Alex A

What Ed said As you describe it as a crack, then you get points of view regarding a crack. Hopefully as Brian points out. maybe something else.

Think we have all learned something here Piers, i had no clue they used Urushi on those cannons.

Hi Francis, sure someone will chime in with regards how stringent Shinsa is on such a crack As its in the mune and on the nakago then maybe you might get away with it, but i don't know. You would always have to disclose the flaw with regards selling in the future. In that case, is it a blade worth sending to Shinsa?

That's interesting Sam. Know of all the Katana that are now waks due to breaks but pretty sure that's the first time i have ever read of a definitive break at that point in a blade that actually happened to someone. Darcy once described it as a fulcrum point. Cheers.

Hello Obviously the sword will never be used in battle or for cutting but if it were, would you want to rely on it with a crack in that position? Swords are known for breaking at that point. That's my thought.

Think maybe best not showing stuff to your mentor in future As said, think it looks great. As time moves on and the finish becomes less new and shiny then as Jean said, folks will think it was made years ago. For me, its not about perfection, its about just owning something you made yourself, no matter what.

No, part of the forum rules. I wanted a sales advert removed on another forum after it sold. Got a straight NO, i should have read the rules closer. Sometimes folks want stuff like this removing to hide details. Say if someone wanted to sell as Shoshin in the future to some unsuspecting novice. Of which we know there are many.

If that's how you feel then i wont comment on any more of your content and no longer quote you You be a gent and do the same with me, then we will get on fine.

What Jean said. Not even a clear pic of the nakago

Aye, i would have said the horimono would not taper off so much down the nakago on an Ubu sword. Used to own such a sword with Bo-hi running the full length of the nakago, used to think of it as quite rare as didn't seem to see so many about.

Well, i used to think that too, but depends. The wonderful world of where the hamon ends - Nihonto - Nihonto Message Board (militaria.co.za)

Looks fantastic.

Piers, no expert Though you can buy coloured dyes/pigment that you add to a finish. I bought some and they mixed really well with linseed oil. Used them on my cannon, tested on some old pine first. You could match to your existing cannon I think your doing a great job.

To me its nothing, If it were mine you not be getting that kind of price drop Surprising what you can find if you look hard enough, even when you think a sword is perfect, one of your own. Handmade after all.

Glad you like it Adam

Always find their prices ok Chandler. For the money the tanto seems fair This aint a sales pitch though, just like what i see We all have different tastes and budgets. For someone wanting a bang for their buck, for me this would be it. Yet some would rather spend their money on some unsigned koto pure foggy hamon tanto Perhaps someone looking to buy a Shinshinto Sukekane, Sukenaga or whatever may see this as a plausible and acceptable alternative, i would Horses for courses.

On a side note, a blade in choji was sold here some time ago by a modern smith and i was like WOW. Its a case of the blade being intact without many polishes compared to older blades. Its a compromise.

Aye, maybe Will add a pic for reference, if ok

I cant say if its a unique feature as cant remember and not looked into it but see it as a interesting blade anyways. Makes it stand out, perhaps a feature of the smiths work, but not searched. Cheers.

Stumbled across this blade, think its cool. Vaguely remember seeing circles within the choji before but never so intentional, 2 near the kissaki and 2 further down on opposite sides of the blade. Sometimes you just come across something different, interesting, nice blade. For those interested. Japanese sword Touken Komachi, Tanto, Shirasaya Hakushu ju Yoshinaga

When looking to buy old swords i guess one may have to make compromises. All down to personal taste and what you can live with. There's always alternatives for those that are picky and want perfect condition....................Shinsakuto. I like the sword above but I'm not buying it. Point being and i mean this with respect as i used to ask lots of various folks opinions when it comes to a purchase. Unless you are really sure for yourself and not relying on others then i don't think you can truly appreciate what you are buying. We all have varying biased opinions that may influence you. I think to be truly happy with a purchase one has to make the decision alone, based on what you alone like. That, with a good deal of research and time thrown in, so no rush. Many buy swords then change their minds, find a sword you will appreciate and keep.

Attacked You set up a ridiculously impossible Kantei ?, to suit your ego and not for anyone's educational benefit. Just one big contradiction of many You refer to an inch and a quarter of steel like one is mapping the Atlantic ridge The thing about this Hobby Jacques, as well you know. Its difficult to prove someone wrong as much of the time things are about as convincing as an airhostesses smile.

Don't waste your time Colin Jacques always has an hidden agenda

Masame, itame, though difficult to see. What do you want to know?

If Kiyomaro could be here today sat at a pc looking at it, don't think he would have got it either