almeister

mmmm ........ OK Thanks Eric ! Cheers , Alan

Hi Eric , That's what I meant by the jibber in my last post on this thread , If you have a certificate & the blade - the certificate normally states some dimensions/characteristics of the blade . If these are consistent with with the blade on hand - then one would have an extreme argument to their case that the certificate was for that blade . We are assuming the information given is correct , if so - it could appear that upon 2nd inspection by Shinsa it was considered Gimei . At the end of the day - if the above mentioned is consistent & the blade were to be Gimei - this person has a blade & certificate which is gonna fool anyone Cheers , Alan

Hi Chip , In the unlikely event that you have purchased a blade by " The Masamune " ( from memory - active somewhere around the 1300's - he is the smith who evolutionised the way blades were made for strength/flexibility back then & his ways are still practised now ) I have a documentory dvd where the host goes into Masamune story - the hosts stated that " all " Masamune blades are considered "National Treasures" & also stated that many collectors had sent them back to Japan because of this ( ?? - whether or not they were paid a considerable amount for returning the blades - wasn't mentioned ) As stated you're facing the same odds as winning the lotto to stumble across one of these . However I'm sure there may be the odd one or so out there that someone isn't willing to give back . It would also be interesting to get some feedback with regards to the statement I quoted from the documentory - as I've also heard there's a Masamune blade on display at a museum outside of Japan as well ? Welcome to Nihonto Chip ! Cheers , Alan

Wow , Interesting story Adam - Thanks for posting . Darcy , Interesting Concept/s behind your theory , However , IMHO - I'd have to go with the majority on this one . You explained the geometry of things to well & that was probably your worst enemy behind your theory , as the geometry /differences of the angles of the pictures taken /difference in lighting /appear to be consistent with the changes to the nakago that you see , eg -chips on edges / misalignment of characters /discrepancies in depth of characters /discrepancies in corrosive & other areas of nakago - this is backed up by the visual location of the mekugiana in the pictures - as pointed out to you by the other members . This exercise could even be replicated by using a simple block of timber that has grain chips etc .. change lighting conditions & angles & it could easily look like a different block of timber . It would also be good to see the certificate & the rest of the blade - in case I'm missing something - this appears to be based on the nakago only - Hope there's no hidden tricks to the story ! Cheers , Alan

Possible heat treatment / noticeable difference in the width across the blade around that same centre area - unless it's the photos ???? Would certainly suggest serious consideration before purchasing . Anders , at the end of the day - this is ann odd piece , do you feel you'd get your money back / or even any offers in time of sale ? It's in a flea market - how long has the owner been trying to get rid of it ? All the Best ! Cheers , Alan

I repeat Possible crack ( within the hole itself at twelve oçlock ) - then following up to the side of the nakago - possibly consistent with mating up to a seemingly visual file mark ? Hard to say without having blade in hand ! Cheers Alan

Hi Jean , My attention is drawn to the nakago for obvious reasons , understanding that a cutting test is added post blade manufacture , the area at the mei itself has obviously been effected by corrosion or hammer peining / whilst above the signature nakago good ? I don't understand what they actually do to the nakago when it comes to adding the cutting test / whether or not it is acceptable to clean ? I would be certainly concerned in purchasing this blade without authentication from shinsa ! PS : In the lower picture of the nakago ( on the mei side ) could that be a hairline crack at 12 oçlock within the mekugi ana ? Or are my eyes playing games on me ? Obviously You've seen something wrong ! Cheers Alan

Thanks Mariusz . Exactly the point I was expressing , I had a blade polished through John & He said "Irrespective of the myths etc .. of the powder - do not use it on this blade - strict instructions by the polisher himself ! " Different styles of polish out there - a full polish is a serious amount of money - Do what is suggested by someone who has been instructed directly by the polisher ! In most cases / or if in doubt - just a fine layer of oil ( once a month ) - as you well know "no touch by fingers - human sweat is probably one of the most corrosive things that can effect a blade/ polish . I use the Good Old Singer Sewing Machine Oil - cause everyone else I know in AUS does ! Cheers Alan Cheers Alan

Steve , Excellent first blade - sold by A Well Respected Dealer in Aus !, If you have any queries/questions on maintenance of the blade - just contact John - as he would have studied this blade thoroughly - prior to sale ! Enjoy ! Cheers Alan

Steve , Here is Dougs' link : http://www.guntoartswords.com Sorry - couldn't find it at the time . Cheers Alan

Try Doug ( NMB member - Austo1) I have had one done by him a while ago - "More than happy with the job ! " Hopefully , he's still doing them ? Cheers Alan

Blair , Call John ( Nihonto Australia ) PH # 0417642921 - directly dealing with the Japanese for many years - he will tell you all the ins & outs ! Cheers Alan almeister

Totally Understood Jean & Thanks ! It was just a suggestion - as Brian posted : length 21 inch -overall ? (obviously wakasashi) I thought perhaps if he went into more detail - it may help the other members -( Appreciating the fact that everyone is viewing this via "fair" quality photos ) more try & time the era of the blade . As it stands - it looks as though everyone is just grasping at straws/guessing/arguing - however , this in itself breaks boredom ! . Brian probably needs to consider sending it to Shinsa - however would it be advisable to send a blade like this to Shinsa in its' current condition ?- totally understanding that "MEI" is quite legible - however many debates happening with regards to the actual Ken itself - could it be considered an indecisive certificate as well ? Nevertheless , Brian - keep your hands up & keep swingin ! You're on the Right Path Now ! Wakasahi are good for hallway/toilet combat - I truly do love the Katana/Long sword - The ultimate hand held weapon "without gunpowder" - My opinion only ! Thanks Guys ! Alan almeister

Perhaps , more dimensions of the blade Brian ? Including the "Bare Weight "of the blade ! As a general rule - the way I know it , generally the older the blade - the lighter the blade . eg - most koto I've seen are generally lighter than the shinto era or modern blades . Just a thought ????? Cheers Alan almeister

Way to go Brian ! At least some positive feedback - for a change ! The examples of mei & hamon given - look the part . Some damn Good Advice given from the other members . Weigh up initial cost +polish+shirasaya & ask yourself if You would be able to redeem costs in times of sale - If not "See how You Feel !"My first nihonto I still have & I will keep for sentimental value at this stage . Say Goodbye to Showa To for now - You're on the Right Path ! All The Best ! Alan almeister

Brian , Keep your chin up & fingers crossed ! Looking forward to seeing pics of blade . Cheers AlanK almeister

Pics of rest of blade & fittings etc .. Please Karl Cheers AlanK almeister

The mei is all legible Irrespective of level of certificate the blade was given at Shinsa , Sadakazu an Imperial Court Artisan - would alone be reason enough to send the blade to Shinsa - to prove its' authenticity . Being a tanto - it also wouldn't be "overly expensive "to polish . What would you have to lose ? Cheers , AlanK almeister

Hello Gentlemen , Bruno - Thanks for your feedback , The nagasa is 27 1/2 inches , the width in front of the habaki is 29mm , the yokote is 19mm , the kissaki length 28mm - Cheers George - Thanks for your feedback , Some photos of gunto mounts attached which are weathered & quite ordinary ( these are what I aquired the blade in ), some photos of current koshirae /civilian since polish of blade to preserve condition - Cheers Cabowen - Thanks for your feedback , It is a nice narrow/shinto style type blade for a gendaito & certainly a little disappointing for the corrosion on the tang as some characters appear illegible Morita San - Once again Thankyou for your assistance/advice with the translation ! I will also study the avenues of sending the blade to "Shinsa " Cheers , AlanK almeister

Some more pics Cheers AlanK almeister

Morita San , Here are some pictures Cheers AlanK almeister

That is " Great Information " Morita San I Sincerely Thank You ! I'm trying to put together some more photos to give you a look at the blade & perhaps a clearer shot of the lower characters that are hard to make out - however I'm experiencing some software problems at the moment . Please bare with me until I'm able to do so - I will attach the photos to this same post when possible . Thanking You Again ! AlanK almeister

Morita San , Thank You ! The dates certainly seem consistent with Your Translation ! Will endeavour to get the photos of blade through at nearest convenience , I acquired the blade in Gunto Mountings - I wonder if the blade was specially made for an officer ? A Big Thankyou For Your Help ! Cheers , AlanK Almeister

Morita San , First of all , Thanks for your photos of Kanenori you posted on the board ! The blade itself, is in full recent Sashikomi polish & could be considered "Flawless " I tried to include photos of the blade - however size was too big to post - I will get my friend to wave the magic wand to try to pass some pictures along Thanks Morita San

Just a few more pictures.