Ken-Hawaii

I own several blades almost twice that old, so, yes, seriously. Not very unusual, as the Muromachi period was almost constant wars, so many blades were made.

So, a katana, & quite badly pitted. Too bad, because the sugata is interesting. Looks Muromachi, so at least 400 years old.

I'm far more interested in your French saber! I've been a fencer for even longer than I've been studying Nihonto.

Steve, sugata is the shape of the blade. If it's two feet or longer from the notch to the tip, it's a katana. If 1-2 feet, it's a wakizashi. Looks like a katana, from its proportions. My guess is that it's been in salt water for awhile, & the only help you can give it is to cover the cutting area with some oil.

Nice tsuba, Mark. None of my references or study have ever really explained the specific differences among Onin-Yoshiro-Heianjo. Elliott's writeup, http://www.shibuiswords.com/heianjoshoami.htm also tosses in Shoami & Kaga for early inlays. Helen Gunsaulus' 1923 treatise on Japanese sword mounts also addresses Fushimi & Tempo, & Gary Murtha's book goes into all three schools. But none of these really identifies jidai. So, Onin is as good a kantei as any.

There's something about the sugata that bothers me, Steve, but I can't put my finger on it (after 1/2 bottle of tasty Australian Shiraz). Does the blade fit in that saya?

Although it's already done, please do not ever polish/clean up a blade! Unless there is active red rust, send the blade to a qualified togi (polisher). Here is what you should follow: https://to-ken.uk/resources/sword etiquette.html Is Ankh your first name? If not, please post it in your Profile, so we know how to address you.

Eye of the beholder, & all that...👀

I think it's even harder to determine validity of a tsuba mei, than a sword mei. With a sword, at least you can check sugata, & other characteristics.

I've used homemade leather seppa on several blades, with no problems, Mike. With all the humidity out here, things "flex," & leather is perfect to keep a blade tight.

Thee are quite a number of Tadamitsu listed in Sesko's Swordsmiths A to Z. As far as jidai, please post photos of the completely-bare blade, so we can see the sugata.

That's because it was a small image, & I had to blow it up, Adam. Looks pretty crisp, otherwise, but thanks for pointing that out.

Thanks, Manuel!

Thanks for a translation.

This may be a good first study piece. Mike, as it's part of your family history. But, from what's visible, it's not a collector's item. The early Kamakura blades have been around for nearly 1,000 years, some of them looking like they were forged yesterday. And please be aware that Adam's identification is based solely on the mei. Considering that the vast majority of signed blades are gimei (fake), take a long, hard look at the blade's other features, to see if they support his finding. But, the only way to be more certain of its provenance is to send it to shinsa, where you will get their opinion, & possibly authentication papers.

It's not functioning as a link, Mark, but the site update is so new, I don't know why. Interestingly, I can't even right-click & copy it. The problem with these auctions is that they seldom have good-enough photos to make an educated decision on buying. THere's also a buyer's premium (20% in this case), plus shipping that usually isn't expert on swords. So, participate at your own risk.

All blades are identified by their nagasa, Mike, which is the distance from the tip to the machi notch. Without being exact, a tanto is 12 inches (30.5 cm) or less, a wakizashi is between 12-24 inches, & anything longer is a katana. I'm sure someone is going to nit-pick, but this will do for the moment.

Actually, JP, a cheap borescope is ideal for checking inside saya & shirasaya: https://www.amazon.com/Inspection-Fantronics-Waterproof-Borescope-Adjustable/dp/B071HYRPND/ It's saved me time & money, several times.

Mods, how about locking this until Brian is up & about?

Rich, I'm sure that the ether is positively vibrating, with all the good wishes we're sending out to him!

Yes, it is. Just remember that a little oil goes a long way, & a thin film will work just fine.

Logan, if you're looking for an inexpensive maintenance kit, https://www.amazon.com/Musashi-Japanese-Samurai-Maintenance-Cleaning/dp/B01AP55K18 But I don't recommend using any uchiko, except the highest-grade from sources like Bob Benson, if you use it at all.

Mike is right. If you enjoy the blade, buy it, knowing that your eye will forever be drawn to that umegane, or whatever it is.

That is indeed quite lovely, Mike. Wish my budget was as sword-friendly!

The system just kicked me out, for no reason. I logged back in & got Error code: 2S119/1, which I reported. Looks like I'm back, but now can't turn off Bold.