AndyMcK

I would say 80/20 on gimei, strikes on the wakizashi look shallow to me and some discrepansies in the kanji. But it could also be the light and photo. Antti

Hello Bojan is this the same blade? I think people can get a better view from these. And a note, this is for sale in FB group so might want to share that information as well if the seller is a member here. Br, Antti

Eric, if I understand you correctly, you are about to begin the training? If that is so, you are not in a hurry with acquiring sharp blade to train with. Learn technique on both before attempting to use sharp one. You will also learn from your sensei what kind of blade you will need if he is worth his salt. Good luck on your training! -Antti

I think he has obviously adapted the Japanese way of not putting himself on a pedestal. like said, he is a star and a good example what anyone can do with enough will and hard work. Wish I had enough to achieve what he has! Keep up the good work Paul-sama and inspire the rest of us! -Antti

Makes me think that I sold mine a bit too early. -Antti

I wonder if the typos are correlated as the location is quite likely in the ballpark... http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/23941-estate-find-shin-gunto-miromachi-period-blade/ -Antti

Thank you both! Have to do some research a bit on the koshirae and the fittings. The overall condition is nice, only mouth of the saya has damage. Br, Antti

Greetings all and especially people versed in fittings! I recently acquired a blade with a koshirae and would like to have your opinions on these fittings. All information is appreciated! Br, Antti

There looks to be one under the string if you look closely. Otherwise probably "normal" axe fixing with a metal or hardwood splint struck down from top. Antti

This is the information the curator at NBTHK told my contact in Japan. "No 347 MASATOSHI It may be 2nd generation Masatoshi but they can't be sure because late 1st generation has same type of MEI. It is very difficult to judge if it is 1st or 2nd on MASATOSHI. Usually NBTHK doesn't make judge on 1st or 2nd unless the Mei has clear and enough reason to judge generation." Antti

Thank you Darcy, that helps to narrow down the search! Antti

Well they did pass it as Hozon, but still waiting to see if they attribute it to specific generation. I am not so experienced even with examples on the internet to contradict their call on it. I did find two examples (atleast the other looks clearly the same) of what seem to be with similar yasurime, courtesy of Markus helping me out earlier on the mei. Antti

And forgot to add the measurements of the Masatoshi: Full length: 92,8 cm Nagasa: 71,7 cm Nakago: 21,1 cm Kissaki: 3,5 cm Sori: 1,5 cm Moto: 3,0 cm Saki: 2,0 cm Kasane: 0,7 / 0,5 cm It came with a custom gunto koshirae and numbered tsuba/seppa. Has some mei on the tsuka on the wooden mouth but cannot make any heads or tails on it. Has a silver mon that points towards Totsukawa. Also one photo pre polish added. Antti

Hello folks! Have a few questions on a blade that passed the last NBTHK hozon shinsa. Partly inlight of Joe's recent sale (he is trying to make me go bankrupt!) I am trying to assess possibility of selling the blade to fund a purchase and upcoming trip to Japan. So, I tried to find references on the 1st and 2nd generation Masatoshi sales, but not such luck, or poor skills on my part in finding one. Curator in NBTHK told my Japanese contact that the mei resembles more 1st generation than second but they didn't rule which one it is so looking for 1st and 2nd generation examples. If someone has purchased one (either)recently I would really appreciate a pm on the matter. Also if someone is collecting Mishina blades, you are most welcome to contact me. After getting sufficient information the blade will most likely be found in the sale section unless someone is faster. (will honor the donation either way) Any help is most welcomed! Br, Antti

Damn, missed that totally! Would have been good to bid on them as I wouldn't have to pay the 24% tax when inside EU. Antti

Looks like photos from eBay seller showa22? -Antti

It certainly seems so.. =) I was suprised positively with one blade and disappointed by 2 others.. And I would bet some cash on the two passing if I resend them to NTHK. -Antti

Francesco, the shinsa results from NBTHK should be in now, I got information few days ago. -Antti

Shigetsugu looks interesting... Joe you checked it out yet? Antti

Weeell, if not negotiable, good luck with the sale. Rather interesting rise in price even if he is to be National Living Treasure... Br, Antti

Jose, this one is purely a decorative blade, if it would be functional one (iaido etc.), it would be in koshirae, not in shirasaya-likeness product. I highly doubt this is carbon steel and to claim so without certain knowledge might lead to accidents if person starts to "test" it accordingly. Like stated earlier, even a little study from books or browsing through this forum will make it easy to spot obvious non-Japanese copies or straight out fakes. Nicole, good thing usually on these copies is that you don't go bankrupt even if you make an unwise purchase and trust me you are not alone. Br, Antti

I would try to arrange something with Paul as you are close to him when he is visiting in UK. Hold on tight and dont do rash decisions. Antti

That is really a WOW! I imagine the price is also a wow? Antti

Nice blade! Although if it is the same as in the link above, I have to ask if the price you have set is very negotiable? Antti

Very sad news... my condolences to all who knew him. Antti