Daso

Wow, Thanks. I need to get this down.

Stephen, Thanks, Which one of the 4 images is the Yoshikuni (so I can try again) ? Are there any particular Yumoto or Dobree books I should be looking for?

Hello All, So I printed out the Rich Turner Kanji sheet and I printed these photos and even reduced them in size so I could run each character along side the list and I don't know if I'm blind, completely missing things or just don't have the matching skills I thought. Here are three auction swords in Gunto fittings, one has an unusually short cut off nakago (shorter than I've seen so far) and the others are hard to read. Is it me or are these decipherable? Only on Unknown mei #1 photo do I think I read (and only partially) Naga , couldn't read, Shi, Masa, couldn't read, couldn't read Couldn't read. Very frustrating. Any tips on an easy way to compare signatures? Thanks, Darius

I can say that I now obsessively try to stop at all yard sales on the way up to my country house "Just" in case? So far, maybe there was a collectors barbie doll but no katanas

Thanks. Nice site and photo info.

This is absolutely true. I actually use stings finely coated with kevlar to reduce the need to wipe down strings after use and reduce corrosion. Strings are stainless steel or Bronze.

Once again, I should not write anything prior to having two coffees and shut off my autospell. I guess It's Paws for now and I definitely wopuld not want my claws scratching the Tsuba

Now that I am starting to add some Tsuba to my collection from both an etiquette and prevention standpoint, can I enjoy my Tsuba holding it in my bear hand and enjoy it that way or do I have to do the white glove thing? Does one only don the glove with the most fragile (a contradiction in itself) or older pieces with risk of sweat from fingers doing damage or just enjoy and wipe down if necessary. I understand this with a blade, but Iron Tsuba seems less of an issue to me. Just curious so I don't make any faux pas in my travails and encounter with Tsuba in the wild.

Chango, A very thoughtful response, Thank you. In other segments of antiquities, condition is nowhere near what one experiences in Japanese swords. Half of the vaguely attainable Medieval swords of the iron age are pretty much rust buckets, but hey are still beautiful. Authenticity remains a question across all antiquities period. People jokingly say (but close to truth) that half of the antiquities in museums are fakes themselves and no one can tell the difference. Hard to tell when the faker made it 100 years or even 500 years after the guy that made it 3,000 years ago! Overall, I wouldn't buy antiquities on ebay either but I see your point. Still, So far it looks like even if real, by the time restored and time in, just not worth it yet for me unless really really cheap.

Hi Gabriel, Thanks appreciate it and look forward to our next one. It was a very positive experience bringing in the new sword to the last meeting, I left feeliong good about my purchase.

thanks, As much as I actually use eBay to sell items I get bored of especially Quality watches, I need to keep the word katana and Tsuba out of my search fun. I do like to look up the Smiths listed but need to keep it at that. I need to go to the Metropolitan museum of art here and look at their swords soon

So as i started off the safe route, i remain curious about all the $499 Waks out there with signatures but no papers and the read the boards and reactions. Does everyone by a an ebay sword expecting Gimei but hoping that for the price it is still another decent smith or hope that by some chance its real? Also, are the Japanese just unloading junk to the US and im seeing listings from Croatia commonly as well (is there a reason for this). There are so many waks on ebay one feels like just checking one out for the hell of it. Im still not prepared to waste the money when ive already seen a few more reputable dealers items at goodbprices. You see some dealers from Japan with 2,000 positive reviews but are the people buying leaving excellent reviews 1) shills 2) clueless people 3) reasonable reviews Just some thoughts. Darius

Gwyn, Can't find these anywhere, they seem to be discontinued. I thought the eight could work. Thanks, Darius

Sohei, Nice Idea and it give you choices on quality.

Rokujuro, I had anticipated that as a distinct possibility and would never want to disrespect the meaning and or idea of the Tsuba or sword and as long as I am not committing something grossly disrespectful, then I personally take pleasure from looking at the art that I have. Many of the collectors I know (not of Japanese arms) proudly present their pieces in one of their rooms so that they can be enjoyed. I realize that I am of the Western way on this matter but I guess that is how I enjoy and the return that I want of my investing in these items.

Has anyone seen a furniture grade display frame that might hold 6 or 8 or more Tsuba in a manner that you could nicely display it hanging on wall as art that you can appreciate all the time. I've been looking but just don't see anything. Cant be that hard to have made, but always easier to find one for sale. Thanks, Darius

Thank you for putting it in a perspective that will now be part of my thought process. A continally learning experience.

If it hadn't been for the guidance of some very helpful and knowledgeable people, I would have been less confident. As the papers don't attribute the sword to any particular kiyomitsu, does this automatically throw it into a mass produced or bundle blade category, or is it possibly the work of a better Kiyomistu unrushed per the needs of the time? or is this the quandry of many an unsigned et documented blade? (barring signs of poor workmanship, which I would anticipate would not allow it to receive Hozon papers?)

sorry, I meant missing firing match lock mechanism. I really like it and would love to display it alongside my swords.

Mark, It was functional but part of the wheel lock is missing.

Thanks All, at this point in my career (Nihonto career that is), I find it hard to want too much more from a sword at this particular time (Wakizashi next). I have always been attracted to simpler Hamons with very clean lines and based on it's estimated age wonder how many polishes it could have had while maintaining such heft and health. I guess I'll learn. Comments and questions to come. All your help has been amazing. Waiting for my Tsuba to arrive to present alongside it. Darius

Hello All, I have been concentrating on Swords, but saw this little guy at an auction and was curious whether it was a dime a dozen piece or unusually ornate?

Thank you, I plan to study it closely and very excited about it.

Now, I know I could have studied longer, but I decided to purchase my first Katana with the advice of a few of you on the board and some outside help for my birthday gift to myself. It is a beautiful Katana (In my eyes). It is in flawless condition and papered. Mumei Kiyomitsu. It is not fancy, it might be a mass produced blade, but it is nevertheless a simple, strong meaty blade with no flaws that is a pleasure to stare at and I anticipate to now spend more time reading with my sword at hand (or cautiously nearby) until the day comes that I learn what my next sword will be. Some photo's (not the greatest, sorry). Thanks for all your help and I'm happy to be part of the community. Many of you have been astoundingly helpful.

Thanks. ken, I didn't know if that reddish rust on the tang gave away fire.