Henry Wilson

The basic shape of the blade suggests it is fake. The shape looks cumbersome and lacks grace. The scabbard does not look very good either and quality is some what lacking. I could be wrong but if you can get pics of the tang (area under handle) then I think we could be more certain.

Hi Brian I think I know her. I possibly met her last week. A few pics would be nice, especially if we can see any signatures.

Hi Rich Count me in!

Nice blade but I think it is gimei. The signature has too many inconsistencies and it is placed above what is probably the original mekugiana. Just my two yens worth...

I think he thinks that he is right....

Thank you very much Moriyama San for that lesson and explains why the character is Gama Senin.

I don't think there is such a distinction between frogs and toads in Japanese as there is English. I think in Japanese the frog and toad are collectively called KAERU which also sounds like the verb "to go home."

What is the theme? Is it a dragon in the clouds?

All I can say is that do not fall out with all of us here. I think it is all part of learning for techinaclly superior people to disregard your humble opinion. Happend to me yesterday and after gulping it all down I feel the better for it and I believe I have learnt more from that single experience than I have in months of work....

I would not bother with polish cream. It makes me think of the Grow "it" big creams that I know nothing about at all. If you want to have a bash at it, I recommend a regime of uchiko cleaning. I am doing this with an old wakizashi that I have that would not survie another polish. What I do is I clean the out-of-polish blade with uchiko once a month as if I were cleaning the blade as directed by the NBTHK guidelines. I take of the oil and apply uchiko and give the sword about 20 wipes on bothside, very lightly and evenly and then give the kissaki a slight once or twice over. I take care not to put finger pressure on ridges and crisp lines as uchiko will take these away. Hamon and the like should start to come out. The only think it is a very slow process and it may take years to really see anything. What you should do is take photos of before and compare them monthly (or bi annually) to see how things are going.....

I think the best way to get on in the world of swords in Japan is avoid dealers. If you make connections with more advanced collectors you will be surprised what they are willing to part with. I have received nice stuff as gifts because I helped a few people out and also have got nice deals at about 30 percent of the asking price icompared to shops. However I am not that fussy about stuff, just as long as it is nice quality. If you are set on a particular sword or smith then dealers might be the only way. Just my two yens worth

Looks like I was on the money. (see the post above) :D Congratulations to me. I can see Fuji San from my house so we are on good terms with each other. :lol:

Could it be a Fuji San hamon ?

... post a few pics here? I am very curious about the said sword.

My only concern about Aoi Arts is what is meant by a "polish". I have seen nice swords there that were described as in polish which to me and my grubby glasses were anything but in polish. If you are buying over the net and not getting a hands-on look before buying I would ask a bit more about the polish to avoid a surprise. It is a nice sword buy the way especially for the price. Just my 2 yen

You are not listed Guido. I have contacted Metro and complained.

There is also and article around on scanning swords. I can't find it but it seems easier and cheaper Sorry found it http://militaria.co.za/nihontomessageboard/viewtopic.php?t=297&highlight=scan Fourth message down under Rich T, posted by Nicolas Rudaz. Thanks again Nicolas

Thanks all....... yes sorry saya...... Not a scabbard guy Got my terms wrong. Thanks for the pic Guido just what I was after..... I am off shopping tomorrow!!!!

Why not DIY a signature? Forgers dream that is!!!!!! :lol:

Thank you for the replies Ken and Stephen Sorry about the fuzzy question.... To clarify, I am used to seeing long swords on stands and always the sword stand is supporting the sword across the koshirae and not touching the handle. When displaying a sword on a stand is it OK for the handle to rest on one of the supports of the stand as this is probably going to be the case with the stand that I am considering buying Here it is below: http://www16.plala.or.jp/katana-iimura/tantoushitan-e.html

That is a very interesting board. Thank you posting the link Ford. I look forward to going throught it more. The dragon scale tutorial is very informative. I bet you can ice a birthday cake very well too

I am going to buy a sword stand soon for a tanto. I am wondering how a sword should be displayed on one. The end of the koshirae will rest on one support but what about the tsuka? Should the tsuka be spported on the other side or should the koshirae only be supported on both sides? Does that make sense?????? :?

Thank you Paul. Yes, all my own work including the oshigata. The type set is a bit off when their is an apostrophy but that was not me :x I have been trying to do an oshigata of another sword for months but I am not able to get the same results for some reasons. It appears that in more ways than one each sword is unique........

Hi Justin I have taken photos and attached them to this post. I hope it is of use.

I wrote an article on him a while ago for the NTHK (NPO) magazine. I will dig it out and try to send / post some pics. I think thought you have basically summed it all up in your last post. I am off swords at the moment so thanks but no thanks!!! Could you descride the hamon as being "milky" as that is what I think is one of his characteristics as well as a lose itame hada....