Jamie

oil arrests rust. But if you have a heavily corroded blade it does almost appear to eat the oil. I oiled an old rusty blade for someone and the spot where the rust was deepest toward the kissaki-looked like it just ate the oil. I had to re oil it a few times just to see that any was there. Hopefully that blade was preserved.

Rick, You might look at this link. It's doubtful you'll make that mistake again after comparing these pictures. http://jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Jamie

This is a great idea, and works well.

You might consider posting pics of Nakago, and blade. You will get a lot of information if you do. Best of luck. Jamie

I am wondering if anyone might be able to post an example-a Picture of a Suishinshi School Ken Tanto. The reason I'm asking is - I sent a Ken to SF Shinsa. I have just recently received it back, and it was pinkslipped and attributed to Suishinsi school. So I am curious to see another example to compare mine against. Thanks In advance. Jamie

This may be another example.

Tobias, I agree with Grey about reading- buy some books. There are many good suggestions in the thread "how and where to start". I'd like to add that you'll probably be much happier with your first purchase if buy something in good polish that you can study and enjoy, rather than having to send it off for polish right away.

Steve, You might try looking at Aoi Art, and few of the other sites listed in the links. Many have better pictures than you'll find in many books. Aoi art has excellent close up pictures, and the descriptions are written by very knowledgable folks. Some others have very good close up pictures as well. Good luck Jamie

Being fairly new to this field myself , I would suggest purchasing something in good polish to start with. That way- you can study and learn from it. Without having to wait to have it restored, before learning. Even If that piece is smaller-like a tanto. Also Read, read, read. There is a great thread active now Titled Where and how to start. You might want to read that thread, it has many good suggestions for books.

These three were what I started with. I think that together they make for a good start. While they do have a bit of overlapping info-they all have their unique pieces of info as well. And while I won't hang on to the first two-The Connoisseurs provides a very good easy reference book. The Art provides a nice look from "inside" being written by a smith. 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 The Art of the Japanese Sword- Kunihira Kawachi and Masao Manabe The second part of a good start is listening and taking advice from collectors. I read these books before making any purchases. And because of that I am happy with all purchases made. Good handling advice to: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

I would say both. I wouldn't collect them, if they weren't swords. I enjoy and appreciate the art and the different forms from schools and era's, but they are weapons. I think the Koshirae should be kept the bladee for historical context. Well Whatever an owner chooses to do is his own choice and I do respect that. I would keep the koshirae with the sword though. And I am certainly not fond of WWII fittings for katana.

The light and dark background do seem to play some tricks, although the bottom appears to have much more detail. Like the forhead for example.

"as part of that picture I’m looking for someone highly knowledgeable to authenticate facts about the sword not relating to its ownership by Hideki Tojo such as its type, origin, clan, circa, etc,. Really, anything that can be ascertained from the sword itself." We'll need better pictures and one of the Nakago(tang). The following article will give you some good instructions on removong the handle. As much detail as possible in pictures. also general blade care. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Greg, This forum is about Nihonto, which that sounds to be. You would more than likely obtain the info you seek by posting pictures and measurements of the blade. Make sure to post pics of the Nakago(tang) and the Kissaki or tip. One of the whole blade will be good as well. Best of Luck Jamie

I too think the bottom one is the original.

I say yay- I'll definitely take a look. Both those tsubas are really nice. And I don't believe I have seen a quality tanto in Bone mounts before. They are usually tourist junk.

All very nice I love that first Tsuba.

May we see pics of the blade as well?

There is some talk that there might be a shinsa again next year. You might post pictures, there are many educated members that may give you lots of useful info on the Blade, and mei.

One just sold on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

I am not sure but I'd think Gendaito's would be signed tachi mei as they were worn cutting edge down, same as tachi were.

Ted, that was a very nice summary for those of us who couldn't make it. Thank you I see Bill Rannow I believe, and also Bill Miller in the pics. Hope you guys all had fun!

Hi Matt, Can I see a ppicture if you feel like posting one? The link up top didn't seem to work. I figured it may be old. Thanks Jamie

shinsakuto is the term for newly made Japanese swords. Which this one you found on ebay probably is not. If you are looking for a shinsakuto you'd be better finding someone reputable to purchase one from. edit for verbage-

Congrats man!