Alex A

Found this Mizuno100MonmeStory.pdf (to-ken.uk)

Great collection Gary, whats the bore size on that hand cannon, looks massive!

For me, “Kanmuri-otoshi-zukuri”, was the starting point. Then trying make it all fit with the details in the blade Not easy, as mentioned there is not a lot of info

The file marks look right for a Kane- Being honest though, not overly keen on the way the mei looks, might just be down to the rust pitting though. Dont spend any money on it Yann. Make your next one (if you do) a blade that has been polished.

Hello, your pic of the mei is not clear. looks to be signed Kane? It looks very slim, my first thought is that it is maybe the end of a longer sword. Difficult to tell from its condition and images.

You can occasionally find blades that come with some history of ownership and also blades from the late Edo period that come with an inscription of the owner, rare though. Found one example, not a wak though........... Katana:Bizen Osafune(after that unclear) (Sukemitsu) | Japanese Sword Shop Aoi-Art (aoijapan.com) Be good to find more examples of both, but not got time today

Wouldnt get too fixed on Utsuri, Bizen wasnt the only one.

Being honest, that was my first thought too, and can tell you i definitely didnt google the words “Jussi” & “Naginata”

The first thing that made me think Koto was the 2 mekugi-ana., zooming in one looks larger than the other. Im not saying this is factual but something that rang a bell as to what ive come across over the years, just an inkling Once you get an idea in your head its difficult to back track Well done to the new guys above for having a go, good answers. Think some folk are scared to look bad and get it wrong and avoid these kantei. For me, being wrong goes hand in hand with this hobby, even Shinsa get it wrong!

Tough one, could take me all spring Im going all out NBTHK and saying Den Tegai.

Aye, give us a bit of time on this one Cheers

A beauty, a lot to like about it.

Very nice!. Thanks for showing it.

Remember trawling through Ebay quite a few years ago looking for a Fuchi for a rather large katana. I cant tell you what size for a wakizashi but looked at hundreds described as "Katana" size, never forgot 39mm as thats what the majority seemed to be. For a Wak, 37mm rings a bell, maybe ? Not an exact science, just my observations.

Only knew Darcy by what he wrote here, his website, and emails, just me mithering him with newbie questions and the like. In a vastly different league to me, but he was never on a high horse., had great respect for him. All that, and never even know what he looked like Just his words. Condolences to his family and friends.

Il certainly keep an eye out

Aye, couldnt be further from the truth!!

Shocking news, really sad to hear. He was a gent , a really nice guy, we will miss him greatly.

No expert here, but just some thoughts, difficult from images Well, Nakago certainly looks Bizen 0,5cm thickness and worn at hamachi, gives the impression of quite a few polishes/age. Am i correct in saying the hada is tight?, not much to see?, Mokume?, Utsuri? Does the patina on the nakago look natural? Always presume its gimei, especially if you picked it up cheap. You be best showing someone with knowledge near you. They made blades at the end of the Edo period to resemble very old blades, not saying yours is, just a thought. Kuwana blades (ksky.ne.jp)

I wish, maybe go into a basket and off to the "best make an effort with this one" room.

If its an antique and 100 years old then why are they confusing things by adding another code for even older antiques? weird

Wise, by those that do it. Maybe even pictures of the package, showing description, before its shipped. Sending items worth £1000s through the post, not too much to ask for. And actually, the description is the first thing i look at on receiving a parcel!!!

Had a few dealers in the past email over the description for confirmation before they ship. Wont buy without this in the future, better to be prepared for any hassles. On a few occasions had sellers totally ignore what i wanted them to state on the parcel and just put what they thought best. Never said anything due to the item arriving safely though. Wont be any more like this, has to be right, we got muppets at customs!

Nightmare. Do you know exactly what was stated in the description on the parcel? Just wondering if inadequate and customs missed your write up

Leave a gap, force it and you might crack the saya. This advice from a guy that makes shirasaya, just leave it as Brian mentions, see how it turns out. Ive had this and it sorted itself out in a matter of weeks, eventually just goes in easily. Adam, for an handle that wont come off. Hold blade with a towel, find heavy square table leg, gentle tap backwards. Never failed Or use the proper tool Grey mentioned!