Joseph P.

Thanks for the replies. I had not noticed that about the location of the mei, that is definitely a red flag. As I am still learning, would you mind providing any other details you find suspicious?

Hello Carmine, thanks for posting your sword. As stated, it is not in ideal condition. It makes it difficult or impossible to judge the quality of the blade. The traits such as the grain of the steel, the hamon (temperline) and the kissaki (point) are mostly obscured. That being said, your blade is actually not in horrible condition. The edge appears to be in good shape with no significant nicks or chips. The nakago (tang) is consistent with rust intact. The shinogi (ridge line) is visible through the whole blade. I do not think it is too far gone for a polish, but it would be expensive (like $100+ an inch).

Hello all. I bought this tanto a few months ago. I did not note down what the seller provided as the mei translation. I recall it was translated to "Miyamoto Kanenori". I was doing some research on this smith some time ago after I bought this, I read through a number of threads on here. Kanenori had a very interesting life as a smith, and is considered to be one of the best. This is why I believe this tanto is likely gimei if signed as that particular smith. I apologize for the photos, I found it difficult to take photos of this blade. I would appreciate your thoughts on Miyamoto Kanenori and this blade.

Here's one I have stored away.

I've had an eBay listing on my mind for a couple weeks now, it ended two weeks ago. Figured I'd post it here. This sword is likely a Chinese fake, but it is a good example of what improper restoration does to a possibly good sword. It's not uncommon for a beautiful sword to resemble a Chinese fake after a hack job like this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/167255200059

Hello all, First off, thank you to Brian for assistance with recovering my account. I am not a new member but I have not posted for about 15 years. I was a young man of 16 years old when I first signed up for this website. I enjoyed studying Nihonto and Japanese history, as well as arms from around the world of all types. Unfortunately life sometimes can be difficult and I was forced to put most of my interests aside for "reality". Well 15 years later and a good amount of hours poured into work, I had a bit of a breakdown and I now find myself unemployed and without any hobbies. It took some time but I finally reignited my interest through spotting a Kyu-Gunto on eBay which sold for much (!) lower than I was expecting. I ended picking up a few starter blades for study, and now the addiction returns. I have decided to become a supporting member (after seeing what happened to SFI) and a regular poster again. All the best

Thank you very much Morita san! The first pic of kanji belongs to the cap. The second is embroidered into the coat.

Here is your challenge. Only the strong will survive!

I plan to clean the mounts up (or have new shirasaya made). I'm going to have it look like a regular curtain rack.... With silk curtains hanging off it. They will never suspect a thing.

Hello, wanted to share some pictures. http://s363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79 ... 20nihonto/

Hello, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 500wt_1182 Can somebody translate the signature on the nakago?

Indeed. Do not attempt to sharpen it or buff it or anything. You will destroy it. Beautiful sword. :D

Hello Brian, Moriyama san, would it be okay with you if I PM'ed for details? I'm very interested in this flag. :|

Thank you both, Reinhard and Nobody.

Can anybody translate? http://s363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79 ... se%20flag/