Drago

Well, that is what it says on Wikipedia. Both castles are written using the same kanji. The one in Nagano is read as karasu-jo, the one in Okayama as u-jo... Since I don't know any Japanese people from either area, I'll have to trust Wikipedia on this one... And about that "well knows expert": karasu-jo is the obvious reading, but the u-jo reading is something you probably only know if you've ever been to Okayama... One more question: Is there a number stamped on the mune side of the tang? If so, what is it?

This signature is rare indeed. Check Richard Stein's JSI, he has one as well. What is even more rare is a date. Nagamitsu hardly ever dated his blades! One dated blade was published in Slough I think. About Karasu-Jo: It's NOT Matsumoto Castle! There are two Karasu-Jo in Japan, the other one being Okayama Catsle (Nagamitsu worked in Okayama). However, this is not read as "Karasu-Jo" but rather "U-Jo" (written with the same kanji though). Thanks for the pictures. I'd loke to have that one.

Hi, the Nuremberg-located guy who always makes shirasaya for Juwelier Strebel (Wiesbaden) recommended Katachi Art in Hamburg (http://www.katachi-art.com) to me for Gunto-related repairs. I'd like a new Tsuka made and my split wooden saya liner repaired. Anyone have any experiences with those guys? That is why I had in mind to go to Hamburg for 1 1/2 days (night, day, night) in two weeks. When I'm in Hamburg I'd like to see the Customs Museum, but if you can also recommend Nihonto related museums, I'd be willing to prioritize those. Thanks!

Hi, Japanese-premium-seller is at it again with their premium scam. http://www.ebay.com/itm/130930949367 I found the original seller on yahoo auctions, but I can't seem to find that tsuba. I found other tsuba jps offers there, but I'm interested in this one. Or is it not available anymore? Also, please point me to reliable people I could use as go-betweens for yahoo auctions and me as a foreigner. Thanks.

Hi, this is for sale on Aoi-Art. http://www.aoijapan.com/tsuba-toshihide-kao-deer (wasn't sure if I should post the pics, feel free to do so.) Usually I don't really like Tsusba showing animals or people, but this one is just awesome! And the description rightfully states "This Tsuba is a masterpiece." I especially like the moon on the reverse, it looks like a photo! Damn, if I had the money!

Which HE? I found many Mizuta Kunishige

Hi, there is a Wak on sale right now with the following signature: Does it happen often that a smith uses both? But I thought the simpler Kanji was only introduced after 1945, or did it exist earlier? Thanks.

Yes, please do. Really? Guess I could use what little money I saved for a ticket there...

Aw, she's so cute... We already talked about the Osafune Evangelion exhibition a while ago, this is along similar lines it seems. Does anyone know if there's be an accompanying book like at the Evangelion exhib? Most Nihonto collectors are, by nature, traditionalists so these kinds of exhibtions/undertakings tend to start heated discusssions of tradition vs. modernity. But I have to say, I like it...

@admins: Seriously, where do I post this? (here, Nihonto-related, military (but that only says "non-traditionally")???) Hi, well, as the title says. I know some officers had family blades remounted as gunto, but take the RJT blades for example... Were swords given so them just as equipment depending on rank? Did they have to buy it themselves? Did the military say "Chose one from the arsenal in this price category"? Did the military pay for the blades? (And: Were Officers and NCOs required to have a sword?) In other words: how did Japanese soldiers get their swords?

Haha, well, to a degree it might be romanticism. But on the other hand there is still an educational value, at least in sword-fight scars: damage that was caused by attacking, by blocking, by cutting, by mineuchi. Those who know a bit about swordfighing can (to a certain degree) recognize it and every scar tells a story.

Hi, it's me again with a picture request. Reading this: http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/katanainfight.html has intrigued me very much. That is why: Please post any pictures you have of typical battle damage found on blades. WW2 bullet damage welcome as well, but I'm mainly interested sword-fight related damage.

Okay, now I understand what "Mi" means. - I simply didn't find it in my glossary. Are there visual examples for describing the colors? So basically the difference between nie and nioi is the size of the "dots" (for sake of speaking), if they are visible you call them nie, and if you can't discern them nioi? Ahh~ There is so much to learn...

Thanks, could you pleease explain these terms:

Hi, considering that I'm still a noob I'd like to ask this: When I hear you talking about swords you often keep throwing around info about hada, shape of the kissaki, type of hamon etc. For example, William wrote this: If I had to describe my sword to someone or in a book with or without pictures, what information do I have to or should I include? Background is this: There's still a lot to learn about my sword, so I thought I'd start anew by collecting all the basic info first.

But when I look at the habaki and how it fits it might indicate that the blade is at least decent too. So it's not just the fittings that are better than the usual.

I see. Thank you very much!

Hi, when a sword is forged and sharpened, the part of the edge near the ha-machi is not sharpened but stays thicker than the rest of the edge. I can see that very well on my Nagamitsu that still has its first polish. I also know, that the more often a blade is polished, the ha-machi gets sharpened as well. I there a reason not so go all the way on the first polish? Is this a traditional thing? A stability thing? Thanks.

Chibi (memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4545) sent me a PM offering to sell me one, he has different sizes. But he hasn't answered yet about photos, prices, shipping etc. - howver, that was only very recently. Just in case there is no answer, I'd like to join Gilles' order!

Wait a second, do you mean okane no kane? 金? But doesn't the one on the blade have the fire radical under it like MU? Or am I completely wrong here??? Oh, and was I right about the last one?

I took more than one minute. But I just can't figure it out. When you said "most common" I thought KANE. But this looks nothing like it. And the second, MORI? But the lower strokes look different. Could you please tell me? Besides Mariusz: I wouldn't go so far as to call it oxymoron. Sometimes you just get lucky, and I'm hoping for that.

Thanks for all the answers. I'll probably buy one of those slider hangers once I figured out what length I need. Oh, and I finally found (and bought) a set of Fuchin that I liked. :D

Hi I know that discussing active auctions might be disadvantageous. But in this case I feel compelled to do that. Lately I found myself looking for a chance to buy a good and cheap Wak. I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221240821310 What is your opinion? Real? What about the mei? I didn't find a lot of smiths that signed starting with "Mu"... Unfortunatley, the seller said he can't take any better pics.

I might be highjacking this thread here but I'd like to ask: Is the wood grain pattern engraved or is it etched like on damascus steel?

Thanks. I know I still need fuchin, just haven't found "my pair of balls" yet. :lol: These sliding hooks are called "jizai" (Kanji?)? Is that right? Guess I'll start looking for one - best solution I think. jizai didn't lead to any results on eBay, any int'l sources? I won't need that stick, might as well use a stool. ONE more question: The haning string usually has this additional string on it to tie the scroll together when rolled up. What do you do with it when you hang the scroll? Slide it to the side, leave it hanging in the center?