O koumori

I've been using the blue ones pictured for about 3 years; work great - no issues. Dan K

Here is the response to a letter of inquiry that I sent in 2019: *** Hello, Thank you for your interest in the collections at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum. We do have a Masamune sword in the collection. Unfortunately, it is not currently on display. You can schedule a viewing of the sword between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday. Please give me two days notice and let me know how many people will be in your party. I'm afraid you will not be allowed to touch the sword. Attached below is some information you might find interesting about the sword in the Library's museum collection. Kind regards, John Miller Museum Registrar Harry S. Truman Presidential Library 500 W. US Highway 24 Independence, MO 64050-1798 816-268-8204 *** Dan K

While I haven't seen this on nihonto fittings before, they could represent the Shimenawa - sacred rope - and Shide - paper streamers - used in Shinto shrines. Dan K

You could try some water with mild soap or detergent, and a SOFT bristle tooth brush. Don't get too aggressive; rinse very thoroughly and blot dry. Repeat as needed for the level of 'shine' you need. Dan K.

Chris, I like the "kojiri" on the one on the left! Dan K

I have a wakizashi that was named "Mr. Chips" by the Togi-shi... Dan

PM sent Dan

Here are some more pics... Dan

Could be Titanium Dan Study of Microstructures on Cross Section of JAPANESE SWORD.pdf

On Robert Cole's website Sho-shin, he describes Chikashige 1, the founder of Shitahara, as "Musashi Masamune." http://www.sho-shin.com/tokai8.htm Different smiths? Thanks, Dan

Geoffroy, please PM me about my blade. BTW, Ricecracker.com has a papered mumei Muramasa tanto for sale for $17k US. Dan

I have one of these – mumei, attributed to Sengo Masashige. NTHK papered to 2nd generation (the one supposed to be Muramasa’s grandson). The jihada on mine looks a bit more pronounced than the one for sale, , and the hamon is different, but the sugata matches well. As already stated, I’d be wary of the flaw… Dan

Kokan Nagayama in Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords says: "The purpose seems to have been to improve the sword's flexibility to prevent breakage during use. Usually made of steel that is softer than the rest of the blade's surface." Dan Kedzie

Central Missouri

Hmmm... Sounds like a Shintogo splinter group... Dan K.

Home - made Dan K.

Gabriel, Fine work! If you can find it, Thomas Temple Hoopes did his PhD dissertation on Nihonto in 1931 at New York University. He did a complete dimensional analysis of 103 blades, with accompanying descriptions. I think the Smithsonian Institution might have a copy in its library holdings holdings, or maybe you can obtain a copy from the university... Dan K.

One, Please Dan

Clive, Great information! Here's an O- suriage Kaga Kiyomitsu katana from Tenbun (1532-ish), or so sayeth NTHK at 2004 Chicago shinsa. Please pardon my abysmal photography. Nagasa is 62 cm. Found in plain wood saya with disintegrating leather combat cover, no fittings; assume it was carried in WWII. Dan

It might be that a smith had one (or more) blades in progress, and became ill or died before inscribing it. Conceivably it might have been sold in "as-is" condition. Dan

Never seen a hamon quite like this... Item # 280803861810 http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280803861810 Dan K.

Trying to define “art” or “beauty” is like trying to define “quality.” An object exhibiting high quality goes far beyond just meeting someone’s requirements – there is always something “extra” that sets it apart. In metallurgical analysis, as mentioned, a small piece of metal is cut from the object to be analyzed, It is then repeatedly “polished” using finer and finer grits, and sometimes etched, until the grain structure is revealed for microscopic study. Does such an image evoke “art?” It could – especially if the observer understands the intricacy of what the crystalline structures and their interfaces, relative quantities, and layered structure represent in terms of the properties of what is being examined. It represents man’s manipulations of raw elements; the proper harnessing and application of metal and fire, of earth and water, to yield those desired properties. In Nihonto, these structures are revealed without the need for microscopes. A blade in good polish reveals all - with the exception of the core laminations. I find it quite interesting that modern metallographic techniques mimic Japanese sword polishing on a much smaller scale. Truly, art is in the eye of the beholder, as interpreted by experience and knowledge. Dan K.

Chinese junk of the non-ship kind. There is an information link on this this messageboard - http://jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Dan K.

Micha, It's not much I'm afraid... http://www.touken.or.jp/english/nihon_koto_shi/(34)%20No.588.htm Dan K.

Justin, also take a look at: http://www.seiyudo.com/antiqueguns.htm Dan K.