Ed

Adam, I didn't mean to imply that you had any problems with my description or photos. I just didn't want anyone else to get the wrong idea. Like Jeremiah I referred once again to the examples in Fujishiros and Sesko's. While I don't see any examples signed exactly like your sword, I was thinking the same thing today as back then. Thinking that there are so many variations who knows. Look at the examples on pg. 289-290 of Fujishiros, they are all different, same with the examples in Seskos. Hard to make a guess, so I gave info on the mei as signed, Dotanuki. If it was me and I was going to be in Tampa anyway, I would submit it. Not sure what the NTHK charges for bouncing one, but if it bounces you are not out much and if it passed, jackpot! If it bounces, I would ask about the kitae-ware vs hagiri. If they say kitae-ware have the mei removed and re-submit. It is still a nice sword and if mumei it will paper and you will have some idea of the maker. Ultimately, you must keep things in perspective. When you consider what you have in it vs. what a signed papered Dotanuki sells for, I would just enjoy it as is.

I sold this sword in 2012 with an absolutely clear description and multiple photographs of the area in question. Like Ray, I am of the opinion that this is kitae-ware, located in a less than optimal place on the blade. While unfortunate, it is what it is, and as Adam stated there was no attempt to hide this or deceive anyone. I gave my opinion, and stated clearly that any potential buyer should study the photos closely and decide for themselves prior to making a purchase. If there is any doubt, read the original listing and look at the photos. http://yakiba.com/Kat_Dotanuki.htm The photo that should have been added if you want opinions is the 40X magnification of the area in question. (1st photo below with others). You bought it dirt cheap, if you don't like it sell it.

I think that represented every time they killed someone. No wait, that was cowboys, never mind.

Kind of late now, but I had looked at several of these last night, but forgot to post my results. #2 Kofu Ju Toshimitsu #8 Ishiguro Masatsune #11 Edo Ju Nara Toshimitsu Glad to see the others that I didn't recognize. #6 I thought Naomasa, but wasn't sure. Pretty sure #9 is Nagatsune

Ted, Thanks for reiterating, and adding to my thoughts on this.

Absolutely right Neil. Put into context, if someone is willing to pay 50K for a brand new shinsakuto by a smith like Yoshihara, what's 10K for a nice Minotogawa if that is your desire.

Thanks for everyones input. As far as quality, flaws or being a masterpiece, it is the same with all sword-smiths. Not all of their works are masterpieces, quality varies. Sword making was not, is not based on a perfect formula when dealing with pattern welded steel, which is essentially what Japanese swords are/were in english terms. You can never be certain that all imperfections have been removed from a billet. That is why you occasionally see a blister or fukure become evident during polish. As far as what was released with the shrines blessing may have changed towards the end when resources where scarce and weapons were needed. That could explain why there are some examples with flaws. You must remember that not everything was set in stone, rules were made to be broken. To me the only feasible explanation for today's value of the Minotogawa swords is related to their rarity. There were less smiths forging these than the Yasukuni-To, and many of them ended up on the ocean floor. For example there was a nice Masataka post war commemorative sword in shirasaya which just sold for a little over $4000 Make no mistake, some of them are beautiful swords, but 10K. I suppose it is personal preference.

No not Gunto, Gendaito. These Minatogawa swords seem to command the top prices due to their quality, and most of all that genuine examples are so rare.

Huh?

Yeah, isn't it odd that they can take money from your account in the blink of an eye, but it takes 4-5 days to return it. They remind me of the old Highway Robbers only the new highway is the internet.

Looking for input/opinions on Minotogawa swords. Having spoken to a couple of members privately, I thought I would post this publicly and get as many opinions as people are willing to give. I understand that they are more rare than other war time gendaito such as Yasukuni-To, and they sell for premium prices of 8-10K or more these days. Yet, I can't help but wonder: 1. Are people actively seeking them at these prices? 2. Would you purchase one at these prices? For sake of this inquiry, I am referring to pristine pieces or as pristine as they can be in all original war time condition ie; excellent koshirae with proper tassel, kikusui habaki, ubu, signed along with kikusui mon, and dated. 3. What makes them so valuable or not in "your" opinion and why? 4. Which of these smith's do "you" consider to be the "best" and why? Thanks for your opinion. Ed

Bushu Ju Masahisa

Paypal is a mess. Christian and I had a problem a while back with their system and what seems to be their own currency exchange rates. He asked for payment of $XX which was sent. Unfortunately, and through no fault of his or mine, he received less than expected due to the internet bandits known as PP.

Joe, Damn I am sorry to hear that. Been there, done that. Even when it doesn't seem like it, you will recover in time. Not all and not saying it will be so in your case, but with myself and most of my friends who have gone through a divorce, in five years you realize it worked out for the best. The biggest downside is when children are involved. Women can come and go but your kids are forever. Make sure they understand that they had nothing to do with it as for some odd reason children may think a divorce is their fault. I am always on the lookout for my next ex-wife.

You can but I typically don't. I use it when making tomahawks. I have made a few billets of random pattern, feather pattern Damascus. For drawing out a billet I go to a friends who has a power hammer and hydraulic press.

I also have a top fuller hammer and a flatter from Nathan.

You may not need one now, but in the event you ever need another Japanese style hammer (Doghead) contact Nathan Robertson in Minnesota: jackpineforge@gmail.com Here is a link to his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/JackpineForge/ Nice guy, and he makes all types of hammer and blacksmithing tools. His Japanese style doghead hammers are made from 4140. I have two, a 1.75lb and a 3.5lb.

Jean, So sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved pet.

Seki stamp above the signature = non-traditionally made. Do you have a photo of the bamboo scabbard?

Kanemasa

Yep: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/26287-battleship-flag/?hl=nagato&do=findComment&comment=265508

Chris, Yes, this flag is approximately 58" X 32".

Dave, Thanks for the info.

Hey Ray, That is what I suspected but wasn't sure of the reading. This flag reportedly was the Bridge Flag from the Nagato. I was told it was smuggled of the ship right before or at the time of it's surrender and at some point given to a Japanese gentleman from Texas by the name of Bill Nagase. The man I got it from said he had a letter with all the details given to him by Nagase, but it has been misplaced over the years. ??? Thanks for the confirmation.