Mark S.

I guess the best way to think about this is (putting Kunikane aside), would you like this package enough to spend $5000 US (assuming no one else bids) IF: 1) the blades were mumei 2) you like the handachi mounts enough 3) they will paper to ??? 4) you like the idea it is a Daisho set enough to overlook other questions I’m not saying the above is right or wrong. Others might. If this set makes YOU happy (doesn’t have to make anyone else happy), and you have $5000 sitting in your pocket, and you aren’t worried about the slings and arrows if you show them to others (the usual “you should have saved money and bought better, etc), or if they are not worth as much as you hoped when you try to sell (no guarantees), or they don’t paper as well as you hope, then make the decision that is best for you. It’s a personal decision and the only person you have to make happy is yourself. But do go into it with eyes wide open and know what you are buying.

I think what is trying to be said is that if the mei is removed, they believe it WILL paper… now, to which school, smith, and age is up in the air. They are also hinting (in other parts of their description) it probably WON’T be Kunikane. In reference to the word “again” in the quote, I think it might just be a translation issue and it should be read as “afterward”.

I’m a different Mark… however I have made purchases from both Grey and Mark and have been extremely satisfied.

I posted this in another thread when someone asked for advice much like your question: My advice when looking at dealer blades and enjoying the show in general is ‘go slow’. If you don’t know the proper way (Yes… there is a correct way) to draw a blade from shirasaya or saya, ASK. Do it slowly and considerately. Ask to see a blade. Even if a dealer assumes you will look at the blades because that is why he brought them, I think they appreciate you acknowledging them first. When looking at a bare blade, and you need to turn it toward a light to get a better view, LOOK AROUND FIRST. Be aware of your surroundings. Can’t tell you the number of times someone has been a little ‘loose’ when handling a blade or kinda moving it around a lot. I never want to be the one doing that or on the receiving end of someone doing that. Also, don’t approach a table too closely when someone is actively looking at a blade. No reason to sneak up on them. I always try to not talk while holding/viewing a blade unless the dealer asks me a question. First, I’m trying to enjoy it. Second, I don’t want to be spitting all over a dealers blade while it is close to my face. Plenty of time for questions and discussion after it is safely on the table. Pick blades up slowly and put them back down even more slowly and carefully. My rule of thumb is “it belongs to someone else until I hand them the money”. Ask questions. Most dealers are more than generous with information. And finally, and I feel silly even saying this, but a “thank you for letting me see your blades” is always in good order.

Keep an eye out in the For Sale section here at the NMB as well as the Dealer section. Lots of good people selling here.

Wagashi artist Junichi Mohori https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhMrcE3_O4Y

Ed, So glad to see you back up and running! For anyone who doesn’t know Yakiba/Ed, I had a great experience purchasing from him and would recommend him without hesitation.

That’s one of those situations when you can say “yeah, but you should see the other guy”

Sue-Bizen? maybe Sukesada?

Have also heard of wrapping firearm in a ton of paper towels or other absorbent material and placing in a black plastic bag and placing on the dashboard of a car out in full sun in the middle of summer. Never tried it…

I remembered that too and it took me a while to find it. It was at the Usagiya website under Information/flaws of blades at bottom. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/flaws.html

Oh well… this thread died a horrible death. Maybe I’ll try again when it comes back from polish or next year after Shinsa.

And a good polisher will know how much material will need to be removed to get rid of the kirikomi and advise you accordingly… let their trained advice be your guide.

I appreciate that Roger (and no... you are not a nobody... no one is a nobody, that’s ridiculous)... and normally I would gratefully accept advice and I’m not normally ‘riled’. It’s just that our ‘friend’ has been doing this a bit lately and my patience (as well as others I think) is a bit limited with it. I almost expected his response and in the manner it was given. He enjoys it. In fact, a couple comments in my first post were tailored for this individual knowing what would happen. I was right. I won’t waste any more time with him. And I do apologize for coming across as angry or argumentative. But I still appreciate anyone who wants to look, have a bit of fun, and SPECULATE.

So from my first post where I said: . “I know there were MANY Mino smiths, so picking one is probably just a guess, but Ithought the exercise was fun.” Did you miss that on purpose? Of course it’s just speculation. As has been said before... could you give it a rest FFS.

Yes... next year’s NTHK-NPO Shinsa in Chicago.

More comparisons

Comparisons

AOI Kanekage

At the recent Chicago show, I picked up a very inexpensive mumei wakizashi. It has been sent for a polish. While waiting, I figured I would entertain myself and try to do a little research. When I started looking at Mino blades, I came across a blade at AOI Art that is attributed to Kanekage. I know there were MANY Mino smiths, so picking one is probably just a guess, but I thought the exercise was fun. I’ll be interested to see how it matches up after polish. And yes, I already know Mino are not high on everyone’s list and that some may not think it worth the money. Can we just agree to that up front and not have that argument? I’ll start with pics of my out of polish blade. I forgot to take overall shape picture. Shape is very close to AOI example.

MicroDear seems to be most recommended. Available on Amazon.

Mr Hallam, Thank you so much for taking a few moments to add your knowledge and expertise to this thread and commenting on my rather everyday tsuba. I know you’re used to a different level of tosogu but thank you for your time.

I will say I have used Mr Benson’s uchiko on very out of polish blades. One bit of advice I was given was to hold the blade relatively horizontal and to lightly strike the uchiko ball along the mune of the blade and let dust settle on the upper surface of the blade. Then turn blade over and do again. This limits the starburst and drag marks on the faces of the blade. It does nothing for improper wiping. Once again... I stress... very out of polish/stained blades.

Another point of view from Darcy Brockbank https://blog.yuhindo.com/uchiko-considered-harmful/