Jamie

Jason a good one is Japanese swords of the bizen tradition by Robert Benson and Darcy rockbank. It has a lot of high quality pics, of very good blades. It's also written in english by some very knowledgable folks. It does focus on Bizen, as the title states though so it's not real general. Hope it helps.

Jason, Brian works hard to keep this site going for all of us.

Do whatever you like with your money, but I'd encourage you to purchase pieces you can study. I am fairly new to the field and I certainly understand that these fixer uppers are tempting at first. But If you purchase one and send it to polish -it's gone for a long time. A long time that you could be studying instead of just waiting to do that. And that's not even taking into consideration if it can take a polish. What if it can't? Then you're stuck with a blade in bad shape. To figure out if it's worth it Take the cost of the blade, plus a reputable Japanese trained polisher's price (roughly $100 per inch) And see if you'll end up with a blade that's worth it. You can buy a nice beginning study piece for less than Just the price of a polish in some cases. Even if you have to buy a tanto-I'd encourage you to purchase something polished. Papered would be nice too, as you can learn why it's papered to whatever smith or school. Just my .02 which may be worth less than That! Happy Hunting Jamie

I agree with Keith. From personal experience Mr Benson will treat you right.

Don't they usually have a KAO of the appraiser too?

Choji oil, or Mineral oil. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Look for Jeans post in this thread. He offers a good technique. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9381&p=77771&hilit=camera#p77771

outside of a smith's known work, as in being Soshu school- How is it determined that it was an accident? Other than than say if it's a smith only work with any Tobi-yaki or Mune-yaki. Wouldn't that be speculative?

You might start with these books: Additionally you'll find some good deals here. And there are many linked. Buy Blades in Polish so they do not restoration work. That way you can study upon recieving them. Some tips on Handling: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm Books: Samurai Sword: A Handbook ~John Yumato The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library) ~ Kanzan Sato The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords ~ Kokan Nagayama http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Han ... 0804805091 http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Sword-Co ... 0870115626 http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book ... 4770020716

My thoughts go out to the all the people of Japan.

you might try just uploading the pics to the board.

Max, it looks like they are linked from image shack. I also can't see them. Just save them to your system and upload to the board in your post. Hope that helped.

No it's working.

Thanks for sharing Veli. I learn tons from threads like this one, and I truly appreciate it.

Impressive work Ford.

I bet this is a rare theme.

Keith, I agree somewhat with your assertations, especiall about Same being used on Tachi with gloves. Swords though were meant to be used in Battle, and a few periods obviously more than others. But I think most of these weapons were probably not meant to be used all the time. So maybe raw Same was used in some cases as these weapons had a more limited use than swords. I am less studied on these types of weapons so I certainly don't "know". Just tossing thoughts as I read the thread. Interesting topic here.

I went to haloween as algren last year. Yall are making me feel bad.

Hi Cory, Cleaning, handling,etiquette: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm As most others have said shinsa will reveal the answers you seek. And being mumei it likely won't get a pink slip. With the NTHK (october shinsa) even if a blade fails to paper they suggest what they think it to be. So you will get those answers. In the meantime start with sword care and a few books to study. Here are three very good ones to start with. After reading these you may have an answer or two, or more questions. Either way, that's a good thing. The connoisseurs book of Japanese swords http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book ... 4770020716 The Samurai Sword http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Han ... 0804805091 The Japanese sword http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Sword-Co ... 0870115626 Best of luck Jamie

John , I was going to suggest what Bryan did. You could have them Pinkslipped in October-And although that would cost 100 bucks, you'd have proof and IMO it would be worth it to save the balance and just to let the seller know there are folks that will pursue this. I would definitely do that. They shouldn't get away with that.

Nice sword http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

From My limited experience so far-I'd agree with the others about buying a piece that is in good polish. That way you have something to study immediately. Study a bit and you'll begin to pick schools and work that you favor. Then you'll have a jumping off point. Purchase what speaks to you, was the best advice given to me.

"If the topic or the discussion doesn't interest you - don't even click " I couldn't agree more with this. You choose to read each thread..... If no interest-freely hit back. <-

Matt, You might want to look at this link, it may help you. http://jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Fake Horimono or carvings

Alexander, You might consider not touching the blade itself as salt and oil from fingers are corrosive to it. Also you'll find some Etiquette and disassembly instructions here. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm You might be able to take some better pics of the Handguard (tsuba) And someone may be able to tell you the theme. I am not well versed yet in Tsuba themes, so someone else will be of more assistance there. You might also post pics of the blade. Jamie