fatrat2

Definitely interested but cant confirm availability yet. Will try to as soon as I can!

Hi Yurie, Very interesting proposition indeed. Please keep us posted. Chian

Hi Ken, I dont have photos per se but am just wondering if machi okuri impacts the value of a sword of that period assuming all things else is a constant. I will get to handle it when i visit Japan in my upcoming trip. Chian

Hi, Am looking at a Momoyama piece and machi has been moved about an inch upwards. Nakago is still unaltered. My question is that if machi okuri alone devalues the sword in any way. If it does, how much (quatitatively or qualitatively)? Everything else on the sword is close to perfect condition wise. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Chian

Thank you again for the responses. ... also, kitae ware is generally more readily accepted for older blades. Why is that? Is it safe to assume that at the folding stage of the blade, the compactness does not transcend to the core? Therefore, polishing over time exposes more and more of the core, thus more separation can be seen? Or is it that the consistency of a well made sword is more scarce before Shinto times (aka not as ideal workmanship). This I must stress is not generalization of saying that Shinto blades are better but perhaps due consistency of raw materials and blade-making environment, the outcome of blades are more predictable during later periods? Therefore, well made Kotos are harder to find and thus more sought after by seasoned collectors? Chian

Thank you for the responses thus far. Maybe I am looking for something more concrete. It still is quite elusive in my opinion. I constantly come across words like ‘consistent jihada’, ‘bright nie’, ‘tight hada’... but how does one look at a sword and know it is ‘functionally’ sound. Does having a lot of activity constitute good sword structure? Or only if the activities confirm to a certain school then it is considered ‘good’. I am sure a Juyo sword has to be ‘well made’ but what sets it apart from the other Juyo’s and those that can go beyond that and pass Tokubetsu Juyo, other than conforming to said school and maker, coupled with provenance? *Thank you Raynor... borrowed the word ‘functional’ from you. It’s is apt. *I do have the book mentioned, Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords. It is very concise. But it is hard to apply when u have a few nihonto’s lined up in front of you and need to decide which one you want to bring home, assuming all have legitimate lineage. Apologize for the vagueness but I am being as concrete as I can with my limited knowledge.

Hi All, I am new to the collection of Nihonto. I have been searching within the forum on identifying or discerning the build quality of a sword in hand, but couldn't. Perhaps I have been using the wrong key words. Ignoring provenance and history, how do you tell by looking at the sword that the sword is well made? Other than the obvious flaws... or is it even possible to do that, but i assume you can because judging the build quality is part of the whole Shinsa process. I apologize if this has been discussed but as mentioned I couldn't find in the older thread(s). Appreciate your help. Redirect me if need be. Regards, Chian

Thanks guys, will definitely look into your suggestions. Chian

Hi, If I have one day in London, Santa Monica LA, and Las Vegas, where can I go to see/shop for books (specifically, Nihon Toko Jiten and Nihon to Koza) and nihonto? Thank you in advance. Chian

Thanks guys, now I know exactly where it is... Hi Chris, When you mentioned that only later swords have them, you are saying that this practise of leaving that portion of the edge unsharpened happened only recently, or that the older swords have already been polished to the extent where the ubuha/ububa is no longer visible, but they started with one anyway? Thanks... PS: Pardon me if I posted in the wrong part of the forum. Will be more mindful the next time. I guess I will just continue here until the admin moves this thread??

Hi Guys, I have come across this word, 'ubu-ha', but I still cannot put a finger on it, specifically. Appreciate if someone can explain and expound if possible. Thank you in advance. Chian

Hi Chris, U are so right about this comment, '...case by case'. I have been dealing with the Japanese [ed. by JS] for many years and this really struck a chord. Blind me, and I thought it had to do with limited vocabulary. I learnt something again today, albeit not sword related. Hi All, Thank you all for the comments. Learnt a lot, nihonto related or not... Truly humbled by the abundance of knowledge that lies within this forum... Chian

Hi Chris, U are so right about this comment, '...case by case'. I have been dealing with the Japanese [ed. by JS] for many years and this really struck a chord. Blind me, and I thought it had to do with limited vocabulary. I learnt something again today, albeit not sword related. Hi All, Thank you all for the comments. Learnt a lot, nihonto related or not... Truly humbled by the abundance of knowledge that lies within this forum... Chian

So, Eric, I see you would still classifiy this as a Gendai, even when the presence of Tamahagane or the forging process is not conclusive? Chian

So, Eric, I see you would still classifiy this as a Gendai, even when the presence of Tamahagane or the forging process is not conclusive? Chian