O koumori

Hi Dan, While at the show, stop by my table- I'd be happy to meet you, discuss nihonto, and answer any questions you may have. I'll be there with other members of the Indiana Token Kai, a sword preservation and study group in your neighboring state. Best, Dan K

In Sesko's 'Japanese Swordsmiths,' there appear to be three generations of smiths with this mei, starting in Oei Bizen. I have a small tanto with this mei. Dan K

I've purchased them from Namikawa Heibei on several occasions with no issues. Samegawa Samekawa (Ray Skin) - Namikawa Heibei Co Ltd (namikawa-ltd.com) Dan K

Yes, I got mine at Border's Books in Bloomington Indiana. First time I understood the distinction between tachi and katana. Dan K

To my old eyes, it looks like the chiri on the bo-hi hi narrows down and disappears at the bottom of the nakago. Also, can't be sure, but perhaps the soe-hi narrows down faster than the bo-hi. Dan K

Japanese Sword Restoration Parts & Supplies - Fred Lohman Company (Japanese-swords.com)

PM sent

An arrow quiver with a clip to hold it on the obi? Dan K

Hello David, Pending your decision on restoration, please oil the blade and keep it off of surfaces that can cause further damage, like coolers and tires. Just some friendly advice from a collector dedicated to preservation... Cheers, Dan K

Since you are in California, you may want to take it to the next SF sword show and ask some of the knowledgeable collectors / dealers. An inexpensive first option; much can be determined with the sword in-hand as opposed to photos. Dan K

An electronic version was available at one time on disc, to be used in conjunction with the paper version of the books. It did not contain any pictures; it was provided to enable electronic searches of the documents. Dan K

PM sent.

Hi Jeremy, You're welcome. Dan

Jeremy, How did you finish the Oak? Any concerns with the tannins in the wood 'interacting' with the backside of the tsuba over time? Thanks, Dan

Wonderful blade! Could we see the nakago?

Don't use any dryer fabric softener sheets either.

IMHO, If you are looking at for trends (eg. "easier" or "harder" to pass TB), you have to look at the dates of the Shinsa, not when blades are up for sale. Dan K

Will there be an opportunity to mail blades for shinsa, if we cannot attend the show? Thanks Dan K

Jon, I don't know the details of your situation - so this may NOT apply, BUT if the blade was polished by an untrained person, they may have used acid during the polish, If the acid was not thoroughly neutralized, it will continue to corrode/rust. If, and only if, you suspect that this may be the case: First clean off all the oil using alcohol Then, with a cotton ball or Q-tip, apply a saturated solution of baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), soaking the affected area. Next, rinse well with water to remove all of the solution. and dry thoroughly. lastly, clean with alcohol again to remove any residual moisture. When you are certain that there is no water left. oil the blade. Again, this should only be done if you have reason to believe that acid may have been used in the polishing operation. Dan K

Sad news. His Japanese Sword Index website is what got me started down the road of Nihonto. I also purchased a few items from him; what a great guy! RIP Rich.

Thanks!!

Hey Chris, Just curious; what tethering tool are you using for focus? Thanks Dan

This massive tome is definitive Soshu eye candy, and well-researched history - definitely worth the money. Grey's postage savings is icing on the cake! Dan K

Beg to differ. Understand what you are looking at. Ask questions. In the past, I scored a Sengo Masashige and a Soshu Tsunahiro 2nd gen. (o-tantos) form him. Both papered. Dan K.

The kogatana 'tang' area is usually bent slightly to provide a friction fit. You can also wrap it using paper for a tight fit. Dan K.