tokashikibob

I think it's the other one with the loop in the kanji, but after looking at the blade today it has too big a chip off the kissaki to mess with.

I'd have to grab some books, but that is a very sweet looking complex hada!

Thanks Marine!

Gentlemen, Having a little trouble with this, from my poor reference material here on the road, I'm going with Kaneaki from Noshu? I'm also guessing this is a poor cherry blossom stamp. Thank you in advance for any corrections. Best regards, Bob

Great job on the restoration Sal! Did you use coffee grounds on the samegawa?

Ed, is it going into the collection or for sale table? Best Regards, Bob

Jean, That is a nice tsuba! Here is the link to the best one on the RIA auction. What period were fittings like this produced? http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/67/lid/305

Fellas, After looking at a few blades in Cloisonne in the RIC catalog, can anyone enlighten me to their use in koshirae. I'm guessing early 20th century export of limited interest and value but not sure if I should give these type of blades a closer look when I see them on the table. Best Regards, Bob

Wow, I seem to remember a thread that was taken down about Kaigun's Tsuba's, I'm guessing these were them? After Stephen's experience a while back and this I may swear off tsubas for good.

What a great collection! I for one would not mind hearing the back story on the collection assembly. Congrats on the buy!

Gents, I'm interested in bidding on this tsuba but would like your opinions on it's authenticity and quality before gambling on a bid. Best Regards, Bob

Thanks Marine!

Gents, A friend of mine offered this nihonto in trade for some USMC. Having a bit of trouble with the 4 characters with my referance books/sheets. ? Kane Yasu Saku is what I came up with. How far did I miss the target? Best Regards, Bob

Ray, I'd regret selling that one too! Great looking blade!

Thanks Steve! That clears up my question!

Wow! That Kyugunto is really something! What school / smith do you think it is from? Best regards. Bpb

Love to see some more pictures Ofek!

Gents, Tonight while it's too cold to do anything else, what better way to spend some idle winter hours than a hot fire, cold beer and the NMB! So I was doing some research on the gunto pictured below and believe it's a Kotani KaneYoshi due to the odd Kane kanji. It is in very good condition. It has the odd celluloid samegawa. Question: The date on the blade is Feb 45. How unusual is that it was not outfitted in Type 44 fittings? Best Regards, Bob

Super buy Allen, I'd really love to see that hamon after polish! It is wild with a lot of character! I bet Nihonto are few and far between in your neighborhood. Congrats! Best Regards, Bob

Wow, what a difference! That is a great looking Gendaito! Best Regards, Bob

Nice old blade too, let us know if you get it!

Hello Fellas, Anyone know what the first Kanji is on this cut down Wak? Something Naga? Best regards, bob

PM sent for #8 wak

Keep the swords and buy more with the upcoming tax deductions, shop at the goodwill for kids stuff, they break or get bored of the toys quickly and you'll sell your $1000 of Toys are R Us gear at a yard sale for 20 bucks. Saving for college? Hogwash! Buy more swords with that cash, they can earn there way to school with academics or sports if they really want to go. If not, trade school is better long term anyway as nobody can fix anything these days. I have 10 children 25 y/o on down, 3 already with college degrees, The last college grad was a Halloween tech at a seasonal store, now is starting at Walmart. A couple of semester's of time reading thru the archives of the NMB would have been more worthwhile than sitting around with liberal profs at the State U. Kids are great, but don't spoil them because after awhile you will wish you kept the blades. Best Regards, Bob

James, Nice grab, for a first sword you can't do much better since you said you got it for a good price. Have fun shopping for a tsuba, here is Grey's site. http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/tsuba-%26-kodogu/t313-iron-tsuba-shakudo-plugs-modern-art