ROKUJURO

The MUSASHI TSUBA is fabulous, but I am too anxious to rob a bank!

Ken, we have an expert here on NMB, who has an interesting collection of these items: Piers/BUGYOTSUJI.

Grev, I'm curious. Can we see a picture of the TSUBA you like?

Grev, I can't help with the plant - I don't see bamboo as it is usually depicted in a different way. But I think the ANA have been made at a later date a long while after the initial production.

Eric, the blade has, as you see, some defects, and the signature looks redone to me at a later date. Probably, the blade has been shortened longtime ago and lost the original MEI (signature). . The mountings are not complete (TSUBA, FUCHI and SEPPA are missing), the damaged TSUKA (handle) shows an attempt to make a MENUKI. Market value may be something like € 400.--, but it is not a good purchase if you are interested in real collectibles. This is just my personal opinion; others may see this differently.

Charlie, if that was a question: one MEI - two (ore more) MEI. No plural form in Japanese nouns. Does the KANEZANE have a hot stamp at the end of the NAKAGO?

Bryce, if you compare with real SHINAE, you will see that your sword does not have them. I think it is safe to say that these are forging flaws from insufficient welding in the SHIN-GANE. I don't think it is a technical flaw that would have weakened the blade in combat, but it surely is an aesthetic drawback which might be the reason for the missing MEI in an otherwise beautiful blade.

Patrick, just a guess: first KANJI: KANE, last KANJI of course SAKU.

Crystal, is it magnetic?

Patrick, as Florian wrote, it is a combination of design, material/surface, and execution of a TSUBA, that can create a personal feeling, when you hold it. I find that in many early TSUBA with simple, but well balanced design. The respective TSUBA has to kind of 'talk' to you. By the way, Japanese nouns do not have a plural form. So it is always TSUBA, regardless how many.

Brian, I cannot see traces of a MEI on the photos, but if there was one, there is a way to make it visible by a special X-ray method. This is used by the police to track down handguns with a ground-out number. Please ask your friends at the FBI!

Mark, while the HAMON seems to be created by oil-quenching, the whole blade is obviously very carefully made. The MEI is really beautiful. I think it is something special and can very well be enjoyed.

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?