Jussi Ekholm

Well as I've done some nightly reading I thought I should add to this thread some excellent general information found in the Koto-kantei book. There is a lot more info in that book regarding katate-uchi, I'll just quote a small bit. A small checklist would include: Blade length roughly between 1 shaku 8 sun to 2 shaku 2 sun Short to fairly short nakago Mihaba with little tapering Sakizori

Are you looking some specific information or general information on them? As you've noticed information in English on them is pretty scarce online. The couple threads on this forum and Shibui Swords are pretty much the only ones I'm aware of. However I have intrest of this type and have some literary sources which contain information about katate-uchi in English. You will want to check Koto-kantei by Markus Sesko, also Nihonto Koza and Yamanaka Newsletters. If you have some specific questions in mind I could try to seek the info from my books, but if it's general information you seek I can't help but to provide those above sources for your study.

Well I've been doing some small scale studying of Tensho koshirae bit by accident. On many days I've found myself looking at the pictures again and again. I've found the Uchigatana no Koshirae book being a fountain of knowledge in form of high quality pictures and koshirae book by Markus offers literal help, along with this thread and few other book & Internet resources. So much great information on this thread and I'll ask again few questions, along with bit of text for discussion. About the pictures Jacques posted earlier in this page I would say none of them are Tensho koshirae, and I'll give my reasoning, more experienced please correct if I'm wrong. 1st pic Juyo Bunkasai daisho is actually Momoyama koshirae, made in flamboyant style typical to this style. The daisho is number 36 in Uchigatana no Koshirae and number 54-55. in Kanzan Sato's book The Japanese Sword. On one Japanese book it's described as Unryu makie shuzaya daisho. 3rd pic daisho is Banzashi-daisho, which was evolved due to Tokugawa regulations. This exact example is featured on many koshirae books. I would say 2nd and last pic are not Tensho koshirae, as they lack many typical features that have already been listed here. Then my questions of Tensho koshirae start. I know that Jean mentioned that not all koshirae made during Tensho are Tensho koshirae. I would like to ask about the rarer forms of Tensho koshirae, and how they will classify, of course you can't (nor you should) classify everything in tight boxes but as a novice it helps a lot. I would classify all 3 of these above koshirae as Tensho koshirae, would that be wrong? 1st Gangi-maki example is not the most typical in regards of tsuka but saya seems to be as it is in more traditional Tensho koshirae, or does it indeed pre-date Tensho koshirae? 2nd Akechi koshirae is usually classified as subtype of Tensho koshirae I believe? And 3rd one is more typical Tensho koshirae although the saya color is bit bolder than usual. Then about aikuchi uchigatana koshirae, I would say 1st is Momoyama koshirae, 2nd and 3rd are Tensho koshirae, would that be correct? About the tsukamaki styles used in Tensho koshirae, I believe it's usually tsumami-maki in leather or doeskin and I believe according to Zusetsu Nihonto Yogo Jiten the openings are style of chubishi or nagarebishi. But there are some examples done in different tsukamaki styles. For those intrested in Tensho koshirae, I would recommend Uchigatana no Koshirae by Tokyo National Museum, as it is stunning reference book for period koshirae.

Hoping to score bit under 5k mark, possibly bit over it after the taxes I will have to pay, but most likely I can't afford a purchase this year (hopefully next year). Well as a student this is a lot more than I should spend on swords but you just can't fight the passion. The upside of taking a lot of time to save for a piece is that I make a lot of choosing and studying on the meantime. I currently have a "wishlist" of about 5-6 different swords that I keep an eye out for. Hoping that they will still be around when I have saved enough. Of course during the saving some drop off the list when I find to me more appealing swords. But I agree there are so many good deals to my eyes around, that given the financial opportunity I would immidiately snatch one of those swords in my list. Choosing which one of those I'd actually want would be another tricky thing, so many good swords around.

Well I can't help at identifying it as I know next to nothing on tsuba but I can provide a picture of fairly similar design. And if you look at Skip Holbrook tsuba at Grey's site there is also on quite similar design: http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.c ... ata-hikozo I kinda like simple designs like this.

Unfortunately, even I knew who would be the seller when reading the OP, and I'm a novice who does not focus on gendaito... I agree with Lee, there are lots of very skilled smiths in China, and their work sells for very little money (apart from the few big names). Some Japanese smiths have been teaching Chinese smiths in the art, and of course skilled artisans can make very good work. Lots of forges in China have recently started to make their own "tamahagane" swords as there is a demand for these in the western market. Some of these are very good based from the pictures (I have not seen one in person as they cost more than I would spend on Chinese made replica), and for some of them they issue their own certifications in China. When the forge says for the smith to sign in traditional manner, he writes the mei like Japanese, I've seen Chinese made custom tamahagane swords being signed for Heisei (and to be honest I was very confused to find a mei that had Japanese name, saku and dated to Heisei, when the sword was made by Chinese forge). When Japanese smiths have taught the skills to good Chinese smiths, it's no wonder we get good Japanese style swords from China too. Of course now the possibility of fresh gimei swords is maybe bit higher. And as the paycheck of an average Chinese smith is very little, yet they are well skilled. I could easily see the good Chinese smiths making some gimei swords. There are good smiths in Japan, Europe, USA, China etc. the only difference is that good smith earns a lot less in China. Like I said the work of the very few top Chinese swordsmiths sell for very high prices, but there are plenty of good smiths who don't get much. Of course the cost of living in these countries is very different but I strongly feel that good Chinese swordsmiths are much underpaid to relation to good smiths in higher cost of living countries. I'm not saying anything on the seller referred in the OP as I do not know him.

Some info can also be found on The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Sword, and Yamanaka Newsletters provide the most excellent data about sword lenghts in different eras and schools. There are other good books as well. You might also enjoy this article by Alexander Takeuchi (hopelly the link comes out correctly as I type with my phone) http://www.buildingthepride.com/faculty ... of_wak.htm

I think it's always a good idea to include your location as I find that very valuable information. If someone for example needs help, when you see their location, it's much easier to point him towards someone local or otherwise the best possible help if they have included their location. And of course it's easier to meet other members. And if someone happens to visit Finland, feel free to message me beforehand, I'm always happy to meet other collectors.

I think we can reach the 100 copies fairly easily if the price stays so incredibly low. I voted 3+ as I was thinking of 5 sets, 2 for myself and 3 to local collectors in Finland.

Well like I said earlier, I bought the original English version, and if there will be one I'll buy a NMB version too. So for me it's not a problem if new set comes out. I'm not sure how many have actually read Markus's Index, but it is fantastic. When you pick it up you can see how much work is involved to this project. If the NMB edition can somehow be printed much cheaper than original version, I would be happy to see Markus earning more profit than from the original. Personally I can't really see for under 100$ / 2book hard cover set happening. Or maybe the printing costs next to nothing? I mean how could that leave any profit to Markus for gathering all this valuable data? As I started collecting at very young age, I've definately realized this ain't a cheap hobby. I think there are just investments you have to make, and I think Markus's Index is one of those investments. When I was young it took me quite a while to save up for the Hawley's, and I've never regretted that buy. But now as of last year when I bought Markus's Index it has pretty much replaced Hawley for me, of course I still sometimes use both of them, but Markus has gathered so much more data in his Index. That being said I'd be happy to get a copy for the 180$/set like Markus said, I'd rather pay more money for better quality. But if same quality can be achieved for 100$/set and Markus is ok with that, then why not. And then the important question, how will this NMB edition differ from the original one? As I already consider the current one being good quality for the price. Will the new one be just the same book offered at cheaper price? Some things I might suggest. If we do a NMB limited run, be it 25,50,100, would it be possible to have them numbered X/25? As a collector this would make it feel even more unique opposed to a regular set. Like has already been suggested high quality gloss paper would be great. I'd prefer high-quality hard covers without dustjackets, but I know some like them. But I'm voting towards the deluxe version, even if it costs more. For the postage cost calculating, the current set weighs about 2850 grams. As I suppose the printing would take place in Eastern Europe the shipping to Europe would be cheap, but international shipping might cost a bit.

It's a good thing to come to this forum, as here you will probably get some of the best information you can get by Internet. I was just pointing out that members here can offer you excellent insight on the sword, far beyond what I could. And by lazy I meant I just painted my own post and pushed ctrl+c, instead of writing a new answer. So it was me who was being lazy, not you as you are correctly researching opinions on it. Sometimes as a non-native English speaker everything might not come out as I'm intending. But you are doing the right thing, as this forum is specialized in authentic Japanese swords, and the other is very general and broad. People here can probably offer you much insight on the sword.

Well I don't know anything about printing but I'm a book nut. I bought the hardcover version of Markus Index from BoD and I am extremely happy with it. I would have gladly even paid double for it, it's just so great. Back as a kid when I bought my Hawley it costed twice as much, and has very little information about the smiths. Markus has made phenomenal job in data gathering and this book is excellent. I'm just old school, turning pages with your own hand beats staring at the screen. I'm not a fan of digital versions and I'll gladly pay for a good book. That being said, I'll sign in for a NMB limited edition of the book if there will be one, and move the current edition I have to my parents house, so I'll have references at hand everywhere I go. I'd rather cast my vote on maybe more expensive option. Smaller high quality bundle, like I said I have no idea when it comes to printing. I'm already more than satisfied with the current hard cover I have, but if you crank that up in quality... It will be phenomenal. Maybe it would be a good idea to explain those of us (like me) who don't know the differences about digital vs. offset print. Somehow digital creates an association to digital (computers, mobile devices) in my mind, while I believe it means higher quality?

I'm lazy so I'll just copy what I wrote on that another forum, you might have already read this post though. Members in here have much more knowledge to further help you. I agree with the space Lee, that's why I initially thought there would be 5 characters. I was also thinking/guessing it might be late Muromachi Kiyosada. Here is a mei reference and information from Fujishiro. (note the gap) Kiyosada, Nio, [Eiroku 1558 Suo], sue-koto, chujosaku He is the last of the line of one extended family of Nio, his works are mostly katana, ji is yowai, hamon is sugu hotsure. I have not seen any superior works, and this may be because he made a great number of uchimono (kazu-uchi mono).

Adrian I will recommend getting a copy of this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Japanese- ... 54-1937109 It's an excellent book which will teach a lot of the craft of the Japanese sword. Hopefully this picture will explain further what Chris explained earlier about retempering.

Well others have already expressed the general consensus regarding this. And I agree that attempting restoration on antique sword by yourself is something I never recommend or do, that is a job for professionals. Of course I understand you have to begin with something, but I don't see antique/valuable swords as a starting point, as there are plenty of inexpensive Chinese copies to practice with. However as you have already done the foundation polish, I don't see the finishing polish causing any more damage to the sword, as the time consuming finishing polish will only add to aesthetics. The pages 99-142 of The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing by Setsuo Takaiwa, Yoshindo Yoshihara & Kapps discuss the finishing polish in detail. I wish you would have picked up that book before attempting a polish by yourself. As reading the book makes you understand how fine art the Japanese sword polishing is. As today we don't use swords as weapons any more, I think it's best that professionals restore them in order to keep them as healthy as possible for the future. But as the polish is already done, keep it oiled as freshly polished blades can attract rust fairly easily. And I think that The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing is the best book/resource in English that describes the polishing process of the Japanese sword.

I'm not good with photoshopping so I'll let someone else do it. And more experienced can advice you more on differences. Here is another one: http://www.tsuruginoya.com/mn1_3/f00160.html

I must say this is interesting koshirae indeed. Not really my taste, but I like oddities. Could this be called akagi koshirae or ukyo tsuka with handachi koshirae? My sources state that ukyo tsuka came in fashion as a trend in the Kansei era 1789-1801. However I have never seen kozuka mounted on the tsuka like this. I'll eagerly await the answer if this is modern assembly or possibly an old koshirae.

It can be a very nice project. You can see in some threads that forum members have made amazing stands. Unfortunately I lack woodworking skills, but even I have managed to make a decent very simple stand for katana. I just usually keep my mogito in it as I don't consider it worthy of anything else (and I lack tablespace), but I switched to real thing for this pic. Good thing about very plain design, such as that above, is that you can easily alter it's design to hold different sized swords. The hardest part for me was the shaping of the holding parts, mine are like rounded Y-shape and actual holding part is U-shape (but bit crude due to my lack of skill). I decided to go with solid base design and not creating legs.

All information I can add as fellow novice is information that's on books. Sesko's index lists 1 Kanenaga during Showa, Gifu (so it's Mino province), civilian name Yamada Chozo, he studied from 1936 at Watanabe Kanenaga's training site and worked as rikugun-jumei-tosho, he died February 19th 1971. And Hawley lists KAN 1691, Mino, 1937 and 8 points but no further information. So getting more information of RJT swordsmiths might be good way to start. Here is a some information on RJT, http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/gendai2.htm But more experinced members will probably soon give more insight on things and help you out.

May I ask where you live, as that might improve the recommendation options, as people might know someone near to you who might sell suitable kake. Token Bijutsu Kogeisha has multiple stand designs and could pick one that is of your liking: http://www16.plala.or.jp/katana-iimura/ ... ord%20rack They also list the width of the rack part for easier buying.

Thank you very much, I have gotten many answers from all over the world. And the answers will give me much valuable data for my research. I will intend to provide English language translation of the collector view analysis of my work (the history of nihonto part has been covered so much better by more knowledgeable men in English) when it will be finished. Of course this will not be professional level work, but I believe that there might be a thing or two which might evoke some discussion on certain things. But I have to say that it's been very intresting to read the answers, and I hope I can provide fairly good qualitative analysis on it. I'll be taking answers for at least a week or two more. Then I'll have to fully kick in the analysing part. But nihonto community has again been great, people among this hobby are always very nice towards others.

Thank you very much for all the answers so far. In regards to free online survey sites, I have to say I wasn't aware such things existed. I tried to create two different online forms using our schools survey tools, but I wasn't happy with either of them, so I decided to go on with more old school approach. Even though I'm a child of the Internet age, I'm just old fashioned in so many ways. And personally I'm not a big fan of clicking some of multiple options in surveys, free fields allow more precise answer when needed (of course free fields can be made on those online surveys too, but my Internet-fu wasn't strong enough). I know few questions might seem bit out of place, but I'm planning writing my work in the way that it will be bit "narrative" (I can't explain it fully in English, but I'm aiming at least parts of it in this way so even those who do not collect nihonto will not bore when reading it). As we have only very few collectors here in Finland, I'm trying to aim the final work to be easily readable by all who have some intrest in Japanese swords. But the answers I have gotten are really great, and exactly what I have hoped for.

Hello all fellow NMB members. I am Jussi Ekholm from Finland, I have been pretty quiet in the forum, as I usually just read here because I rarely yet have any real information to add to discussions. Over the years this have been a learning place for me, but I do intend to post more often in here in the future as I learn more. Some might have also seen me in other sword forums in the Internet. I've been studying nihonto since I was 16, and now that I'm nearing to finish my BBA studies in Tampere University of Applied Sciences, I had to choose what would be the subject of my graduation work. As my love for nihonto is so great, I started to think how I could combine nihonto with business studies. I came up with an idea of creating a small market analysis on nihonto market, and to my surprise it was accepted. We have very limited amount of information about nihonto in Finnish language. My goal is to provide some light to that, as I intend to give this work to our small nihonto community, antique arms communities and several martial arts communities for free. Of course my work will not be much, but I hope it might inspire someone new into nihonto world. Brian was kind to let me use NMB to help get in touch with collectors. I have included here a small and short 15 question survey, which I hope many will answer to. I tried to keep it short and questions so that they'll allow me quite easily to analyze them as a group. Of course I will protect the anonymity of all those that answer, and I will be the only one seeing the answers. This survey is very basic in form and the questions are also very general. There would have been hundreds of questions I'd love to ask, but I tried to ask those that would give the most help in regards to final work. The final work will include general information about nihonto and nihonto market, collectors view (based on this survey) and a dealers view (I will be doing a worldwide survey to dealers as well). I'm not sure if you can PM me back the answer document, but you can email the answers to me at jussi.ekholm@hotmail.com If you have any questions or thoughts feel free to post them here or by PM or email. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and here is the small survey. Nihonto Survey Collectors.doc

I agree with others, this book is a real gem. I especially love how there is so strong focus in pre-Edo koshirae styles, as they intrest me the most. Like Paul said this is a must have, so much excellent information in this book.

Here is that whole page from The Sword and Same. Most are from Tanki Yoriaku 7 is from Gunyoki 12-13 are from Token Zuko 14 is from Gioku Seki Zasshi I've tried that style 3, that can be seen better on Keith's 2nd drawing. Although I haven't got a yoroi to test it with, only on top of regular clothing. I really liked the style, felt just like wearing tachi.