Brian

Chris, There are many characters that are totally different that can read the same. There is more than one kanji for "nori" and they can be completely different. The same goes for other sounds too. Different smiths used a different kanji for the same name, and it is one way you can narrow down the smiths sometimes. Take a look at this page: http://www.nihontokanjipages.com/kanji_for_mei.html One of the best out there for kanji 2 Nori's there..and at least 6 different ones for "yoshi" as an example. Regards, Brian Edit to add: About the dates..the way I understand it is it is the 18th year of Showa..not Showa plus 18. So 1926 is the first year of Showa, and the 18th year is 1943. Basically add the number and minus one.

Jeremy, I think the simple answer is no. The way to sharpen any Nihonto is to go through the polishing process. There are no shortcuts. Perhaps there are methods used by some that are less traditional, but this board's stance is that the traditional method is the one that should be applied to prevent damage. I assume by shinsakuto you are referring to traditionally forged, folded and tempered modern swords. If you are referring to modern copies like Chen, Hanwei etc..then that might be a different story. Regards, Brian

Could it be Nobumitsu? There are quite a few Showa era smiths with that name. Like your other one..also signed tachi mei? (Btw..do we get a discount off your ebay auctions now? :D ) Have seen your listings a few times. Some interesting stuff. Regards, Brian

Steve, 2 Difficult ones there. I don't think that either is "fatal" in the common terms we normally use. I think the kissaki flaw is a bad fold/ware that is showing up quite badly. Difficult to polish the whole thing out as it looks quite deep near the yokote, but not cutting through the hamon. It will be easier to evaluate during polish to see how deep and serious it is. The other one doesn't look to me to go right through the blade. Perhaps it is co-incidence that they are in the same place? Looks like a bad area of forging..maybe carbon pocket or fukure? That might cause it to look like it is right through. I don't think it is fatal though, just a bit nasty. Fatal flaws would have to interfere with the structural integrity of the blade when being used. None of these 2 cut through the hamon to cause a catastrophic failure, so I would call them bad flaws, but not fatal. Just my opinion though...the more knowledgeable members might disagree. Brian

Ford, I really love the surface treatment of your work. Looks very refined. Do you sell all of your work, or do you at least retain some of them for your own private collection? Love that new tsuba pic..I think Stephen captured the feeling well Brian

Does anyone have a good guide to the English dvd's or tv shows about Nihonto that are out there? I know of the History Channel ones...I think one was called "The Master" and there was another possibly by National Geographic. I believe Paul Martin may now also be a member here (welcome Paul) Hopefully he is able to fill us in a bit on his current project. Thanks for the info so far all...looking forward to the completion of this one. Brian

This has some traits of the good fakes, but it does have some indicators of a genuine WW2 gunto. I'm unsure of this one. The menuki have traces of old wear to the finish, and the expedient use of some other material besides same under the wrap leads me to consider that this might be a very late war sword produced when there was a lack of good materials. Some of the fittings look like they may have had some stock of normal fittings, and used whatever they could get for the rest. Can't be certain (especially with the rough look and slightly odd shape to the nakago) but I would go with late war production mass production shin gunto. Brian

Tony, Welcome to the forum. Try the How To forum http://www.militaria.co.za/nihontomessa ... um.php?f=8 for help with uploading pics. Brian

In SA, the militaria guys use Dubbin on old WW2 holsters and leather bandoliers. Get it from the shoe shops. Beeswax with other additives I think? Works quite well in moderation. Makes the leather supple and rehydrates. I use it myself on old holsters, and have had some success. I think the old leather shoe rejuvinators might be the way to go on this, but would approach that method with caution as always. Brian

Grey, If this post was from an unknown newbie, I would be inclined to wite it off as a rumour that has no basis. But comming from yourself, and with your background, I think this definitely warrants further input and investigation. I recall reading something similar..perhaps in a JSSUS article? Can't say I have seen evidence myself though. I have a nice yoroi doshi with shakudo habaki that seems to have no problems. Another uchigatana has a low class shakudo habaki, and doesn't seem to be a very good blade, but doesn't appear to me to be otherwise flawed. I would assume if this was some school or traditional indicator...then it would have become public knowledge by now. If anyone has contacts in Japan, perhaps they would have info on whether or not this is a common trait. No doubt there are thousands of very high class blades with shakudo habaki. I would personally guess it is just an abnormal co-incidence without further proof....kind of like the thoughts that blades with double habaki are usually of a better quality than those with single ones. Don't think that one is always true either..but maybe the stats would show a marked slant towards the positive, that leads to the theory? Brian

Just to back up a bit what Keith said..there is a bit of useful info here. You will have to weed out the non-relevant stuff and the info that is a bit fantastical..but some of it might be relevant. http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?showtopic=6300 Brian

Rich, No need to change your sign in name..you can just go into your profile and add a signature with your name and initial, or just sign each post at the bottom. No real hassle at all On the right track now..let's see what others have to say. Sometimes these can be added to cover a flaw in the metal, or just for luck or patriotism. Sounds like yours is a good luck symbol. If done originally to the blade, it's possible you have a blade that is higher than the usual mass produced WW2 blade. Would have to see more pics and info. Not a guarantee..but worth following up on. Brian

Hi Rich, Welcome to the forum. Phew...I think you may be the 5th or 6th Rich we have here! :D If you could sign with your name and an initial of your surname..it would help us to differentiate (unless your surname starts with a T or an S :D ) The carving looks like a bonji symbol sometimes carved on blades. You can find much info here: http://www.nihontokanjipages.com/bonji.html Doesn't look very well carved, but does appear to be a Buddhist character to me. Am sure someone will provide more info shortly. Regards, Brian

Keith, Good points, and glad to have you posting here again. Nothing like hearing it from someone who has "been there, done that" I also recall reading somewhere that the habaki plays more of a role than some of us may assume in the use and manufacture of a sword. Good post. Brian

Why? So they can tell him what a naughty man he was, and confiscate the sword (replica probably) for the good of the public? Hmm..is it any wonder he disappeared? Brian

Ford, That is absolutely mind-blowing Makes just about every other statue I have ever seen seem primitive. At this top level, I am sure you don't come across them for sale very often? Brian

I agree. Fake. Brian

All, Apologies for the server downtime today. My hosts in the USA seem to have been down for half the day, and it took me a few hours to get extreme amounts of no explanation :D Will try to make sure the site doesn't go down for any great lengths of time, but if it is ever not connecting, be sure I will be working on the issue frantically and try again a bit later Regards, Brian

John, on that top one... Is that inlayed/carved....or is that entirely sukashi Brian

Ok..I am not sure how to take that one :lol: Tokyo has really pretty manhole covers This is an interesting theme, and we have demonstrated how prevalent it is in Japanese culture. Strikes me as a really good theme for a collection..similar to Ken and his mantis theme. Btw...if anyone is so inclined...it would probably make for a great article or theme for the JSSUS or NCJSC newsletter. Brian

Textbook example of how asking the forum can save big $'s :lol: Nice work Stephen. Brian

Link is: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0076143602 (Just copy the whole link and paste it as is. Will convert it automatically) Not sure what to make of the sword. Looks genuine, but in delapidated condition. I am especially concerned about the mark that is just above the habaki on the blade in one pic. Perhaps not a hagire...but looks like a flaw or strike that might pose a problem. I suggest getting more info if there is enough time left. Regards, Brian

Many kogatana are forged and tempered with hamon and hada. I have one here with a lovely hamon that shows nie and hataraki. Not always the case, but there are some lovely blades out there that show some great skill in forging. Many aren't, but it pays to investigate those old kogatana before you assume they are just plain steel. Brian

Marius, I am impressed. So is this one that is held in a private collection here in South Africa? Seems we have quite a few SA members popping up here. I will have to pay a visit to the Cape to see some of you sometime. Wondering what type of papers this one has? The fittings seem to be those flashy late Edo style if I am not totally off the mark? Nice...a little overdone if you like simple elegance Looks like a very nice blade. Is it in a museum collection?..I seem to recall this may be one of the loan pieces from that museum exhibit I missed a while ago? Is it still in the country? Brian

Jim, No offence taken by me (and I hope no-one else) I think sometimes we are so busy looking outside of the forum at ancient art and artists, that we sometimes miss the craftsmen here right under our noses We also sometimes get so fixated at antiques that we can easily forget that today many works are being created that will be the masterpieces studied years from now. Judging by your website, I am glad this subject brought you out into the open. Like Ford, you are a highly trained metalworker that specialises in varied techniques including Japanese styles? Great page. Brian