Ooitame

Thank you Barry, I believe you are correct. Hi Brian, no idea... awaiting there arrival. I will msg the seller and try to find out more.

Nice collection Jeremiah!

My humble setup.

Hello all, What would be the reason for a back plate on a shakudo menuki?

Wow, quite the collection! Congrats! The answer is always just one more lol. Would like to see maybe, an online museum of your collection along with your thoughts.

Hmm... nakago doesn't look right. Also see active rust spots on the blade; could be the picture or just my old eyes . As said before better pictures would help.

I thought horse head for decoration. But, after studying it a little more, it looks like a hand stop. Maybe, non Samurai trying Mushashis two weapon approach; a waki and club? Could also just be a emergency catch when drawing, as it looks not too long.

1. Nakago and its patina, color of patina, suriage any where including machi, shape, curvature, yaurimei, mekugi-ana, signs of funny stuff, etc... If in hand, the balance, sugata, and jigane tells me alot. 2. Utsuri! I was told by a very knowledgeable and well known expert that is his first kantei point. I am still trying to learn on utsuri, my next piece is said to have beautiful utsuri. Let's hope it helps. 3. Etchu Norishige, can you teach me?

Congratulations, nice looking, also curious if it is not shinto. Maybe some oil on the nakago and stabilize what looks like active rust.

I will have to agree to disagree, sword temp. and the cooling process oil vs water vs time, plus clay treatment, with sub component/elemental materials will have an effect of crystalline structures and their hues. From Jiange is the key "Jigane can show hues and its appearance, at least as far as koto blades are concerned, make it possible to draw conclusions as to where the sword was made.". Polishing can certainly have an effect, but I have found koto blades seem to vary from a blueish to gray. Blasting a torch or high temp. to achieve the effect seen above, can easily be removed. This does not happen with something that has been polished, possibly many times.

In general I agree, however when comparing swords side by side minute differences can be seen... atleast I think.

I find sometimes, the smaller things that draw me to Nihonto, are quite joyous. This is a thoughtful gift from my brother, with many thanks. Looking at Tamahgane, not only did it draw me closer to Nihonto, the forging process and knowledge/skill needed, but to family as well. For this, I am thankful! I wish, I could capture the middle stone's deep sea blue, or midnight sky color, and imagine the possibilities... beautiful. Just thought I would share. Happy and safe Holiday season to all.

Good topic, as I bought a koto waki with new koshirae being made in Japan and this is good to know about. Best of luck to all.

Nice!

As far as fittings, Steve, Neil, and Bruce are a wealth of knowledge. Can you try capturing the hamon and hada please?

Without better pictures, although the kissaki looks interesting, I would pass.

Ouch that looks like a big caliber. One way to make horimono...

Thank you Thomas, and Bruce.

Nice collection Neil, first one that Saka stamp is close to the numbers, good looking koshirae. Second one is a three stroke I believe. Thomas, I am still unclear on what the katakana + the three numbers would add up too?

So if I understand, it is either 1393 or 10393? If we can get more katakana, order numbers, and dates would be great for a time line.

So if I understand, it is either 1393 or 10393? If the later interesting, and dates with order numbers or not would be would be great for a time line.

Chris, nice one! Good shot on the hada! Always willing to learn, Thomas, can you explain a bit further?

No problem Bruce. Thanks Chris, it is ko gunome, but on both sides and the same spot it has about 2in. of sughua 3/4 up the sword and turns back to gunome. Not sure on the reason for this as it does look intentional. Yes this is the lowest numbered one I have seen yet. Would like to see and learn more on Nagamitsu and other Osaka RJT.

Here ya go Bruce.

Well wishes Brian.