Ken-Hawaii

Welcome to the forum, Sam. Glad to have you aboard, & we're looking forward to seeing photos of your sword. Feel free to ask questions, & contribute what you can.

That's really what I was wondering, Piers. I had the impression when we met him, that they were working separately.

Yes, Paul (via James) is correct. Shinsakuto are priced amazingly-high in Japan.

Any luck on finding out about Yusuke's father, Piers?

And so the possibility arises of another ana in the nakago. Good luck with the NBTHK, Piers.

The top one is quite nice, Piers.

Not sure I agree on the need for polishing. It doesn't look that bad, so I'd invest in shirasaya for long-term storage, & get the tsuka rewrapped, for about the same price.

Always great to see a success story, Georg.

Mike, you've jumped into a very-deep pool. There are many book recommendations on NMB, but let me point out a couple that should work for you. John Yumoto's "The Japanese Sword" is probably the easiest to absorb, https://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Handbook-John-Yumoto-ebook/dp/B00ATLAZEQ/ I also recommend Paul Martin's "Facts & Fundamentals of Japanese Swords" https://www.amazon.com/Facts-Fundamentals-Japanese-Swords-Collectors/dp/1568365837/ And, of course there is Nagayama's "The Connossseur's Book of Japanese Swords" https://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book-Japanese-Swords/dp/1568365810/ For under $100, you'll have a library that will last you for many years. But, frankly, where I would start is with the free, on-line university-level couse by our very own Markus Sesko, https://markussesko.com/kantei/ On the boshi, komaru is a short curve, omaru is a larger curve, & hakikake looks like broom sweepings.

If I were Gary, I'd be quite satisfied.

Great oshigata!

You've put together one hell of a fine collection!

Lovely blade

Why Ando Yusuke, & not his more-illustrious father?

It takes someone in South Africa to find a mailing service here in the USA. Way to go, Brian!

Adam, why don't you agree to disagree? As a Professional Engineer for the past 50+ years, I just don't see what you do.

I've not seen any tanto signed tachi mei, Chris. Fred Weissberg is the local expert on tanto, & he may have different info.

No argument, Juan. But remember that eBay is a jungle, & ignorant buyers get what they pay for. I'd hate to see a newbie get burned, but if it forces him to find NMB, then maybe that's a cheap lesson.

That second blade looks fake, but I agree that the first one could pass most of my filters. The nakago is strange, mostly because it shows zero age. At least he marks them as Japanese Style Samurai Swords.

That sugata looks Kanbun, not Muromachi.

Our world gets stranger each day.

That leaf design is superb, Piers! I've saved the image to my library

Muromachi.

I like the tsukamaki (braid on the handle), & am amazed that all of the pieces of this tanto have stayed together over four centuries. Yes, an excellent find.

Are you charging for it? If not, you're okay to use the diagram, at least over here.