EdWolf

Hi to all. Just a short question? Is this a copper Habaki which is coated with shakudo or is it something else? Thanks in advance for your reply. Best regards, Ed

Interesting. Never heard of it. Thanks for the information!

Hi Marius, I have never seen a mekugi ana close to the end of the nakago. That's why I assume it is not Ubu. Also the mekugi Ana is slightly larger than what I normally have seen. Very interesting. I still have to learn a lot. Best regards, Ed

Hi Jussi, Thanks for your reply and your thoughts. The current Sori is 2.3 cm. I don't think it is Ubu. Best regards, Ed

Hi Ken, Muromachi was my impression too. The spacing between the mekugi Ana is relatively large, so the original blade length was above 70 cm for sure. I don't even think that the lowest mekugi ana is the original mekugi ana. I think it's lost when the blade was shortened. I have read several threads about taking pictures of blades but in reality it's not that easy. Thanks a lot for your reply. I really appreciate it! Best regards, Ed

Two pictures of the bare blade. Hopefully the quality is good enough. Taking pictures of the blade is the hardest thing to do. The auto focus is not working properly and my hands are not steady enough for manual focus. If other pictures are required, please let me know. Best regards, Ed

Hi Ken, thanks for your reply. I will post a picture of the bare blade as soon as possible. Best regards, Ed

and some more pictures. Best regards, Ed

Hi to all, Last week I have purchased a nice blade. The nagasa is 61.5 cm long so I think we can call it a katana. The blade has a nice curvature. The blade is unsigned. Probably lost caused by shortening the blade? I have tried to take some good images. Hope you like it. Feel free to comment. Best regards, Ed

Strange blade. Why are the ha-machi and the mune-machi not in line?

Hi Bruce, you did a great job. Thanks for sharing! Best regards, Ed

Hi Chris, congratulations! A very beautiful sword! Best regards, Ed

I have found this interesting article about swords presented to dutch people after the war: https://javapost.nl/2014/03/24/de-waarde-van-een-zwaard/ It's in Dutch but the site translate option of Google Chrome will help. Best regards, Ed

Stephen, I know but was afraid he would ruin the sword. My English writing is not good enough to explain how to proceed. Best regards, Ed

Welcome, First of all, don't clean the tang. Before you go any further, read this first. http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm Best regards, Ed

No one else?

Thanks a lot Ken! Best regards, Ed

Thanks Peter! All information is welcome. Best regards, Ed

Hi to all, I’m doing some research and I’m looking for pictures of swords made by a sword smith called Ujikumo. All I know is that he was active in the Kanei era (1624-1644) and living in the Owari province. His teacher was Ujifusa (2nd generation). I have searched the internet and this forum, but I can’t find any swords made by him. Also all other information will be highly appreciated. Best regards, Ed

The ribbed-same and saya looks like rattan wrapping. Never seen this before. Very interesting. Although never seen, I like it. Congratulations with your new sword! Regards, Ed

Hi Ed, Congratulations! That’s a very nice sword. Best regards, Ed

Hello John, Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of the blade. I have asked the seller for pictures but taking good quality pictures of the blade with a phone is almost impossible. I will visit the seller this week. Hi Jussi, Thanks a lot for your opinion! This is really a fascinating hobby. There is a lot to learn. My feeling is late Muromachi. Hopefully a good picture can confirm this Best regards, Ed

Hi John, Thanks a lot for your help! So, attributed to the Taira-Takada school but not to a certain swordsmith. Nothing about the age of the blade. Best regards, Ed

Hello to all, I’m working on a wakizashi which is papered. The seller can’t tell me anything about it. So, I’m trying to translate the papers, but I’m stuck. With my limited knowledge I think the blade is made around 1600. Is the date somewhere mentioned on the papers? The blade is unsigned and if my translation is right made by a swordsmith of the Taira Takada school. Please confirm. Is the name of a Swordsmith mentioned on the papers? Hope one of you can help me. Your help will be highly appreciated. Best regards, Ed

Very impressive! Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed