Grey Doffin

Thank you, Grey

Hi guys, Is there a Japanese folktale that pairs a wild boar with a crescent moon behind clouds? This or any other explanation of this pair of menuki will be appreciated. Thanks, Grey

Thanks guys and especially Guido. Now if I'm able to follow those directions.... Grey

Thanks guys. Grey

Hi guys, I've searched the board and the internet, with no luck, for directions to tie the sageo on an efu tachi (2 suspension anchors). Any of you know where I can find this? Thanks, Grey

Hi guys, I'm in over my head again with the blade below. I know the smith is Hosokawa Masamori but the rest of the mei is a jumble; most appreciative for your help. Picture 2 follows 1, 4 follows 3, and 6 follows 5. Thanks, Grey

Hi, name please, 100% real Samurai sword. Not possible for me to tell you how old it is but most likely no earlier than 15th century and no later than 19th century. Here is a care and etiquette site; please read it carefully: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm As for getting the sword fixed: Don't try to fix anything yourself and probably best to leave it as is for now. It will have to be seen in hand by someone honest and with knowledge for you to learn much more about what you have. Till then keep it clean and dry and start reading. Grey

I will be at the show with tables. If anyone will be there and would like one of the books on my site, I probably can take it/them with me to the show and save you the cost of post. The offer is good till my bags get too heavy. Come by my table and say hello. Grey japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com

Perhaps something to do with joining the 2 ends of a fukurin? Grey

Are you guys sure that Kanji is Sada? Big differences between it and the sada in the book. Grey

Hi Josh, The fancy file marks (kesho yasuri) at the top of your tang (nakago) are a big hint to traditional made. The sword will have a temper line (hamon) and may have a visible grain (hada). If you could post pictures to show that/them it would help. How confident am I of my reading? If no one corrects me I'm confident; otherwise all bets are off. Grey

Peter is an old timer who has been to hundreds of shows; more than I have I think. I've roomed with Peter many times before and If my room wasn't already 3 deep he'd be rooming with me again; I can highly recommend his company. Grey

Hi, name please, I think: Echigo Kuni no Ju Amada Kaneyoshi. The date is Showa Ju Ichi Nen Ju Ni Gatsu Hi (a day in the 12th month of 1936). If I'm correct with the mei, I know nothing about the smith; sorry (I know even less if I'm wrong). Not many swords were made in 1936; this is a bit unusual. Not possible to tell from your pix if it is traditionally made. Here is a care & etiquette site; please read it twice. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm Cheers, Grey

The only thing that makes sense to me is Seki Shoshin. Probably above my pay grade. Grey

The mei is Munechika. Grey

Hello, name please, This is an older, Samurai sword; made well before WWII. I notice that someone has been cleaning the fittings and this is a huge mistake. DO NOT DO ANY FURTHER RESTORATION/CLEANING/DAMAGE! Here is a link to a care and etiquette page; please read it twice: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm I cannot overemphasize this; anything you do to make the sword better will only make it worse and may kill it. The sword is in rough condition but it still could be quite valuable. It needs to be seen in hand by someone with a great deal of knowledge and who is honest; we won't be able to tell you much from your photos. The white material and rattan cording on the scabbard are not original; they were added to keep the scabbard from falling apart. If you would like to ask questions you are welcome to give me a call. I can also make suggestions for proper preservation. Grey Doffin 218-726-0395 central time (in Minnesota).

I think this is Noshu Seki Fukuda Sukemitsu. However, it doesn't match with either of the examples included in Fuller & Gregory. Grey

Afraid I have to agree with Ray; I doubt the swords were made in Japan. The mounts look to be a mix of low end older and modern; I see nothing of any quality. If possible you should see if you can return for a refund. Grey

My copy doesn't have the problem. Grey

Give me a few page #s; I'll check my copy. Grey

Since Markus doesn't have access to Mr. Fukushi's photo archive he has to use scans from Token Bijutsu, from the originally published articles. The photos aren't great but they do show more than enough to justify the cost. Brian, since these books are print on demand you might find that they will be printed by a shop in SA and postage will be minimal. Have you asked Markus what your cost would be? Grey

Heisei 16. 2004. Grey

Here is a hammer I had on my site a while ago: http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/other/swordsmiths-hammer Grey

Hi Hamish, Contact Markus: markus.sesko at gmail.com, and he will get you a copy. Cost is $40 a volume plus post for members of JSS/US or NBTHK American or European branch, or $60 per for non members. The book is print on demand, which means it will be printed and mailed by a shop close to you so weight shouldn't matter. Volume 1 & 2, both on iron, are currently available; volume 3, Kinko, is in the works. Grey

The picture is from Fujishiro's Nihon Toko Jiten, Shinto hen. Unfortunately, I think the sword is gimei. Grey