Kanenaga

The gold tier seems to be working, I would be ok to see multiple donation tiers. Like the gold tier, but add platinum and diamond, perhaps 2x and 3x? This forum is for a community that collects expensive things, some high-end collectors lurk, many (some) would be ok to donate more. Tier badges would be a constant reminder and encouragement to donate, even without a quid-pro-quo, and hopefully with less need for periodic pleas. Might be not too difficult administratively (actually, I know nothing about managing a forum like this one, but I'm sure it's more work than most of us realize).

As Jussi and others have noted, there is a wide range of Aoe craftsmanship, some swords are rather plain. Tanobe-sensei says #5 is an outstanding example of Nanbokucho Aoe, with dan utsuri. And yes, this blade was in the Aoe display at the SF show.

Add in one more? #5 ? Same vendor, same photographer. 74.2 cm.

"This is a hobby; it's supposed to be fun!" Ralph Bell, RIP

Here is the beginning layout out of the Aoe display at the SF show, prior to the actual hands-on viewing. There were 6 daito, 1 wakizashi, and 2 tanto. The sword committee seriously underestimated the attraction of the display. More than 100 people attended over 2 hours, 50 handouts disappeared early and so did other supplies. Kudos to the NBTHK-AB and the NCJSC.

Thank you for this scholarly gift. You are carrying on Darcy's tradition.

IMHO, if it's continuous with the boshi, and looks to be hardened like the hamon, I'd probably call it an extreme kaeri.

I brought a full-length Tensho koshirae back from Tokyo. Got a heavy-duty cardboard cylinder from HANDS (fabulous hardware store in Shinjuku area, they have different lengths and diameters) packed it with popcorn (they have this too) and newspaper, checked it in with the luggage. Arrived safe.

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.

To clean an oiled blade I sometimes use absolute alcohol, sometimes a microfiber cloth. Neither is very good at getting all the oil out of horimono. Does anyone know a better way to do this? Les

Not in my wheelhouse but a very nice package. Good luck with the sale!