Mark S.

A few on-line listings (usually for small items like shorter yari) will state something along the lines of “due to small size of item, no registration is needed and we can ship immediately”. Usually, the seller determines this on a case by case basis as they are ultimately responsible for getting item out of Japan. Best to ask them directly as to what they will/can do or not.

Thank you!

Habaki on recent purchase. 2 piece silver foil. Maybe clouds & rain?

PM sent

Working on it. I have only had a shirasaya made as part of the polishing process so have not had direct contact with him. Let me see what I can do.

I’ve used Mike Virgadamo Because everything is determined by amount of work, size of blade and if you have habaki or he needs to make wood habaki integral with shirasaya, you are probably looking at $300 to $600 (ESTIMATED) plus shipping (your blade to him and then the shipping back).

Thank you Mal. One of the Katsunaga blades you referenced was my first ever blade I owned and I have always been on the look-out for other references. I appreciate your efforts. Hopefully someday, we will get a better picture of who this smith(s) / shop was. These blades do seem to be outside the normal military system/channels and the wide variety of mei styles / blade styles / mountings has always been a bit of a mystery.

There was some good advice in this thread as well:

Thank you both. I will pass on to the owner.

Need help translating this… from another site. Last two are masa tsukuru. I believe first two are Noshu?

It was many years ago, and I am sure I have missed a bit of meaning with my poor memory, but at a Chicago Show presentation of blades, Bob Benson once said something like “a smith had to put extra care into making a tanto because you can see the quality or flaws all in a single glance. A long blade may vary a bit along its length, but a tanto must be perfect.”

Kinda like someone telling you they are selling a car, but won’t tell you what kind.

Just a bunch of ‘stuff’ all put together, and in the wrong order I might add. Blade might have possibilities, but lots of current issues as well.

Never too soon to start planning for next year…

All, So just to re-cap the show. As always, Mark and crew put on a WONDERFUL show. Great seeing old friends/acquaintances, shaking hands, sharing new acquisitions, and just catching up a bit. Unfortunately, as I age, leaning over the table and looking down at items can take its toll on the old back… but it is a risk I am willing to take! The presentations on Saturday were top notch and we got to look at/hold fittings and blades that may rarely come around again. Matt Jarrell’s presentation highlighting the change in shape of swords over time was very informative. You know that ‘pictorial chart’ in books of blades showing that information? Well, you got to look at and hold that chart in person! From Heian to Shinshinto. How many opportunities like that come along? It was mentioned that some of the fittings from that presentation may be posted on-line for viewing, but I will have to let those associated with that comment. Please… if you have the opportunity to go to this show or any others in the future, make every attempt. You will NOT be disappointed and they really need our support. Once again, thank you to Mark and all!