james skinny

Mark and Stephen, The information is REALLY appreciated as is the resources on how to get a better grip on the kanji reading. I find it more rewarding to do the grunt work myself when looking for some information that I need, you guys have given me some really good reference points. Can the same be applied to the tsuba, and the menuki on the Katana? I look forward to more discussions on this board with you all! James D

Thanks for the information Mark. Where could I start to learn more about him? Is he the blade smith? Please go easy on me, i'm still very new and inexperienced in this world of nihonto! James

James, the last three are easy what are you using for kanji pages _________________ Stephen C. Stephen, for reference I'm using what's been posted on this message board by the other members. I inherited this sword from my father who lived in Japan during the second world war. Don't know he came about it, but upon his passing away two years ago he gave it to me. He kept telling me it was an old blade and to do some research on it, but being a full time college student plus a husband and father, I never really had time to do so. I'm currently on break until mid-june and since then I've been putting in some serious hours learning the basic parts of the sword, as well as trying to get a hand on how to read the kanji (neither of which comes easy!). Could you tell me of any other referencing books / pages that would be helpful; I think I may have found a rewarding new hobby! James

Hello all. I'm new to this message board and would like some help with a mei I'm trying to translate. I think that I have most of it, but since I've never done this before would like to know from the more experienced posters if I'm on the right track. I'm pretty sure the first two kanji indicate that the blade was made in Bungo Province. The third kanji looks to be "Kami". I am stuck on the last three kanji but believe that the 4th and 5th could be inscribed as maybe 'kosho'? the last kanji I have no idea. Attached are some photos of the nakago and the mei inscribed. Any help, as well as other points of reference to further my knowledge, would be greatly appreciated! James D