change radically in hand. A lot of variables to take into account. Brian Edit to add: of course a togi would probably take the yokote back a bit and preserve the look of the kissaki instead of making it a ko-kissaki. This was just a quick photoshop job

If the boshi is where I think i am seeing it, then yes..it is completely repairable. However this would need a very good and professional togishi. Brian

Just to throw a possibility in the works here. Reading through this page: http://www.samuraisword.com/nihontodisp ... /index.htm and others... Is it not possible that when he worked as Kanesada, his style of kitae led to him being rated as o-wazamono, however when he changed the name, and subsequently his working style and kitae, his swords were not rated as o-wazamono anymore? That would explain the differences in ratings. Maybe the earlier works had better cutting ability than the later works? Just a feeble theory. Brian

Ford, Yep..I will definitely archive this thread and the others that are good references for certain artists. I think the faq should contain links to the threads on Soyo, Tomei, Omori etc. Good mei examples and worth adding to as we create such links. Hmm...I think I need a web designer's help here..lol. I am in over my head coding pages. Brian

Darn, one of the few posts we lost when we moved to the new forum At least the old one is still up for reference Thanks Moriyama san Brian

Henry, Same reason I moved it now :D It's Nihonto-related for now. If it arrives, and it is indeed traditionally made, then we can move it to Nihonto. The collecting of fakes, as in your case, as part of research into an existing Nihonto collection for whatever reason can be understood. Just don't want to promote the idea of a sole collection of fakes as a substitute for the real thing for those who think they can't afford it or don't want to take the time to learn the intricacies of Japanese swords. That would be seriously flawed logic. Let us know the outcome. Regards, Brian

Steve, Best place to start is on Ford's forum (see links in his signature) Lots of info and advice there. Regards, Brian

I see that Haynes does list one artist with the name of Kyosen and seems to match the kanji Moriyama san posted. No real info on him, or first name. Seen on a pair of menuki. Wonder if this is our guy...巨川 does look probable to me. Brian

Thanks so much guys, at least I wasn't crazy in being confused by this one :D Hopefully someone recognises it. I really do have to get a few Wakayama books. Here is a larger pic if it helps. Brian

Hi all, Here is a fuchi I have with a signature that doesn't seem to make sense to me. Some of the characters look like sosho, and then there are others that look odd to me. I was wondering if there are actually a signature, or just some random scrawl? I like the fuchi, the nanako looks well done and I like the patina on the inner seeds, but would be interesting if I could link it to a maker if possible. Thanks, Brian

Just thought I would share the pics of Ford's latest tsuba. This one we all played with in Tokyo, and it is really striking in hand. There seems to be extremely few modern tsubashi working in Japan, and this one was extremely well received there. It really needs to be seen in hand to fully appreciate it, but thought I would post to show that there are some excellent craftsmen still working today, and not all in Japan Brian http://followingtheironbrush.blogspot.com/ http://picasaweb.google.com/tsubaman/Or ... FDXmQRYFI#

Yep...does seem to be the touristy stuff. However if it was in Japan until now, there is a chance it has a better blade in it. You get these with older blades infrequently, however usually they are mass produced low quality blades of the type you see in those carved bone mounts. Sometimes you get lucky, we will see. Brian

Just ruined my plan Very nice looking sword from what we can see, and well done on following the advice for beginners. I think you did very well. Brian

Rich, I'm not convinced that is Japanese. Maybe Chinese That much sori in a short tanto, and with a nakago looking like that? Even cut down from longer wouldn't result in that. Brian

Soft-metal koshirae in brass, with inlay is usually indicative of Meiji period "tourist" pieces. Not always junk, some of them can be quite attractive and show the work of some good metalworkers. Then there are the pressed brass ones with aoi mon etc that are just so-so. I have one like this but with an earlier blade mounted. So you see all types in these fittings. Obivously a pic would help. I can't tell you more about your f/k set. Frankly, unless fittings fit into one of the major schools such as Higo, Goto etc, I don't see many being attributed here to a school or style. Most are just what they are, and date through the Edo period. Brian

Sergei, Not easy to make that call. It appears to be the one from Hawley, however since there is still not consensus on the reading of that last kanji, I wouldn't be confident in which one it is. It could also be the other one from Hawley, or one of the other readings. The filemarks don't seem to match, so I am unsure. There are other kanji that have been listed as possible, and while there is debate, there is no way to know for sure. At the moment I don't think you can take it further, unless Gordon Robson happens to pop in I do think it is likely around 1600's. Need more opinions on the kanji though. With there being Kanetomo smiths signing this way..that is the direction I am headed, but nothing is 1005 certain in this game. Regards, Brian

Sergei, There isn't a good way to tell if this is a gimei (false signature) or not unless you sent it to shinsa, or find good mei examples of his work to compare. However either way it looks like a decent enough tanto, and the age is likely around that date. It's probably not going to be a masterpiece worth $20K or anything...but a decent piece in fairly good condition. Search the forum for "blade care" or maintenance and you will find lots of info. Just keep it lightly oiled and don't polish anything and it will be fine. We don't guess values too much on this forum, but over $1000 up to whatever anyone will pay. You are in Germany? I am sure there are Nihonto groups or dealers that can advise you more. Where is the NBTHK Europe based? Regards, Brian

I'm still going with Kanetomo as Stephen said. Not hard to see the "tomo" kanji if you consider the one stroke as abbreviated...commonly done with different smiths. This is backed up by the fact that Hawley's lists 2 Kanetomo signing this way. KAN2547 (changed his name to Teruhiro, worked ca. 1596 and worked in Aki) and also KAN2569 who worked ca. 1592, Mino, Owari. Both signed Bishu Inuyama ju Kanetomo. First is 50 points and the next 15 points. At any rate, the dates would fit in with the appearance, and it does look like a nice blade. Care for it well, and do some research on how to preserve it. Regards, Brian Edit to add: Pity no pic, he is mentioned here: http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/a-nagamaki-wakizashi-early-edo-period-circa-1600-1-c-ohwwiwgglv

The "Inuyama" is the key here I think. I can find a mention of a Inuyama Kanetomo as Stephen pointed out, but not for the other readings (haven't checked much as I am at work) I think it is between Kaneyasu and Kanetomo and I do lean towards Kanetomo. What listings are there for these smiths signing with Inuyama? (if that is the correct reading) Brian

Quick, someone buy that Daido katana before I am tempted to spend money I really don't have Some good prices there. That Daido really appeals to me with that o-kissaki and naginata hi through the nakago. Brian

Ludolf, This forum (under my name) only started early Aug 2006, so any posts before that must have been on Rich's old forum I'm afraid. I guess that means we are just over 2 years old now Brian

Good catch Ludolf! The pages are here...and some excellent info from Henry! viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1584 viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1584&p=10672 viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3801&p=28512 The board is becoming a small Nihonto reference book in its own right :D Nothing much has been lost on the forum..when we moved to this one, I carried over 99% of the old posts, although dates might have updated. Brian

Came across this while browsing. I think it is that Chinese Nihonto forum, but not sure, as I can't read it :D http://www.hfsword.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?fid=4 Can anyone verify this for me, as I will then add it to the links list. Would be interesting to know what goes on there with genuine Nihonto. Regards, Brian

War fan and riding crop? Period...not easy to determine. When guessing, always safe to go to late Edo Nothing reallt stands out for me to give and age or school. Brian

Dougie, A number of things look odd about these. I have seen filemarks like the top one once before on a Shin Gunto, but they are far from typical. The mei look like they are small and not cut the typical way? Are these modern swords or WW2 or "otherwise"? If possible, please upload a few other blade/kissaki pics to the Photobucket account, and see if you can also upload these mei reading from top to bottom, as it is easier to read. Thanks, Brian