Jamie

Thanks Jean. I participated but hadn't posted as I didn't have it down to smith. I just haven't seen much of his work. Kept coming back to Yamato, but knew that wasn't right. I thought it was rai somewhere. Anyway thank you for the exercise.

I like very much when people post pictures of excellent swords. As I posted above I bet there are many people who haven't seen these bizen hitatsura blades. And the pictures are very good. Again, I like pictures of good swords. I do not personally get the opportunity to see work of this caliber in person all that often. I learn from it. And anything that prevents that from happening I don't like. I'd like for Darcy to be able to continue to post pics of nice swords without getting a hard time about it. And Chris please understand that I'm not taking sides when I say this but, what's the deal when you give the advice that a sword show with shinsa is coming and the poster should submit to Nthk shinsa? Your the director right? Now I agree submission is affordable, and easy. Easier than sending to Japan for sure and cheaper. But either way an organization you're directly involved with benefits from this "advice". Is this an advertisement? I'm not sure but it could be taken that way. You are very helpful when asked questions and that I appreciate. So I'm certainly not trying to upset you or degrade your contributions to NMB. I'm just tossing out some perspective.

Matt, Definitely steer away from uchiko that came with a Paul Chen. If you must use uchiko at all, you'd want to get it directly from a known Japanese trained togishi( polisher). a light coating of oil and a microfiber cloth is mostly all you need. You might check this link out: http://www.nbthk-ab.org Hope this helps Jamie

Nice sword. Thanks for posting the pics. I think this can be educational in that I bet everyone doesn't know of these Bizen, hitatsura blades.

Crude nakago. Even one piece construction can have grain openings.

I agree Curran Thanks Markus.

You might check out this link. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm I would consider lightly oiling the sword. For something readily available you might try sewing machine oil. As others above mentioned there is a sword show coming up and they are having a shinsa. You could submit it for 100 dollars.

That's incredible Marcus! Great work man.

I like it too.

100 dollars to submit. I think even if gimei, the opinion might be worth that.

I won't make any comments based on the signature as we have much more experienced members than myself giving advice on that. What I'll say is, you got an in polish sword that you can study and that's good. Look at the hAmon and hada against pics in the connoisseurs and learn what you're seeing in hamon and hada. It looks from the pictures that it has some nice attributes. Whatever the outcome of the signature, enjoy your new sword. You're now the caretaker of an old authentic, Japanese sword. I too have one probably gimei example within my collection. However the work in the steel is good and the signature has not prevented me from enjoying the blade.

I'd urge any new collector to go to the show if you can make it. What you will see is priceless to your education. This can't be stressed enough. More swords in one place than you will see in any other place in the U.S. It's just too educational to be missed.

Did this happen while it was oiled?

nie can be seen in the hada of some swords and is referred to as Ji nie. I can't tell if yours does from the pics, but maybe it's what you're seeing. I am not sure.

Tsuba Armor

where does the Bo hi end? Edited- I see it now.

Interesting sword Art. Ty for posting it.

Curtis, Tsunagi is the term for the wooden blade keeping the koshirae together.

Jason, You might go to the shows. It's the best experience I've had thus far. I don't have much opportunity to study where I live either. You'll see multiple masterpieces and be able to ask questions about each. Another plus is you will meet many members who we're learning from here. It's really the best experience possible if you're serious about learning.

Derek, I'd take one as well.

Thanks Barry. I'll post a pic of mine as well

Barry, I'd be interested to see pics. I have a couple that a swordsmith made and look like mini nakago

Yup good deal. Bob does a great job. Nice koshirae as well.

That's a good idea Barry.

Cool idea. I've been wondering about the break free collector. It's hard for me however to switch from a light coat of choji or camelia oil. I don't use uchiko which is as time honored tradition as choji, but I just know it works(choji). I know the collector probably would last a long long time with no need for cleaning really but even so I'm hesitant. Wiping the oil from the blade and reoiling has become almost ritual.