Jamie

I went and looked at a sword advertised on craigslist recently. The guy told me his grandfather brought it back from WWII. It was a chinese fake. The Damascus looking ones with Cheap cotton wrapping. It was also dry as a bone and had no rust, staining or any sign of deterioration. I told him I wasn't disputing where it came from- but that it was a chinese fake and absolutely not made in Japan. I have found a couple of niihonto on craiglist locally. They were not in good enough condition for purchase or the person was convinced they owned a treasure-but they are out there.

You guys definitely aren't the only ones. Wickstrom just purchased a very nice piece as well. We all have the bug!

Thanks Ted. That's not too bad. Very interesting Hamon, IMO.

I like that one. I saw it too. Of the few that look good on ebay right now, I think that one looked best. It says it has a blister, but it must be really small because there are a lot of pictures of that sword and you can't see it. I like the couple small pieces of Tobiyaki in the hamon as well. Good luck man, you'll enjoy studying that one. Jamie

Paul Martin has a nice small book on Kantei that might help you. It's only like 12 bucks or something. I've found it helpful.

In the pictures, it doesn't look like those are all openings. It looks like some of them are just stains. I don't think you did badly for under 500. Does it come in Shirasaya or just bare blade?

Read books, Then buy swords. I too am a beginner, and trust that this is sound advice. you'll be much happier in the long run. These are expensive and time consuming to restore. You want your first purchase to be something you can enjoy after you buy it. 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

Try these books for a good start. 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

Franco, Can I take a picture or measure the blade that might help establish if you are correct? it's interesting researching this. Looking at the blade in hand I see why you might think that. How can I compare it to others like it?

Post detailed pictures of it. Condition is always an issue. Remove the Handle, and take pictures of the signature and any stamps that may be present, as well as the Signature. Shots of the complete blade as well. You'll get good feedback.

Thank you guys for your thoughts and Pictures. I really appreciate all the help, and suggestions. Peter that hada and even the Activity in the Hamon looks pretty similar to me. I'm sure I'll get this papered eventually- but for now I'll study up on the Schools discussed, see if I can make a guess, and then send it for Shinsa.

Hi, I am not sure if the site is legit or not but I do know when dealing with blades at that level, you may have to inquire about them. There are other sites that list Juyo bades without listing the prices openly.

Shimada- Interesting Thanks Peter, I'd be interested to see pics if you felt like sharing one.

Peter, It's supposed to be Muramachi. The patina is a bit darker than it appears in the photos. Joe, Possibly from Odawara

Thanks I can't take credit for the pics. But they are detailed, no doubt. Very accurate A couple more pics.

New acquisition It's believed to be a sue soshu Tanto. I like the Hada and hamon. In the right light the characteristics just pop right out. Subtle, yet striking in the right light. Nagasa: 27 CM Mune: Mitsu Mune Hada: Itame,Mokume, O Hada and Bright nioi Hamon: Sungashi There are many more pics if anyone is interested in seeing them. I already own this piece and I am happy with it, but was curious as to you guys thoughts. please express your honest opinion.

Congrats on your first piece. You'll enjoy studying it.

Correct.

"To me, it looks like the sword smith scraped away some clay to form hardened areas in Bonji characters. " Looks that way to me as well. Interesting looking blade.

You may be right, but I've read a bit differently. Oil doesn't put nearly as much stress on the metal as a Water quench and therefore tests the construction to a lesser degree. It doesn't cool the metal as quickly, thereby reducing the stress. The blade not cracking during the quench is a sign of good construction. During the war, there was less time for them to break, and oil does get the job done. I've also read that tool steels react better to oil, so that may be a contributing factor as well. Im no expert, just sharing some info I've read.

Oil temper will have a Hamon but it's usually duller( less if any activity) than Water Quench.

You might consider getting an opinion from a polisher rather than just posted photos. It's very hard to tell from photos- and ultimately the polisher you choose will let you once they have it in hand anyway.

Here are some books that may help you as well. 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

The following books will be of much use to you. Try purchasing these and look at sites that sell fine swords. There are many within the links of the board here. 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

If you are talking about the defined line- it's called the Hamon, But I'm not positive that the "cleaned" edge is showing the entire hamon or not.