Brian

I am not going to get into the "fun" debate, as I am sure everyone has their own opinions on how they enjoy things that take up much of their free time. It is up to each individual as to how they manage their hobbies and/or preoccupations, but I feel sorry for anyone who is so deeply immersed that they can't enjoy their field of interest and still have fun. I do know that this field had better do something fast about encouraging newcommers to learn to appreciate Nihonto and how to identify, conserve and appreciate them. It is pretty obvious that even in Japan, less and less newcommers have an interest, and in 200 years time, there is a danger of Nihonto just becomming another curiosity like stamp collecting and sports. An "all-or-nothing" attitude is pushing more and more people away from true appreciation, and it is no wonder that people are using swords for bush cutting and putting them to grinders etc. At least we owe it to beginners to educate them to a point that they will look after their swords for the next generation who might restore or research them further. I understand all the limitations of exercises like Aoi is running. However on a properly calibrated monitor, things like hamon, hada and boshi can be easily seen. So can yasurime and sugata. So what if there is not as much as a true kantei? Not everyone has access to these, whether they be online or in person. It's not all about comming down to a particular smith. If a beginner is only able to learn to identify a hada or a hamon pattern, or a certain hataraki or boshi...then they are one step closer. They have learned something. Yes, there are some misleading comments or confusing statements. Just like you would get in a real kantei where you are unsure or a novice. At least here people who might not have access to good swords can see the thought processes involved and realise how technical and advanced this field is. This will lead to an appreciation of the art and a willingness to learn more in many cases. No-one is forced to participate though. However ideally we wouldn't be slamming the whole process, but rather educating by saying "this actually doesn't look like that..it looks like xxx" or pointing out where the discrepancies lie. Yep, everyone has their own opinions. Make up your own mind what is constructive and what is counter productive to the field as a whole and go with it. Brian

I have recently acquired a suriage sword that is signed to the Mizuka school and so have done some reading up on it to see if mine is gimei or not. This sword here does bear some close resemblance to the Mizuta school from what I have read and seen, so I agree. I would go with Shinto on it, although the school is just a guess for now. Looks worth taking care of and possibly getting it put into shirasaya or having the mounts fixed. Brian

Ok, as per the rules here, if someone has allegations to make, the other person gets a fair chance to state his side. However I don't see this going anywhere good, so if you 2 want to give your sides reasonably and without profanity and strong emotions, I will allow both sides their say. However the second this goes ugly I will lock this thread and you 2 can work it out yourselves in private. Brian

Reinhard, I beg to differ. We all know that some shun any form of online kantei, and that is their perogative. However at last count, there were about 50 countries visiting here, and how many of those hold formal kantei sessions? Even going overseas once a year will not make you much better unless you have the time and money that most don't have. Also, I think it has been clearly explained that online kantei is just a fun game, and not a replacement for formal and proper hands-on study. But saying that no-one benefits is simply not true. A lot of people won't post an answer, but they do read the replies and then go hit the books and study up on the smiths mentioned. That info sticks, and there is indeed a lot of knowledge learned. It's getting a bit tiring slamming every online "kantei" session, and would be far more valid if there weren't atari calls on every exercise. Yes, it's not an ideal situation at all, but it is fun sometimes, and those that think there isn't enough info, or the given info is misleading, could do worse than at least identify what they do see or don't see. Frankly, sometimes pics show even more than the eyes see in person. How about we take it for what it is, (a bit of fun) and if there is a better way, then let's do it? Brian

Stephen, That set is a beauty! I really like it. Pity about the hole, I doubt it is original and who knows what caused it? You should perhaps have a word with Ford to find out if damage like that can be repaired. Looks worth it. Brian

I don't think he intends any deception. Probably to prevent coping the pics as mentioned, or to retain some degree of privacy since anyone with access can look up the details of that certificate. Yes, the papers can be copied from the website, but eBay is an easier venue to gather pics from and more public. Anyways, not a huge issue, I am sure the buyer could request the original pics. Brian

That is true, but I did that for free at the Taibundo sales show, and I am sure the DTI will have ample opportunities to do that too I don't mind a charge, they have lots of expenses for a show like this. But $450 for 2 people is more than I can budget for 2 days I think. Brian

Simple answer as Guido explained: "It should be noted that the Torokusho is not a certificate of authenticity; only the length, Sori, number of Mekugi-ana and the Mei (name inscribed) are written, no matter whether it is authentic (Shoshin 正真) or false (Gimei 偽銘)." In other words, the Torokusho notes any mei that might be present on the sword, but does not indicate if it is shoshin or gimei. Brian

Ok, I see here: http://www.touken.or.jp/english/30thanniversary.htm that it is a special anniversary meeting this year. But 29000 yen, plus 19000 yen for a partner is a bit steep Hmm...and I am still not sure if it is members only. But that price is a bit prohibitive for some of us commoners I think. I am sure it includes a nice catalog though. Might have to skip the taikai. Brian

Yeah, I saw that :D Masked the mei very well indeed. Photoshop rocks So now we better start a new thread for Kantei 7.. Brian

Still waiting for someone to tell me what exactly the Taikai? is, that is a week after. What happens there and is it worth going to if you aren't a NBTHK member? Brian

I don't think it is ethical to try and end an auction once there are bids. Not fair to the other bidders. He won't accept anyways, these are going to go above $1200, probably over $1.5K with the papers. Seems you are doing what a lot of beginners do..you have decided, and now want to rush and get something fast. My advice is don't. Take your time, wait until you have maybe $1200 or so, and don't advertise too much what you are bidding on, or any good deals will just get more publicity and more bids. Check what items you are willing to buy, place a snipe bid of your max, and keep doing that until you win one. Then you can breathe again :lol: eBay isn't the place to get your first sword, but I think at your price level you can't lose too much. Always get a guarantee of no fatal flaws. Brian

Horimono don't usually hide a fake, they hide flaws such as open grain or fukure. Not easy to know what is original and what was done to hide flaws. Best way is to know what a good carving looks like. Usually bad quality grooves or horimono hide flaws. If they are very good carvings, then less likely someone spent a lot of money to hide a flaw. But there aren't rules as usual. If the carving looks odd, or doesn't belong there, then it may be added later. On that sword, the bonji may or may not be original, but the flaw it would be hiding wouldn't be serious anyways..just visual. The groove on the other hand makes me think added later, maybe some open grain. Just an opinion. However knowing this guy's auctions, I think reserve is going to be above $1500 anyways. Brian

Yes Peter, you guys will need someone to babysit you and make sure you don't buy out the whole show, so me and Nicky are going :lol: Ford will do a very good job, but after that first bottle of sake...who knows? When i get back, I plan on writing the definitive article on "Doing Japan on $50 a day" Scary stuff. Oh, and about the fraudulent Daisho that appears on eBay every few weeks, yep..Peter owns it. So everyone can rest assured that we are 100% confident it is fraud Brian

They are personal origami from Fujishiro Matsuo, which are still rated fairly well nowdays. See here: http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/origami.htm Brian

I've been watching this one for a long time now. It doesn't do much for me, but I think for a Fujishiro papered blade, it should be a good deal for some novice who just wants a sword mainly. It has some flaws, but should fit the bill? Take a look, see if it will fill the craving? http://cgi.ebay.com/16th-Century-Japane ... 0246663721 Brian

Joakim, There are a number of points to remember. Firstly, there are a lot of sellers "that can be trusted' however when you buy a $600 item from a trusted seller, it doesn't mean you get a $1500 item, it just means you get the item and maybe have a pleasant transaction. However a $600 item is still a $600 item, and that doesn't get you too much nowdays. I would say if you are spendng under $1500, then you have to go for a wakizashi. value for money, it will buy you a nice waki, or a bad katana. And a bad starter sword will get you no-where. I have yet to see any papered swords under $1000 like you mentioned. Final prices differ considerably from listed prices. A blade that needs a lot of work is going to get you no-where. Costs of restoration are high, and you learn nothing from a cheap beater blade. Signatures at that price level usually don't mean much. Rather make sure you can see a nice hamon, some hada and the blade is not polished to the point that it is tired. Don't worry about mounts. A shirasaya will allow you to appreciate the blade. Remember we get a lot of people here that want a "samurai sword" for the sake of owning one, and their budget is usually around $600-750 or so. But there is no easy answer. No dealer is giving away very good swords for that price. You aren't going to learn much from it, but you will satisfy that craving. Basically you need to spend as much as you can. If you will have $1000 in a few weeks, then wait. If you can go higher, then do. Stick with a wakizashi, and you can find something. In katana....well unless you want WW2, I don't think you will find much. Don't rush. I know you are going to get lots of advice to wait, and comments that cheap swords aren't collectible. eBay isn't the way to go unless you are very good at it, and prepared to risk all your cash. No easy answers I'm afraid. Brian

Looks cast to me, all in one, complete with sekigane? Am I seeing things? Brian

Never mind the knot..you gotta love that lacquer job Brian

I thought your work involved politics anyways? Good luck with the move Guido. I wouldn't wish that stress on anybody. Just don't show the good stuff to too many of your new countrymen, or you might find identical replicas hitting the streets minutes later. Brian

http://swordsofshi-han.com/about_us Based on what they are selling and their lack of credentials as far as antiques go, I wouldn't bring an antique sword near the place. Modern wallhangers maybe...but not genuine swords. Brian

Hi Bob, Save the donation for a ticket or 2 for the next NMB raffle we usually have towards the end of the year. It covers costs and there are usually some nice prizes on offer. Tickets will probably be $10 each again. I need to start thinking of prizes this year, last time members really went out of their way to help and we had lots on offer. The year is speeding by again I see... Brian

Josh, Nice enough sword (bearing in mind these older papers should often be resubmitted) but i expect at that price level, many buyers have the money and resources to travel, and would prefer to be able to handle a sword like that in person. I wouldn't be comfortable dropping $20K on an online sword, since there are many others in that price range that can be handled first. But it does look like a very fine blade indeed, even without the mei. Brian

Joakim, Kanetoyo is a member here from Japan. Sells mainly Mino-to of varying quality. You will find him if you search the forum for Kanetoyo. Js-musashi is a new seller that I have noticed, but not dealt with. Brian

Bob, I am sure Todd meant no offense. I think it just comes from everyone knowing your eBay id quite well, you buy and sell a lot of swords, so it is easy to assume that the info is for a future listing. Of course we do translations for people who do plan on selling, but many members like to know if their efforts are going to be used to make money for someone, or if they are just looking for more info on something they own. Sites like this are fairly unique where info is given usually fast and freely, and the info is not always easy to come by elsewhere, so I guess people want to know where the info is being used. Usually not a problem at all, but I guess your eBay name pops up a lot However I am happy if you say that you will let us know if the info is for commercial reasons. The same goes for all members, and I hope you don't take offense as it is good to remind everyone occasionally. It doesn't mean that commercial requests won't be answered either..that is up to the helpful members. I would like to think that those who do plan on using the info might post a big thanks and maybe even a small discount or something to NMB members if the info was helpful. (not required of course, just thinking aloud so-to-speak) We shouldn't jump to confusions either when judging whether or not a request is commercial or not, but that is always the risk when working on the "honour system" Anyways, back to the sword, and please do show us more. Those fittings really do appeal to me. Regards, Brian