ROKUJURO

George, you can add your name to each post via your profile. That makes it easier to sign. The legibility of the MEI could be improved by better focusing and by showing the photos tip-up (and without HABAKI). When using deer antler (or bone which is basically the same material), cut the pieces in a way that they have a sharp point on one side. The material won't damage the steel.

Dwayne, the KOGATANA blade seems to be signed BIZEN MUNETSUGU, but the HAGIRE is no desaster. These blades can be replaced easily, in case the flaw bothers you.

Hi Dwayne, Nice and in good condition, as far as I can see! I like the blade shape and especially FUCHI and KASHIRA. MOKKO TSUBA (not Mokka) is neutral in design and fits nicely, too. KOZUKA (not kazuka) shows probably FUDO MYOO (not Mayoo) could profit from a competent restoration as it looks a bit worn/rubbed. A nice package all in all!

Bruno, on a KANAYAMA TSUBA I would expect some pronounced TEKKOTSU. In case you dont't find them on your TSUBA, it might just be a later one with a similar design.

Brian, sorry, I can't read it, but construction wise it is modern/vintage. That does not mean that it might not be a pleasure to use it in the kitchen after a good polish!

After a closer looks, I think I see two stylized birds.

Stephen, yes, I thought so also, but it is not really pronounced, so we have to see the whole blade.

David, it might be helpful to see the underside of your MENUKI.

George, can we see the whole (naked) blade and details? The MEI is not everything.

Nice blade, but too much oil on it.

HAMON is probably HAKO-MIDARE.

You have a PM

It is all about the basics of NIHONTO. Artur may be a gifted craftsman, but if you look at the (admirably professional) sketch of the OSORAKU TANTO, you will immediately see that HA-MACHI and MUNE-MACHI do not align. The angle of the horn AIKUCHI style mounts (FUCHI and counterpart) is wrong and they look more Chinese than Japanese. I do not criticize the attempt of making a KOSHIRAE but one should be conscient about the limits when originals are involved. I have always admired craftsmen who forge blades in Japanese style and completed them skilfully with mountings, but one should not touch authentic blades without a full and proper traditional training. .

It may well be from his grandfather in case he was only five years old.

Omar, I read the attribution as KASHU MASAKUNI.

It looks as if someone had tried to enhance a MEI on a very corroded NAKAGO. Even if I could read it, I would not be sure if it was the original MEI.

I would have liked them probably more without the random gold paint. (I hope that was respectful enough?)

Stephen, your TSUBA has indeed suffered from heat! Amazingly, most of the applied soft metals are still in place! You are right; if you look at TSUBA lots offered actually at cheap prices in the internet, there are probably more fire damaged TSUBA among them as they cannot be sold elsewhere.

NARA TSUBA: https://japaneseart.eu/portfolio_page/tsuba-nara-shigechika/

Stephen, scale on TSUBA might occur as fires with the related damages were not rare in old Japan, but I didn't see many TSUBA with scale. Do you have some samples to show?

Hi Grev, to me the KASHIRA (damaged?) looks indeed like a thatched roof with vines like Clematis, and I see the same subject on the FUCHI (bamboo fence with vines). The second MENUKI (both cast) seems to show a SENNIN (TEKKAI?).

Could be KANEKUNI.

7309, please sign all posts with your first name plus an initial as is requested here. In case there is no rust, your blade could be a stainless steel Naval one. Do you see a stamp with an anchor in a circle on the tang? It is not impossible to find a set of mounting parts (KOSHIRAE) but many blades have been made partly by hand and may have a differing curve (SORI) and length (NAGASA). You can do a search ad here at NMB with the length of your blade (from tip to notch on the back) and SORI. Please inform yourself about the features and terms of swords so you know what to look for. I wish you success!

BUNGO TAKADA

SAME-NURI TSUKA.