Jamie

I am curious why they are only partially drawn.

Brian, You are finally on the right path. Be glad of that. As a new collector you won't follow all the advice given. Later you'll see why that advice was given and chances are you won't make any given mistake twice. So the plus is you will learn from each, and hopefully they won't cost too much. Just don't make any big mistakes. As for this sword, have it polished and enjoy it. you will learn a lot from this sword. More than any of the others you own. Two experts agree on the signature, so you're most likely ok there. especially since one of the two has had it in hand. And I trust Mr Benson as much as anyone I have dealt with since beginning collecting myself. Personally I buy only polished blades. This is because as a beginner it's hard to tell if it's worth it, and I like to be able to immediately study the blade purchased. In at least three cases so far I have bought, studied, and sold a blade inside of a year(less than polish time would have been on said blade). I am sure it's nice t be the second to see a newly restored blade though so I am sure you'll have fun with the experience. Just try and make sure it's financially viable to do so. As time goes on- you probably will want to move some pieces on and it's easier to do if you aren't constantly losing money in the process. I've been studying 4 years and have barely scratched the surface and am still a beginner also. Enjoy the journey.

I've been studying Nihonto for about four years. I have learned much from this board and other older collectors. I have taken most advice that has ben given to me, which is why my criteria is the way it is. My criteria: Do I like it? School Must be polished professionally, preferably papered. By purchasing a polished blade I get a year to study it that it would otherwise be with a polisher. I've bought , studied and sold blades in that length of time so I feel it better to buy polished. Also I like at least Hozon papered. I collect only soshu, so it also must be soshu. Or strongly soshu influenced and suits my taste.

Glad you bought an older blade. When you get this back from polish you will see the difference in military blades and Nihonto ( if you don't already). This will be a good learning experience for you.

From pictures it looks like maybe tobiyaki to me. Do the patches you refer to look like little floating clouds and are they the same color as the hamon?

Others will help you with Identification. You'll want either choji oil, or light machine oil. Refer to the following link for instructions on handling properly. You might want to lay it on soft cloth rather than grass also Hope this helps Jamie

Brian, This is out of line. When people ask for opinions they are given. You shouldn't become upset just because everyone doesn't agree that you've found a national treasure in your Showa to. They are trying to HELP you. In time you'll understand. We've all made plenty of mistakes-be glad you didn't spend 10k on something not worth that because I know someone who did. These folks are trying to prevent that from happening to you.

I'll let others comment on the blade, but i'll help a little if I can. You don't want to touch the blade. You might consider a thin coat of light machine oil. This link might help you. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Only a reputable trained polisher will know for sure, but you'll get many good opinions here. You should keep it lighty oiled with light machine oil, or Choji oil until restoration. Here is a link that may help you. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

I am mostly interested in swords, but I find this type of yari fascinating. I saw a very nice example lately. i wish I had a pic to share. i'll try and find one.

I bet Suriage.

I think a small opening and some forging lines are in pic 37. I doubt this is showato. My bet is Shinshinto.

http://jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

Peter, I have masahiro sunobi tanto with very similar nakago and sugata. It is muramachi. The patina on your nakago looks very similar to mine from pictures. Hope that might help in some way

I got a set of Nkago nuki from them a while back. Best set i've yet seen. it includes a piece for mounted blades which I find useful. Most other sets i've seen do not include this. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/tools.html

Joe is right, he does post some stuff in for sale section from time to time.

Joey, you have a sufficient budget, but you might consider studying a bit and deciding what school you favor most. Also look at many sites, and blades and learn for yourself what each piece is worth so you can make an educated purchase decision. You will find some good honest deals here as well. Either way good luck.

I am pretty new to the field, so take this advice as such. I would probably buy something with no blisters. To me they detract visually(important blade might be made exception for). I have one blade with a blister, and while the rest of it is gorgeous it still has that blister and everyone mentions it upon inspection. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't repurchase this blade. I have however learned from it because it's in very good polish and all activity is visible. On the other hand if you can learn something from it, you'll likely get your money back when you sell it as $600 isn't too much. Probably depends on a few things, id make sure though you can learn something from it, or save the cash and buy something you can increase your knowledge with. I'm an advocate of buying blades in good polish though, myself. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing everyone. I really like the Tantokake. Nice piece

For me Soshu. And most of the schools associated and influenced by Soshu. The main reason is I find them visually stunning. Obviously all the known smiths work, but also the later Hitatsura hamons. Also Bizen as it is one of the longest running traditions. My wallet has been my limiting factor. It's not easy (for me) to afford what they (soshu) usually fetch. I found patience helps. In the process of closing on my next piece now, and I am excited to see this one. I could certainly have more pieces in my collection, but what I do have are decent examples. I've found that what older collectors told me time and time again has held true. You can learn more from a single good example than many bad ones.

All we need is a few collectors and an agreed upon time.

Receently reloacted to Coloraado between Denver and Boulder and was wwondering if anyone knows of a study group in Colorado. Found this info :COLORADO TOKEN KAI - Meetings held monthly. Akebono Restaurant, 1255 19th St. Denver, Co. at 6:30 p.m. Contact David Lay. Contacted the restaurant and I am not sure it exists anymore. Any help appreciated. Thanks Jamie

The same as last time and you still posted the pic sideways.

IMO studying good swords will teach you more than looking at swords in bad shape such as this. However, I too have done this. Like any custom work good blades don't come cheap in most cases. One good one will teach what ten bad ones won't though.

I'll preface my opinion by saying i'm a fairly new student of nihonto and do not study Iaido. IMO, even Gendai-to should be preserved. In a couple hundred years more, they too will be hundreds of years old. IMO, worthy of current preservation. My opinion is that either a shinsakuto should be purchased or a non traditional blade by another smith. There are many within the US that do good work. Since this is a Nihonto forum, I won't mention anyone specifically. Just my 02, good luck in your search.