Alex A

I will just give one example, my own opinion and want to make it clear im no expert (as not wanting to upset Jacques) Constantly read over the years about Tadayoshi but in all honesty, i would rather own a TOP NOTCH blade in the style i like by a lesser known in that school, Tadakuni. Seen enough online and in hand over the years to form that personal opinion, and thats all it is. Thats just one smith, pulling out a list that covers every era i would find impossible.

For me, too much enthesis on top swordsmiths shadows those that are as good or better than those in the limelight. All personal opinion, and limited knowledge/experience can only take you so far.

Parcelfarce wont insure anything described as antique. Maybe try someone else like UPS or as mentioned, hit the road.

Personally Ian, that one looks easy to live with.

Shouldnt laugh, but the worry getting that through our customs might see one off Would love see their faces.

What we need to know here, does the mekugi ana hole line up ?

Put them in touch with all illegal arms dealers we have in UK, they will have a field day No seriously, put them in touch with places like Lanes Armouries etc, broaden their horizons, Antique arms is a big attraction here, not just coin collecting and train spotting.

If what they are saying is the case, imagine how many tens of thousands of antique arms would be needed to be handed in Your dealing with someone that does not know the law and has fenced themself in behind their own ignorance and stupidity. I would see a solicitor and do what Brian says.

Once tried a light machine oil and that went beady (beady a word?) So went back to using a gun oil thats never caused an issue. Some long episode threads on various oils, worth having a search .

Im more concerned about leaking pipes than the climate. If your going to oil blades you only need a TINY amount of oil.

Well done, very lucky. Great line of smiths. Keep an eye on the blade for any scuff lines appearing where fit may be slightly out, dont take much, surprisingly.

Its crazy, they still owe me money for an overcharge but its that bad trying to speak to them, i cant be bothered, life's too short.

Thats what makes it interesting Colin! Reminds me of the time someone told me we need a time machine to know what is what.

As mentioned, difficult even from good images Folk often never jump in and are conservative with opinions. Seen folk in past wanting all positives for a quick sale, sell it, then buyer 6 months down line buys a shinsa loser. All from images, dont expect too much

Hi Colin, look at other examples of shortened Nanbokucho blades, places like Aoi online museum, then compare what you see to your blade. The patina, mekugi-ana, then you will know what i am referring to. Not really looked at the entire blade, just something that stood out as unusual when i first saw the image of the nakago When something dont quite look right, best to be cautious Im not saying it is not Nanbokucho, not saying it is Nanbokucho, just something that stands out as a little odd.

Great start, thanks Jon.

Ive seen it written about decent blades that were signed copies (kuwana) and ok tourist pieces in mediocre koshirae Ive never seen anything written and quite put my finger on it but think at the end of the Edo period, a boat load of blades were knocked up just to confuse Thin, not much material used. Crude nakago Lack of detail and dodgy lines. Dont fit any school Not talking about the blade that started the thread, just something Brian mentioned. Maybe someone knows more about these oddballs

Looking at this image at the start of the thread, nakago looks unusual to me too, for a nanbokucho blade. As in that it does not appear to have the age.

In contrast to recent import hassle threads, it would be good to hear from anyone with some good news. Any recent ones throw them in too. For anyone wishing to do so, list......... Country that blade was shipped from. Courier used. Whether Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto etc. Time it took. Take a good while maybe but lets see how it works out.

Good news Nick, which courier did you use?

tough one, last time i saw a description of Odachi was Lanes Armoury, Anything they have you would need to see in hand.

Understand about the shipping cost saving Tony, but perhaps in future just one blade at a time. Maybe too much for them to get their heads around it. Only takes one narrow minded individual down at customs to put a spanner in the works. Whilst some, like us guys enjoy old antique arms, there are those that find it unacceptable or strange in this "modern" age and may get a kick out being a pain and feeling all important. Either that or just inadequate with work skills, which dont surprise me as lately with cost cutting in all lines of work, seems to be the norm. Only yesterday got a tiny reminder, this hobby aint for everyone, Good luck with your swords.

Hi Paz, good to hear of your success with UPS, been hoping for that with those guys All a mystery to me this particular issue, never seen anything as bad.

Whoa, its not that bad!, most stuff gets here ok. OP, must be said, BAD idea ordering more swords without resolving your initial issue first, looks like they have you red flagged. Saying that though, sure you will get all your items back when you have your day in court.

Im just wondering if the circle Sukashi was added later, as the edges dont appear as worn as the butterfly, maybe just the image though ?