Ken-Hawaii

Hey, Peter, do you happen to train in MJER?

I assumed the blinding powder was propelled by black powder - lung power wouldn't do much propelling with something that big.

That's remarkable, Grev! Of my 57 tsuba, only three are papered. Now I can understand how you can write such good reference books.

Yurie, I think the tosho in the photo should be "Naomitsu"

Held in the mouth, with black powder going off? Truly a weapon of last resort! But the Sanada were known as being very sneaky.

Good luck with the x-rays & shots tomorrow, Stephen. Wear a mask!

Ah, fresh eyes caught what I was trying to puzzle out.

If they are starting with satetsu, then almost by definition, the result will be tamahagane, whether or not they are using modern techniques. I think the kudos belong with NBTHK for making it the old, tried-&-true way.

Agreed, not premium. I don't know what the blade attribution is, but the fact that it isn't signed should keep the price quite low.

"...and failed to be killed"? An odd turn of phrase.

Please post photos of the completely bare blade, as that will indicate when it was made. Looks interesting & nicely made.

Don't feel bad - you're not the only one who has run into this. These days, I just buy from seller whom I trust.

Robert, next time, you should post tsuba in the Tosogu section.

Red rust is eating your blade!! The black rust is the good type, as it is stabilized.

Check out https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?page=89&order=field_smith_start_era_value&sort=descIan. But be aware that the blade may be gimei.

Welcome to NMB. Please tell us your first name so we know how to address you, and you need to sign all your posts with it. You have what appears to be a wakizashi, in rather poor shape. I can see what looks like a hamon, but the blade isn't in good enough shape to say very much. I suggest that you soak a rag in oil, & wrap it around the blade to loosen the rust. The red rust is active, & needs to be removed with a piece of ivory, antler, or something similar. Don't use sandpaper, or anything abrasive. This link https://to-ken.uk/resources/sword%20etiquette.htmlwill tell you about the etiquette of handling the blade.

Chigo, like a boy's blade?

It's 7.3 cm, Piers. Does size matter (no pun intended)?

Looks like he's a broker, Barry. I don't see anyhing that he sells directly, but he's sure collected a lot of books.

It does look sort of like that, Piers, but I don't understand "Tokugawa beginnings." This is an eBay tsuba, by the way, but one I was thnking of bidding on.

Good find, Barry - thanks!

It sort of looks like small plants, maybe bean sprouts, but I really have no idea.

I like it, Peter. I'm sure it looks great in hand.

I could never buy one of those, now!

Not mine. Just laughed when I saw it on eBay.