Ed

In a word, Stunning. Glad you went with the shishi menuki opposed to the mons or dragons. Personal preference only but damn, they are sweet. It really came out fantastic, so much more classy and elegant than black would have been. Old Yoshimitsu is smiling today, along with all of us. Congratulations. I would like to see the Habaki Brian made for it ??

I like her. Heed her advise.

No club activity in the area. Most recently there were a few individuals who would meet with Dr. Ford bi-monthly or so. Since his passing that has dissolved.

I looked as well and can find no reference to Osaka being included in the mei of Yoshimichi. As you stated in your original post the stroke in Kami usually signifies Kyoto or Osaka. But like John, simply because we haven't seen one doesn't mean they don't exist. This one may be the one, who knows ? Only a trip to shinsa will yield a relatively safe opinion. While this is good basic beginners advise, "should" would be a better choice of wording than "Has to". There are many exceptions to this rule. Smith's did on occasion make swords outside their usual or expected styles. The only thing absolute, is there is no absolute ! I think there are other reasons to avoid this blade aside from the mei. The one photo of the blade is poor quality, but it doesn't seem to show much of a polish or any activity. I realize that it could be only the photo, but If this the case then what could you learn from it ? Nothing to see, nothing to learn.

Your translation is correct. Can't comment on the legitimacy of the mei. Looks ok, but I have none to compare it to. Shinsa coming up in February. Good place to have the mei authenticated. Pitting in kissaki is a concern, but you would need to have a professional polisher take a look at it. Regarding the saya. I would oil the blade and leave it alone unless you decide to polish it. With polish you will have to have a new shirasaya built for it. But I wouldn't do it until then.

Mauro, Do you have a better photo of the characters. The photo is so small I can barely see it. Not that I can translate it, but I would like to see it, in the event I see it again in the future. Thanks.

If you want someone to translate all that, perhaps you could at least take the time to orient the photo correctly. Damn difficult sideways.

Here is a USPS customs form where I sent a Japanese sword Internationally a couple of weeks ago. The description clearly says WWII Japanese Sword.

Joe, I have sent a number of them to Japan and all around the globe using USPS. The USPS employees have no idea what they can or can't ship. However, USPS will only allow a maximum insurance value of $5000 There is no Registered mail to foreign countries. Be sure fill out the customs form using the correct tariff code: 9706.00.00 List it as an "Antique Japanese Sword". If the postal employee balks, inform them that the item is an antique and it can be shipped as such. Unfortunately for a item of that value, you may have to use UPS in order to have it insured. For higher value items it is better to ship with USPS using your own insurance. Any value over $2500 is now subject to additional forms which are a headache. USPS Prohibited International Items Aerosols Air Bags Alcoholic Beverages Ammunition Cigarettes Dry Ice Explosives Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Gasoline Nail Polish Perfumes (containing alcohol) Poison

Gorgeous Blades.

My condolences go out to Michael's family. He was one of the nicest gentlemen you would ever want to meet, soft spoken, courteous and polite. As others have stated he was extremely knowledgeable regarding Nihonto, and was always willing to take time to answer a question or discuss anything to do with the subject. While all of these things are great attributes, what I liked most about Michael, was his sense of humor. Sitting around the lobby after a few drinks, he could tell some of the funniest damn stories. I can hear him telling this story about a German whorehouse as though it was yesterday. Had us laughing so hard, thought I would bust a gut. What a great guy. Rest in peace Michael.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Brian has changed the format of the Articles section. Larger Fonts and separate listing of the titles now make it much easier to locate a particular article. My old eyes like it. Thanks Brian.

Thanks guys. I sat down to do all those things, but it seems to have resolved as of this morning.

Can't access the NMB via computer due to malware pop ups. Only via phone.

Please inquire via email. Yakiba.com@gmail.com Books: http://yakiba.com/books.htm

Sorry Derek. It is going out of country.

No problem here. Was having the Malware pop up recently, but that has been fixed.

Stephen, I figured you would be after B-7 the Omodaka??

I just roll my pointer over the photo and the number shows up. I like #45 as well, but ii appears to have some patination issues. The patination looks worn away at about 3 O'clock ???

Great thread, glad to see you were able to have the sayagaki done by the smith himself. You are lucky to have such nice family, and to be located in Japan, wow.

The Sadakatsu is SOLD ! Now who wants one of those others ? Don't be shy, step right up :-)

Has anyone heard back from Larry ?

Wow, been out all day and am just now seeing all this. Glad it is generating some interest as it truly is a beautiful sword. Please keep in mind that it does come with an inspection period.

Thanks guys. Yeah, that Koshirae is soooo nice it is all I can do to part with it. The Gassan is so much better in hand than the photos depict that I have to wear a bib when looking at it. Odd too, that it hasn't sold. I mean, a papered, polished Gassan Sadakatsu Katana for 10K !!!! Damn. I hope all the newbies out there will look at the Yoroidoshi. How many times do people post or list long thin tanto with the title "Yoroidoshi", when it just ain't so. This is a good example to see the thickness associated with the real deal. I wish everyone who hasn't seen a real yoroidoshi could hold it in their hands. They would never mistake another plain tanto for a yoroidoshi. Everything listed is very nice, the Masaiye Katana is gorgeous, flawless, papered and has only been owned by two people in the last 40 years.

....listed for your viewing. See them all here: http://yakiba.com/Newlisting.htm 1. Shinsakuto Tanto, Nobushige $2800 2. Yoroidoshi Tanto, $2800 3. Bingo Mihara Masaiye, Katana $7,500 4. Yoshihiro Tanto in Higo Koshirae $8,000