Alex A

Looks like a fake mei was removed. Could do with dimensions, reminds me of Momoyama at first glance, not that im saying it is.

Suguha start reminds me of late Edo Bizen, so il go with that

A bit puzzled as to why it has taken so long to notice

Hi Jp, Difficult to come up with anything precise as points about this tanto jump schools. Im leaning towards Bizen, 1580, ish. Age backed up by the fact its seen some polishes. I like the fact a gimei has not been added.

Fair point Barry, would hope no one take a overzealous approach with anything like this, but you never know.

Hi Barry, its very fine and if used with oil and being very gentle it will not harm patina, not that patina is important in this particular case. This sword being a new sword with active rust

As its a modern blade, I would just get a rag and some oil, a gun oil with a rust inhibitor Wipe it down gently for a good good while. Where its deeper i would use a soft toothbrush at first, then use some 0000 steel wool with some oil on it. Undesirable, especially on a modern blade, your going to be left with some marks and staining, but at least will end up stable. DO NOT splash the blade, keep it covered Then keep an eye on it

He did me a good deal once, but not on Ebay. Be careful with Ebay and emailing about deals, they watch. Got another this week, thats no2, jeez, they made £1000s out of me over the years Activity on your account isn’t following policy: Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay policy Hello i$$$$,Activity on your account didn't follow our Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay policy. Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay, including sharing direct contact information prior to an eBay purchase, is not allowed. What activity didn't follow the policy Blah Blah Blah

Sums it up for me Chris, although always take constructive criticism on the chin, we all need it sometimes.

Makes a pleasant read Paul, Nice to see an experienced collector buying a "not a commercially viable" sword and giving a reason why. There is more to this hobby than trying to nail it with "a few outstanding pieces", a myriad of swords with differing details. Im ok with "good", opens more doors, like the sword you bought. Known experienced folk with great collections, but not all their items are "great", but thats just collecting. Sometimes, something attracts you for different reasons,

Dunno about that ?, see many good swords from the Edo period that are not signed, Ps, Rayhan. Think i saw your collection a good while ago, to me, not as impressive as you may think, but all personal choice (if you get my point) Buy what you like, good sword Paul.

Agree Grev, If someone's unsure about something then they certainly should not buy it. I certainly wont ship anything expensive if the potential buyer comes across as uncertain.

Think maybe there should be selling charge if folk are giving Brian extra work and dictating how he runs the site, only fair. Maybe add a disclaimer that he is not responsible should any of us get upset or by those that give opinions. Also, as regular sellers do, offer a return policy should some folk think they have been mislead in some way. Ban claims of higher papers by sellers etc etc, occasionally leads to folk being disgruntled. Not just sellers, should be strict instructions to buyers to, to do their homework and that they are responsible for their own purchases.

Frustrating situation. I would ask them if its possible they can pick up the swords and give a refund and hopefully do some business in the near future. If you do, pay by credit card.

Tricky these days, gets x rayed and no mention of a blade and it might have a knock on effect where it sits in a warehouse until they get around to it. Japanese Antique collectable walking stick , over 100 years old, tariff 9706.00.00.00, Relief requested (should it be so) Customs are on point these days, good luck.

I don't know nothing about them either Wim, I have one also, but more modern. Ive seen lots on Ebay, so guessing quite common, be good to know more.

Can imagine it being very effective, Tom Cruise certainly thought so.

Lovely, and reminded why I prefer shorter swords for study.

Tamahagane does have an effect on steel. Check out the modern smiths Akamatsu Taro. They make their own steel and ive read a few times on Aoi arts sale site that the blades they have sold by these smiths have a darker colour than NBTHK tamahagane.

Yes, but its finding the time to do it. Ive had a few guys round for prices but they seem expensive. If you read online and talk to people you get conflicting opinions on filters etc, some say you need a bottom drain and others don't. I don't want to go huge, just big enough for 4 or 5 , maybe 3 x 3 x 1 metre deep (to avoid predators) Whats your plans Stephen ?

one day i will again Stephen, they look great!

Not easy using images. Id go late Muromachi too. The blade appears to have seen some polishes, looking at the Hamachi, hamon and slender shape. Originally, don't look to be katana length Style of suriage, straight chop, think that comes under the heading "keicho" suriage. Id go with what Steve said above. Decent one too.

If your buying swords by looking at photos then i would advise you to buy from someone trustworthy and reliable. What exactly are you looking for ? Some good deals appear in the sales section here.

Nice blade Piers, looks very thick, koshirae nice too.

Il be honest Bruce, didnt really take much notice of the inscription. Must have been John. I suppose the point to my little exercise is this. If someone ever tells you a blade has its original late Edo mounts, its not necessarily accurate