Brian

Ok, I think this topic has been beaten to death already. Brian

(Raises hand) 2 Of them at the amazing Taibundo sale that Ichi took me to. Hence why I didn't comment on the thread. You can't appreciate a blade like this from mere photos and oshigata. As per any top class work of art, you have to see it in person to really appreciate it, as Guido has implied. Brian

Here is (was) my own hagire. I eventually traded the sword. Yes..both sides and very clear. Folks..less bickering and more civil discusion please. Everyone. We are all entitled to our opinions, and all are welcome. Brian

Whether tongue in cheek or not, Max has a point that the seller has a right to do what he wants with his sword. However we have just as much right (and duty) to at least recommend to him politely that he follows the correct course of action. From there it is up to him to do the right thing or not. In this case, at least the habaki is back where it should be. I know that there is more profit to be had from parting out a sword, but as long as we are dedicated to the preservation of Nihonto...we can work towards that goal and make suggestions. These should be polite and explanatory, and in some cases we will have successs. I hate to see this happen, but beyond suggestions all we can do is try and guide sellers in the best way possible. Brian

Good question Scott, I assume you are asking if old sword steel would be recycled back into forging new blades. I have heard of old sections of broken blades being used for umegane (to fill up opened fukure and flaws in a blade) and i assume given the chance, the steel would not have been wasted. Either the blade would have been reshaped to make it a shorter sword, or possibly the steel would have been smelted down to be re-used. Maybe someone has more info on this? I think an email to our resident apprentice in Japan, Pierre Nadeau, would be in order? Brian

Wow..I hadn't watched it yet when I posted that. That is an interesting video. I think it shows a Chinese forge, and is the equivalent of mass production on a small scale (if that makes sense ) These must be light years ahead of the regular Chinese junk. Doesn't appear to be tamahagane, and is not Nihonto...but very interesting to watch. That hammering machine he uses is also fun to watch. Brian

Don't forget the sticky post here: http://militaria.co.za/nihontomessagebo ... php?t=1339 There is a Nihonto video group run by Paul Martin here: http://www.youtube.com/group/nihonto Regards, Brian

Outstanding! I love stories like this. Especially for the fact that you have taken a blade that was perhaps written off by many people and might have become an amateur polishing project or a grass cutter, and have returned it to a state that will ensure it will be around for centuries to come. Excellent example of how we should never write off a blade until the experts have given their opinion. That reshaping of the kissaki is brilliantly done, and the boshi is still healthy. Great pics, and a great story. Nice sword too, and I don't think the ware should be a problem. This one has a nice story to it too. Congrats! Brian

We have just seen Bullpuppy sell a decent papered katana on eBay for $1800, and Stephen offering a great Emura for around that price, so there are definitely deals to be had around that amount. Let us know when you are ready, and I am sure someone will point you towards a decent deal. Until then, books and seeing good swords in person is the way to go. Regards, Brian

I see Bullpuppy's sword didn't go past the $1800 opening bid either. Pity..seems like it is a good time for buyers and not a great one for sellers currently. I need to improve my savings to be able to pick up good deals like these. Brian

Actually..I did the same thing before deciding on NobuMitsu :D But no matter how I turned my head, or squinted, I could not make those extra strokes I was looking for appear :D :lol: Perhaps you can take a clearer pic of the signature for us Julie? Just the name, not the longer date side. Regards, Brian

Name please? Try this link, I am not sure how up to date it is, but it should help a bit. http://satcho.com/calendar/ Regards, Brian

Hi Julie, Correct, it is not traditionally made. But I would not necessarily say poor quality (compared with worldwide military swords) No..it is not in the same league as a genuine forged, folded and tempered antique Nihonto, but it was still made and finished by a smith for the war effort. Btw..the price you paid is a bargain as an item of WW2 militaria. I would expect these to sell for $800 upwards to militaria collectors. Hopefully someone can verify or correct my swordsmith translation. Brian

Well...it appears everyone who is bidding is hoping it is Masazane. Not long to go. The seller is confident that it is not a hagire, so let's wish the high bidder good luck with it. Could be the sleeper of the year, or just a nice katana. Definitely the ebay Nihonto auction of the year Can't say I would spend that much online without having it in hand, but apparently there are many who hope for the prize, enough to spend big $'s. Good luck to the seller and the winner Brian

I get May 1944 as the date, and the maker (my guess) is NobuMitsu? WW2 manufactured 1944 pattern shin-gunto sword, confirmed by the use of the 2 mekugi (pins to hold the handle on) See here: http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/military.htm Please sign with a name when posting. Here are the pics slightly enhanced. Thanks, Brian

Simon, agree with you 100%. But until Gendaito and Showato become fixed, finite and defined terms (which will never happen) then I guess we will never see the issue resolved. So for now, it makes life easier, but can't be relied upon. Convention isn't law unfortunately Brian

Since the era is given as June 2007, and the machi are band new, I would think this is a shinsakuto that for some reason was not finished. Maybe they found something that made it not worth continuing the work. The shinogi would be that way before the final shape is realised through the togi process. At the current price, and given no fatal flaws, I think this is a steal that could be sent for a full polish. But more info is needed on who made it and why the process was halted. Consider it in the mid production stage Brian

Agreed, It is only a widely accepted practice among (Western) collectors to call traditionally made swords Gendaito, but it is not an official term as I understand it. There is no mention of handmade blade or hada or hataraki, so anytime you see this, expect something less until proven differently. I would't be too hard on the sellers, and let's not spend our waking moments looking for faults in listings unless there is deliberate deception or fraud. Good point though that you shouldn't see the word Gendaito and assume anything until you have asked further questions and seen more pics. Brian

Good idea. I will do some creative editing of the post and re-instate it shortly minus the "offending material" Regards, Brian

Thank you very much Moriyama san. That makes sense. Attractive looking papers.. Can you perhaps make out who the smith is? Brian

Folks, The seller has contacted me and requested that we do not use his pictures or discuss his auctions. Due to the fact that some pictures were uploaded here directly, I have removed the post. I request that for this seller, we do not post his pictures here. I am not prepared to ban the discussion of any seller or blade outright, but just ask that we all use discression and remember that our opinions are noted further than we think Auction chat IS allowed here, as I feel the day we remove that, we take away a large part of the educational value of the forum. But the seller is a well known and seemingly respected dealer, and out of respect for his wishes, I ask that this thread be dropped for now. Of course, we are always glad to see dealers visiting the forum, and I would like to invite them to participate any time they desire. Their input is always valued. Carry on Brian

Saw this one online, and was just wondering whose origami are these? I too a look at Rich's origami page, but can't identify them. can anyone make out who the maker is? I think it is a Gendaito, but not sure who. Are these perhaps dealer's papers? Thanks, Brian http://nas4.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/07485 ... 534093.jpg

Just maybe I knew the answer, but wanted it mentioned and emphasised here for future board search compatability and for an on-site answer to the future question :D (Not saying it IS the reason...but just maybe.. :lol: ) Otherwise I am just plain guilty..lol. I did I find that the average antiques shop and man in the street has no idea his "bootleg" sword can be registered, and they tend to either destroy it, hide it, or sell it off to someone else to get rid of it. I think it is the dealers who know the process who have the advantage of purchasing and registering these blades. I will gladly take you up on that challenge next time. There is a definitely lack of good semi-dead edibles here in SA Brian

I second that obsevation. I am far from being an expert (or even a mid level 'pert ) but those characters do not look fluidly carved. Picture you signing your name..there is a certain confidence and fluidity to the strokes. That Yoshi kanji particularly looks a bit forced and stiff. I could be way off the mark, just my opinion of course. Brian

Guido, I would be interested in your opinion of this piece. My gut feel is that it is legit, but just not given the proper treatment. I don't think it is a fake. On a different note...if a family comes across a sword without papers, maybe while clearing an estate or is offered one, is there a process in Japan to declare it and have it registered? I was wondering, as this is what probably prevents many swords from comming out of the woodwork there. I am sure there must be a way, but I guess it would be involved, or people would do it more often. Brian