Kotetsu1959

George, Prices and quality do vary widely. Matched sets are obviously going to command a premium, as will gold foil seppa. Also, in respect to old Japanese seppa, as Rob observes above, there are many more smaller ones than larger ones. There are sometimes good deals to be found at shows. As with swords, the quality and quantity are diminishing. Timing and luck loom large. If you check the link Bruce posted, you will see that the price is $20-25 apiece rather than $25 for the lot. A nice large seppa that works for your needs is a bargain at $10, and perhaps worth considerably more depending on how well it fits and looks. For odd military seppa, I would say $25 is on the very high end.

David, You have picked out two nice wakizashi, either of which is a better choice than most folks make when they catch the bug. The input you have received urges you to first ask yourself, why you have to make a decision tonight? Could there be an even better choice that you will enjoy more if you take a bit more time? As has been pointed out, there are many nice swords searching for a home. Don't get in a hurry. There is always another train, and another sword. Don't wait forever, but don't rush. Knowledge is your friend, and it is your best friend as you begin collecting unless you are incredibly lucky to have a true mentor in this area. One exceptional mentor in the Dallas area, Keith Evans, is no longer around. He was was a person of great knowledge and integrity who had the opportunity to study and learn while he lived in Japan in the early sixties. We used to have a small sword study group, but Keith passed away and the other key member returned to Japan to live. I saw there was an Austin based group mentioned, but it does not look as though they are very active. There are a good many opportunities to examine Japanese swords in the U.S., but they will probably involve some travel. There used to be some sword shows in Dallas and Houston, but no more. Sword offerings at most gun shows are pretty poor unless you are extremely lucky. Get some books, and take the time to travel to one or two shows so you can see and handle different swords. You are more likely to select one that will hold your interest in the long run if you take more time to study.

This book arrived today and has already been the source of value and enjoyment. Thank you Mal for getting this book to me, and for the considerable effort involved in researching this very useful source of information on Mino-to. Swords of this school pop up often at shows. I should have acquired this book long ago!

Malcolm, I would like to purchase this work of yours, and will need to pay you to ship it to me in the U.S. Will you please private message me payment details so that I can get you paid? I look forward to learning more about Mino swords with your help!

Please let me update this post to say that I am offering only the English descriptions/ explanations --Single Volume -- of the three volume Masterpieces set, which is apparently the most difficult to find of the three volumes. The price for this single volume, with the English translation that sets out what is illustrated in the two Japanese language volumes, in slipcase and excellent condition as pictured, is $350 or best offer. Thank you again Brian for your most valuable input!

Brian, It has been too long since I pulled this set out. I have two of the English translation volumes, and thought I had two complete sets. I will revise what I have listed to show I have only the English explanations volume for sale. Thank you very much for your helpful input, which has perhaps saved me from foolishly splitting up my set!

Yes sir, the text in these two volumes is Japanese. But, as Harry “Afu” Watson used to say, the pictures are in English. The volumes are a very nice quality overview of Biden school work. Hopefully we will reach the point soon where AI offers a high quality translation of works like this one.

Good looking sword Dee, It appears to have nice length, despite being trimmed a little. Happy for you and your sword! Ray

This is a sword I own Michael. It shows the classic Mino features of irregular peaks and abundant nie. I plan on submitting it to shinsa.

Thank you very much Michael and Moriyama san for your kind translation assistance. Enjoy your weekend!

Thank you Moriyama san for this helpful information and interesting photograph!