Vermithrax16

Unreal Ray, nice work.

I always check the rabbit thread and always glad Stephen is looking for them for us. Thanks Sir!

I to this day still cannot read these sort of things. I know I could spend the time to really learn, but just too many other things on my plate. Someone will help you out.

George, I was surprised how much I liked looking at these sets too. As to the fine details, it's like swords, fittings, etc. One likes what they like. I am in same boat as you.

I know zero about Japanese period armor, so I am sharing these links as both seem in amazing condition and period correct, and been fun tonight looking over. Aoi has 2 complete (?) sets up today, and it's well worth a look. never really been into armor, but enjoyed these. Set 1: http://www.sword-auction.jp/en/content/af19476-%E9%8E%A7%E5%85%9C-%E7%94%B2%E5%86%91-yoroi-and-kabuto-armor Set 2: http://www.sword-auction.jp/en/content/af14285-%E9%8E%A7%E5%85%9C%E5%B1%B1%E5%8F%A3%E4%BC%8A%E8%B1%86%E5%AE%88%E5%BC%98%E5%B0%81%E4%B9%8B%E7%9D%80%E7%94%A8-yoroi-and-kabutoarmor

Nagayuki (TJ level): http://www.sword-auction.jp/en/content/as17202-%E5%88%80%EF%BC%9A%E9%95%B7%E5%B9%B8%E6%96%BC%E6%91%82%E6%B4%A5%E5%9B%BD%E4%BD%9C%E4%B9%8B%E7%AC%AC24%E5%9B%9E%E7%89%B9%E5%88%A5%E9%87%8D%E8%A6%81%E5%88%80%E5%89%A3-katana-nagayuki-oite-settsu-koku-saku-korenbthk-24th-tokubetsu Ishido Ippo sword I have a file pic of, utsuri can be seen:

Not much to add to the good advice here. I would say that right now is a very good time to be a buyer, and $1500 will find a nice tanto with papers and in good polish to really appreciate and enjoy.

Not well schooled in modern era blades, so defer to Barry, as Yoshindo is a great master. Shinto Ishido School had a number of smiths that were able to echo utsuri (see what I did there) but to me not the same level as the earlier works. Still wildly pretty though. I have seen a few blades here and there from different eras that show utsuri, but cannot find them to list now.

Class gentleman and helped me with a few questions over the years. Very sad.

Ken and Steve S, my own signature looks different every time even now, as we are in the digital age. I sign my scientific notebooks by digital sign off. In 10 years probably way different on the few checks I sign. As for nihonto; No. Mei work can vary in style (block cut---- grass script----etc) but the execution is usually excellent for any example. At least from what I have seen.

I have come around to the appreciation for well done mei. A small compilation of some pieces I care for: Suifu Ju Katsumura Norikatsu (sword) Ford Hallam (tsuba) Tomohide (tsuba)

what motif is this?

Which if any tsuba are members here interested in? DM if you don't want to call attention to your likes, but I am genuinely interested in what is catching your eye. (I don't over seas bid in online Euro auctions, so no issue with me on that front).

Like the sword Ray! Ken, Ray had another sword a while back that had a habaki that fit the bo-hi, was spectacular.

Sorry Brian, had this thread mixed up with another one.

Seller SkyBirthday usually has a mix of VERY cool items with some mines thrown in. But to my knowledge if sold, he delivers, so not one of those fake self bidder types.

There is not one (Nihonto wise) I would bid one save one, the possible Teruaki everyone loves. Would think Bavarian Industrialists would get better access to better stuff.

Not sure how we define high class, but to me it's what I spend the most in hand time on from my collection. The pair of Jiryūsai Tomohide tsuba I have been able to acquire take more of my study time than any other piece by far. Every examination sheds another angle of appreciation. Minogame tsuba (shakudo), restored by Ford Hallam: Waves, Cranes, and Pines (Shibuichi). The waves are worth hours by themselves. The other 2 elements have several subtle details worth spotting:

Papered Naotane for 7k? Great pictures, well done. I know the drawbacks but when can you get a Naotane work for less than a fortune? You can right here.

Mokume tsuba is tempting!

I would not agree on that Chris W.

My favorite smith is late Shinshinto Mito school Never seen a Rekko work in real pics, just sharing as I believe it's a rare maker to see.

Mito smith Rekko used a cool clock crest on his works and his hada was named Yakumo-hada due to it's unique look. Had only ever seen his works in books, here is an actual tanto for sale. Enjoy: https://www.samurai-nippon.net/SHOP/V-1792.html

Curran I am too stunned. Great opportunity for deep pocket folks.

Wow Jussi, nice way to show this thought process.