Jamie

I work in IT. Moriyama, and Brian are correct. Your email can be duplicated from any number of machines. Even if yours is clean. But if they got your contacts- I would venture to guess they got them from your mail server. Your contacts are probably on your machine, but some are also saved on the Mail server you use. That's more than likely where your contacts were obtained. This is not uncommon. Mostly it's just inconvenient.

Yimu, There is an example on Usagiya of a Saiha blade and the shadow it can leave. I hope this helps, if not what you were asking I apologize. There is a picture of one somewhere- but I cant seem to find it now. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/flaws.html Jamie

This book has some pretty good descriptions to compare. Many laid out and labeled. The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords ~ Kokan Nagayama Enjoy it man. I bet you're excited. That's a nice blade, congrats. Jamie

Niclas, It can probably easily be straightened by a polisher, so long as it isn't badly bent. Hamon looks interesting. Looks like it has some nice activities.

Kyle, Many swords brought home the war are actually ancestral blades (remounted for the war). It may or may not be an old blade. Pretty easy to tell the difference after looking at the nakago(tang) and the blade itself. You might find it equally interesting researching the blade. Post pics and you'll get a lot of info, just as you did with the Tsuba. I think it's great that want to organize and preserve these tsuba.

As Joe points out-the for sale section here is a great place to start. There are many fine blades for sale right now, for very reasonable prices.

I agree with Chris that is probably a fake. If you're going to cut with a blade-you'd want to know it's been hardened. Most of the ones you are most likely referring to- if they do cut well, without losing their edge will be through hardened with a fake Hamon. I'm talking about production blades though-not Fakes.

"I should clarify, I'm not interested in your names or your emails. Frankly I don't understand where that is coming from. " I think folks may have assumed you had to register to look at the products on your page, which is not required. As Stephen points out-there is a lot of fishing that goes on so folks here are careful.

Here are some examples posted by Carlo on SFI, some time ago. I hope this helps you. I think this top one is signed in two character mei. Thats what the pic looks like anyway. It looks different than the example in your picture a bit though IMO. Can we see pics of the blade? Jamie

Ron, I agree with you. If I were going to display them, it would be on a rack. I do not display mine though. If I want you to see them, I can show you. People that do not know about swords tend to want to touch blades. You don't need to touch it, I promise it's sharper than it looks. Mine are all kept as recommended above. In shirasaya, in swordbags.

I believe THE Kunishige used a two character mei. Not sure if any others did. I believe there were three generations of Kunishige.

IMO, blades should be sent "unassembled". The best way i've seen is for the blade to be wrapped and Attached to a board in a secure fashion. That way it can't rattle in the saya. I think it also lends itself not to have customs swinging it around too. Sorry for off topic answer. Tsuba will usually be mounted with major part of theme showing- while sword is in saya.

I'm in for one as well. Thanks Jamie

Thank you

Can I get some help please on this shirisaya? Thanks is Kana the second Kanji? Lost on the firs one.

mariusz I really like that Tsuba. Very nice. it looks like you did an excellent job on it too. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Scott, I too have an interest in fittings with this theme. Would you mind posting a pic of the Menuki? If you don't to, that's fine-just thought i'd ask. Thanks either way. Jamie

I see what you mean. I think it was probably Mumei though. That looks kind of scratched on.

Carving isn't good. There is a thread her about Ivory and Bone mounts. You should look for that thread. Good blades are usually in good mounts-as I know you're aware. But If Bone and Ivory mounts interest you-you should definitely search for that thread. there are many very nice examples. The difference between the carving in them, and the carving on this one is easily evident.

I agree with Brian, Third down is not Goto.

What good is the paper with no sword? (other than a confirmed Oshigata)

I am fairly new the field myself and I have a bit of advice. I would suggest buying a blade in Polish-as this way you can learn from it. It's hard for a beginner to tell if a blade is restorable also. It's very time consuming having one restored also. Also as is usually stated-you might want to consider saving that money-and buying a good assortment of books. That way you will learn characteristics and terminology, and you might even begin to know what characteristics interest you. Look at high end sites that good up close pictures of grain and temper activities. Also I'm sure there is someone that sells swords where you live. Here are a couple suggestions for 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 Best of luck. Jamie

Can anyone translate this Signature please? Thanks Jamie Including a pic of the Yari as well as the Nakago.

Thank you both. Adding a couple pics. Not the best, but you'll get an idea hopefully.

Could anyone translate this for me please? Thanks you in advance. Jamie