md02geist

I noticed that as well. There seems to be some back and forth as to *exactly* what the years are where something would be considered Ko or Chu, and I found at least one reference that simply notes only "old" and "new" rather than any Chu or mid type Mihara.

I did as well. Was interesting to know there was such a discerning mark and different name for such a relatively short period.

Thanks all I appreciate the compliments! Can't ask for a whole lot more at that price range that's for sure.

Beautiful sword Ray. I haven't seen the one I've purchased in person but I imagine yours is in better shape. Nice hada on that one, it really pops. The same sort of purposeful elegance about it that swords like Naminohira etc exhibit; made for use! I find absolute beauty in functional elegance.

Picking up a nice Chu-Mihara blade from Aoi. I realize it has a large fukure in the nakago and some rough hada etc etc and the various wear but it seems to be a great sword (with marginal koshirae, and a nice shirasaya) for the price. Chu-Mihara are supposedly relatively rare to find and this one seems like a nice, if well loved, blade. I'm always fascinated imagining the history of a piece. I think this one has a lot of study potential and with the current Yen:USD rate wasn't a bad deal. I understand it will never be a high dollar juyo type blade so please keep the "oh wow bottom feeder blah blah" comments to yourselves. I love the simplistic, functional elegance of it (one of the reasons I like things like Naminohira) and Chu-Mihara supposedly are VERY close in quality generally to Ko-Mihara. The hamon reminds me of clouds creating a second, opposing horizon across the sky on an open winter morning. Sidenote: I always love Aoi pictures. I feel like they do a great job of showing you different things about the blade.

I'm certainly no pro on fighting from horseback by *any* means but I imagine against the more than likely lightly armored footsoldiers (or no armor, at the time a lot of the conscripts didn't really wear armor other than whatever junk they could salvage this was really before the time of regimented ashigaru) the warrior didn't need to do much more than hold it out and ride by aiming the edge at your soft target (and holding on tight lol). The horse momentum probably would have done all the work for you. Now fighting on foot with that bad boy would have been different altogether! Of course this is just idle speculation.

Beautiful blade.

Often the case (not being so clear cut).

Depends on who you ask lol. But i'd say generally yeah most people here think they are the good guys. I'd hope!

I saw that today too and was a little taken aback. It's fairly non-malicious I think but like...what in the world. Of all the people to target you target a Japan-based Nihonto dealer? lol.

Yeah he's got it down for right now b/c they're redoing it or something. He made a brief post about it on Facebook if I recall.

Thank you for clarifying that I appreciate it!

Nothing koto period for 300 is going to be worth the cost to ship, it will be one hunk of nasty rust or broken all to hell....your best bet is to save up some more like a grand or so and then go for a shinto or shinshinto wakizashi or tanto or something if you want a cheaper something to begin studying on.

The money wouldn't have been stolen because I utilized PayPal. But yes I agree people have suffered worse. However "it could have been worse" doesn't excuse the incident. "At least you didn't lose your leg" doesn't stop a broken bone etc. I've said what I had to say here and that's basically all I got. I'm moving on and will never deal with him again, and dependable people will get my money in deals instead. With all the statements of "alternative facts" I'd be happy to provide chat logs. I keep paper trails of *every* deal I do.

I did homework. He had many good reviews including from NMB members.

Meaning what, exactly? That people have been saying the same thing about him since then? I don't catch your meaning.

Nothing wrong with that it still looks awesome.

That is a fantastic kabuto. What's the jidai etc on it? I've always thought those studded ones looked great. Is it an antique or modern reproduction?

Sounds as if I got lucky with not actually doing the deal with him...thank you all for your input. Good to know it wasn't just me.

Hey do as you wish like I said I'm not judging or demeaning. I just don't think that showing your display case is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back lol.

It would be an insane amount of work for someone to hack your computer, figure out who you are and where you live, figure out your schedule, break into your secured places, and steal niche market valuables. I can't say I blame you and I'm certainly not mocking you, but I just think there's easier ways to do crime. Criminals don't tend to be criminals because they're willing to work hard. I literally am only interested in "ooh"-ing and "aah"-ing over people's nice displays.

Not only was the deposit returned, but after I resent the ENTIRE amount he returned it. He cancelled the deal a total of three times. It was definitely maximizing profit.

If you think the no return policy that was changed on me last second and lied about was the only problem here you definitely don't understand the situation and I'd suggest you read it a few more times.

It's ok it happens. I think for the work it needed the buyer got it for a pretty solid price. Not like groundbreaking amazing, but not bad either. Just my guess of course.

I actually bid on that one. But eBay didn't take my final bid properly. The mobile app is a bit faulty and I didn't have access to the computer at the times It's kinda marginal condition but nice koshirae.