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You may too have saw this recently up for auction, I haven't bought a nihonto or sword from ebay or a internet auction for years, but threw a bid at this a few days before end and was surprised as heck that I won. I bid $100 over the opening bid and did not expect to win. Auction estimate was a couple K's over than what I got it for. Pictures were poor on the site. I thought the fittings were Shi-Shi dogs, however this is a big cat themed tanto. Must have really been a stunner with the white tsuka ito. Woundn't mind getting it rewrapped to get the gleaming white, vice 100's of years of palm sweat.

This is why I rather fly to a sword show in the good ole U.S. of A

Can't wait!

Here's a pic of my tropical cover.

Great pickup! Congrats on persevering until you finally made the deal!

Kinda looks like sanbonsugi hamon from the one pic. If the price is right I would pick it up.

Show this year was excellent, good spacing in the main room so you can really see and handle the antiques without feeling cramped. Really liked the crew from Japan who had all the high end Tsuba, studying their wares was a high level class you don't often have access too. Sword prices were very affordable. Best thing to do is forget about buying blades online and just save your money for the show because whatever you are interested in there are multiple examples to buy and the guys are ready to sell for cash.

If anyone setting up at the show has a WW2 Navy & a basic traditional saya / 1 Naval Menuki for sale I'll be looking for parts to complete a couple swords. Best regards, Bob

I think the lower to mid pieces are easier to sell and not lose money if you buy them right. High end I am not too sure of.

Those Those look like pretty nice nihonto with nice clean blades for under 900 George! I have a weak heart for things that need work, so a rusty blade always has a chance with me. I buy and flip a lot of things and things get packed away behind militaris, hi-fi's tape decks, lamps, chairs and everything else that's antique and collectable. There are quite a few nutters like me in the area with too much to deal with.

Wondering about current make up of the NMB in regards to the percentages of Volume verses quality collectors? It has been known fact that in the Nihonto collecting circle, enthusiasts often move from a collection of many blades bought over many years to just a few high quality/value pieces. I can’t seem to do that, the more the merrier. I like looking at each one. Sometimes forgetting blades that are out of the way and then finding them is just as good as buying a new one. I’m not sure I’d want to be the caretaker of Juyo blades and the high responsibility that those entail. What say you?

Mark, can you give details about the Chicago show for planning purposes? Best regards, Bob

Gents, Still can't even figure out a nimei, might have to move on to collecting Pokemon cards. I come up with Hiro Ryu or Hiro Ichi Shi. Neither sounds right. What say you? Best regards, Bob

Thanks for posting, I like looking at the wild side of nihonto!

Thanks for the opinions guys, I'll do a little homework on Yoshimichi and visit when I am out that way for a sale or auction, won't take time off to make the trip as a special event.

Who collects WW2 and said he had a nice pilot sword he'd trade for one of my high end WW2 firearms. Looks like he bought it from one of the big ebay sellers, however the koshirae does look interesting. Any expert opinions? Bruce what do you think? Haven't made any trades yet but not sure how motivated I should be to drive 2 hours to look at it. Don't think it would come cheap from the conversation. Best regards, Bob

Great buy, you can sell the parts for more than $300 and keep the blade for free. Not sure what 300 pounds buys in England but $300 bucks in the U.S. of A is a family dinner at McDonalds and the gas to get you there and back.

Hi Mike, here's a pic of the one I am working with

Looking for a Navy menuki if anyone has one laying around. I have a handle rewrap project and have one menuki but need the other to get the project started. Best regards, Bob

Sorry to hear about your father Rick. That is a very good sword in my opinion, very old and still carries length. Often old blades have been really shortened too a much smaller size over the years. Yours has not. Did your Grandfather acquire it in occupied Japan?

Great looking sword, a fine addition to any collection of Nihonto.

THanks for the info guys, and I will let him know. How you been Devil Dog? Might need to check your reserve status as the Corps is getting ready here at Lejeune! If anyone is interested in it let me know and I'll put you both in contact. Best regards, Bob