Grey Doffin

Hi Markus, Yes; cleaning the nakago can remove patina, which is important. Don't do it. Your nakago has been shortened but it is much more likely that the rest of it was lost centuries ago when last shortened than that it is stuck in the bottom of your handle. Get an ice pick and see if you run into metal or wood when you tap it inside the handle. From what I know about your sword, I can tell you that it is somewhere between hopelessly compromised and an important, valuable relic badly in need of competent restoration. No body can know for sure just where it falls from a few photos online. Seriously, it may be much better than it seems. I repeat: you would be smart to find honest, knowledgeable advise from in-hand examination before doing anything to change the sword. Grey

Two more fakes; sorry. Grey

Hi Markus, Don't try to fix the sword yourself; leave it be until you can show it to someone. Never clean rust from the nakago; never. Are you certain there is a bottom of the nakago stuck in the handle? If you can lower a small magnet into the handle, if it doesn't stick to anything there probably isn't a piece of the nakago inside. Any case, don't be in a hurry for anything with the sword. It will be fine as is until you can get help (it isn't going to fall apart tomorrow). Grey

Hi Markus, Your sword isn't a gunto (military sword). It is an older samurai sword. If I were in your position I would: 1. Whittle a new mekugi (menuki are the ornaments under the handle wrap; mekugi is a pin to hold the sword together) from a bamboo chopstick. The pin is incredibly important; don't delay. 2. Look for a collector/collectors' group that is strong on knowledge and honesty who can give you a better idea what you have. 3. If you are going to take other photos, use a dark background. Details will be more visible. Here you will find a care and handling brochure: https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/ You should read it. Best, Grey

Hi folks, As many of you know, Mark Jones & I bought a large chunk of the tsuba and kodogu left in Skip Holbrook's collection when he passed away recently; I have been vigorously listing them to my site ever since. We will have everything that hasn't sold on our tables in Chicago. We also acquired Skip's library and I have listed many of the books on my site. There were, however, many more books than I wanted to list. I will have 3 heavy boxes of Skip's books on our tables at serious bargain prices; please stop by and lighten our load. And, since I drive to the Chicago show, I can bring with me any book from my site you might like to own - no charge for post. Check my book pages and send me an email from the site to place an order. I have recently taken on 2 other libraries beyond Skip's; I have a great inventory of very useful titles. Thanks, Grey

Possibly the most beautiful of armor books: Sengoku Kawari Kabuto. $305 https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/armor-books/b863-sengoku-kawari-kabuto/ Grey

Hi Christopher, Bring your sword to the Chicago show later this month. I and others also will be glad to look at it and tell you what we can. Grey https://www.Chicagoswordshow.com

I have had good results when I call 800 ask usps. Make sure you have the tracking number when you make the call. Grey

Saturday morning, 10 I think, some old guy will demonstrate care and handling. Free to all. Grey

Hi Guys, Dmitry's book is wonderful and a bit expensive but it isn't rare. If you will excuse my self promotion, I can get you a copy new and unopened. https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/sword-books/c265-Japanese-swords-soshu-den-masterpieces-by-pechalov/ Thanks, Grey

Nothing to be sorry about Mark; it's the guy who runs the site I have a beef with. Do you think the Fujishiro family was consulted before their book was put online? Grey

The person who is behind this - no idea who it is - has copied (stolen) my text from my website to describe the book. Wonder what else he is using without permission. Lie down with dogs; get up with fleas. Grey

Thank you Rohan. Grey

Hello again, Just back from a very talented book binder: The two volume edition of Shinshinto Taikan, $375: https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/sword-books/b666-shinshinto-taikan-by-iimura-2/ The two volumes of Shinto Taikan, $375: https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/sword-books/b666-shinshinto-taikan-by-iimura-2/ And Yumei Koto Taikan, $325: https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/sword-books/b564-yumei-koto-taikan-by-iimura-2/ If interested please contact me by email through my site. Thank you, Grey

Hi Justin, By whom and when was the tanto made? If the tanto is special it deserves better koshirae. If it is mediocre or worse, you would be smart to move on and find something better to throw your money at. Grey