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Thanks Paulb Would this be an example of the books that you mention above (for the Shinto era)? http://www.lulu.com/shop/markus-sesko/shinto-shinshinto-kantei/paperback/product-20592413.html I do not mind investing money in good sources of study materials.

Now that I have a couple of swords to learn more about and start to gather more knowledge... I have one sword that I would like to ask the folks on NMB about. I received the Markus Sesko book (Shinto-Meikan) this week and have The Connoisseur's Book Of Japanese Swords on the way. I would like to know which Sesko or other book would give me the in-depth information on a particular smith. I can see where the Sesko Shinto-Meikan book may help me identify a signature but would like to have a book that would describe the smiths style and characteristics of craftsmanship. I have a possible gimei Hirosada that the new book helped with. The closest Hirosda in the book appears to be a 4th gen Hirosda. I have included pics for comparison and would like to hear what others may think. Thanks, Mike

JeanC. I apologize for that typo... from what i understand KANEMOTO was a MUCH better smith.

Ok, those links do help! Well... except that I feel stupid for thinking Noshu was a smiths first name LOL This is my 1st sword with "papers" so it will be a good way to learn. Sesko's book has several Kanetomo's listed and I found this link with noshu ju Kanemoto http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAN2597 but that was about it for information. I did try to read and find all that I could before I posted. I knew that the folks on NMB would have great information but I want to try to see what I could find 1st as "a learning experience".

Greetings everyone, I have a Kanetomo Wakizashi with NTHK Kanteisho certificate that list the mei as Noshu Ju Kanetomo, or is it something different in the picture below? Goes on to list other details as follows: - Period : Late Muromachi (1558) - Attribution: Mino - Eiroku 1558 My question is cannot find much about Noshu Ju in any information that I have access to and may need other sources of research materials. I see Noshu Ju Seki Kanetomo and others but not much online about Noshu Ju. Which book could I order that could have additional information on this smith? I would apperciate any comments

Nice type 98 Chris... congrats & enjoy

Congrats! How much of a pain was it to get to the US? Heavy custom charges involved?

Now that the site is back up and running... I wanted to thank everyone that replied. Very nice of the folks here to share their knowledge and experience.

Thanks right now it is a $500 learning tool it seems.

Thanks Stephen, would this blade be worth a polish? I will look into Kunitaro San ​ Greg, I have posted pics below. The only interesting item to me is the Fuchi... it is copper and has good patina. The scene is of a monkey, a water buffalo, rabbits, and maybe a rat lol. The Tuska looks new and the menuki are copper but are very simple in design. Let meknow what you think please. Many thanks, Mike

Ok, I may hang on to it and use it as a know better next time experience. I just wanted an antique blade and if it is 100+ years old I will hang on to it and move on to an upgrade later.

Ok, I expecting a good thrashing over this one that I picked up on Ebay. I did not expect to win and should have "bought books" like everyone says. Anyway, I bought this for the blade and should have waited until I had read more books. I may have 13 days to return this one and the clock is ticking. Thoughts? I have been pointed out to some good books and will order them soon. Suggested by a nice fella here on the site: Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Nagayama Kokan and some by Markus Sesko. The seller came here for the mei translation in November. In lieu of using this as wall art or a garden hoe... is this worth keeping or a total mess? I have been made aware that it has a lot of forging issues which I can live with as a rookie… However, if it s a “fake” and not what it was described as I may be able to return it to the seller via Ebay. Sellers’ description Auction is for an antique Japanese wakizashi sword. I've been told the signature indicates it was crafted by Fujiwara Masayuki, which would date it back to around the 1680s. Thoughts? Many thanks, Mike

Congrats on your new find

Over the long weekend I was able to pick up another type 98 at a local show. This one is in a little better shape excluding the fact that someone has painted the saya black at some point in history. On this one the Tsuba, seppa, and Koiguchi parts share the same number. The blade is ok but does not have any "waves" in hamon. Can some take a look and see if I have read the date correctly using information that I have found on the site? I would like to see if I am learning or not lol. Showa period (1926) 10 8 (1926 +17=1943) year 10th month (October) I have looked at all the smith signatures that I can find and still cant find the one on th new 98.