ROKUJURO

Dwain, it is a nice and interesting blade that certainly has its history. The shape could indeed point to MUROMACHI JIDAI; I think I see a slight UCHI-ZORI. The signature (could be something like YOSHISADA) is less important than the general quality of the blade. Your TANTO can certainly be enjoyed as is, but I understand that you are also interested in its history. For more information: http://www.nihonto.com/the-tanto-%E7%9F%AD%E5%88%80/

BLAZEAGLORY, what is your name please? Often MEKUGI-ANA are plugged with lead. The blade seems in good condition, so a Japanese SHINSA will certainly be able to complete the MEI and tell the smith. If the seller (AOI ?) did not present it to a SHINSA while the blade is in Japan, you should be prepared that it might be GI-MEI.

Mark, as you wrote, probably some maker's mark. I think I can see something that resembles a YAMA (mountain) KANJI.

Jean, looking at the O-MINOGAME shell of TSUBA No. 3, it is surely a NOBUIE TSUBA!

Mario, a nice attempt, making MENUKI is not so easy. On the other hand, there are so many authentic MENUKI to be had!

Luca, I am not at all a HIGO expert, but when I compared your TSUBA photos to those I have seen from that school (mostly pictures), I find that on your TSUBA the design elements like the veining on the leaves are standing out boldly from etching, while on most other NISHIGAKI TSUBA they are executed as tiny grooves made with a chisel. Even more, the whole TSUBA has been quite clearly etched heavily which shows everywhere on the MIMI and in the layering. The experts here on the board didn't mention that so it might be a common HIGO feature, but new to me.

Chris, I think so, too. To me, this does indeed not look like a MEI. Wrong place, wrong writing direction also.

Josh, congratulations! That is a very good decision, I am sure! Welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of NIHON-TO!

Patrick, design element of the first TSUBA is possibly KAN (TANSU drawer handles). HOAN.doc

Brian, we have a translation forum where you might get a faster reply - in case the SAYAGAKI is at all readable..

Just a guess: KAZUMOTO?

NAKAGO looks a bit suspicious to me. What do others think?

What is your name please?

Patrick, why not buy this one from Steve Waszak: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/26353-iron-tsuba-tembo/ It has a very good size and quality, as far as you can judge that from photos. That would be my favourite!

Maybe we can have a discount if we take two or three of these?

Khaki kaki: 4.4mm Motorcycle haba: 28.5mm Rodriguez, I like the MOTORCYCLE HABA. Must be an old brand! Please do not put your blade (even when in bad shape) on a stone floor, and avoid making photos in the rain!

Patrick, have a look here on the board at http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/25446-owari-toda-hikozaemon-iron-tsuba/ TSUBA have sometimes been altered, but collectors prefer the original items with the traits of the maker.

Fine AMIDA YASURI is typical for TODA, the decoration may be a later addition.

Just a guess: SHIGEMASA

Grev, I thought it was iron! This was an important information, so I have to take my assumption back. My guess is now KO-KINKO.

Matt, Steve, thank you a lot for your efforts! I would never have come so far! Is there anything known about this smith, or is it a simple worker's signature?

Gentlemen, I was asked by a customer ('sword collector') for help with the translation of a SHOWA period blade. He sent me a number of photos, three of which I post here. Please correct my attempt of a translation (= NÔSHÛ no JÛ YOSHII (?) X HIDE (?) SAKU KORE). There is no date on the other side of the NAKAGO. A SHOWA stamp is visible below the HABAKI. Thank you in advance for your help!

The iron reminds me of HIGO, the slightly irregular lines say JINGO to me. A nice and strong TSUBA, I like it a lot. The ANA is of course original.

Sometimes one should not ask for more photos......

Alexsandr, first photo is not so good, so with some doubt, I think I read SADAYUKI. Second is KUNITOMO. As always, the blade's qualities confirm the MEI (or vice versa).