Kanenaga

Robert Hughes works with a koshirae-maker who seems to do good work. keichodo@yahoo.com

Oh rats! (From an old thread)

It's my impression that a high proportion of Kamakura-period tanto have mitsumune, perhaps for the reasons mentioned above, or perhaps it was a fashion of the time. Also, I am aware of a Nanbokucho period Aoe daito with marumune. Come to the SF show in August and you can see it (and its friends) for yourself in hand.

New Year revelers?

Please excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is a kiridashi?

IMHO this was the greatest exhibition of nihonto ever, with more than 20 national treasures (kokuho) on display, and many "lesser" items. The Atsu Toshiro and the Nakigitsune were there, two of my all-time favorites. Those who were fortunate enough to see this in person will not soon forget the experience. Some friends and I were treated to a tour by Ogawa sensei -- lucky us. Thank you, Rayhan, for this and for the other great items you have shared.

One more by Naruki Issei.

Collectors of Shimizu Jingo tsuba are familiar with many kinds of weird hitsuana.

Kirill, What a wonderful treatise. Right up there with the commentaries of the immortal Darcy. Les

Is there a Professional in the US who could be consulted about hi-cutting? It's been my understanding that the swordsmith usually is the one who does this.

There's a sword show in Chicago at the end of this month. If you are serious about wanting the best info about your sword, bring it to the show and get appraisals from multiple dealers and experienced collectors. http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

Moriyama san, thanks for the video link. I wish I could understand it.

To be clear, we're talking about a shinsakuto. It has horimono but no hi. Regrettably, the maker is no longer living, so I can't ask him. I like the combination of horimono and hi, which I sometimes see (like the 2 below). Also, like many contemporary swords, it's heavy, so hi would lighten it. Just askin' tho.

I have a katana which does not have hi, but is "crying out" for bohi (or futasujibi). Is it ever reasonable (or feasible) to cut hi into a finished and polished blade? Les

Appreciate the suggestions.