Ray Singer

Thank you for the feedback Curran. There was a time just two years ago where the Morikami had a serious interest in a permanent display of Japanese Swords. This was to accompany a major expansion of the museum space. Unfortunately shortly after there was a change of management and there is no longer any interest in objects in this category. It is really a sad turn of events because, knowing what could potentially be loaned from collectors in this area, the museum would have had a display of exceptional quality.

Someone recently asked my thoughts on museums within the United States that would be interested in taking on a high quality sword for loan. While I've worked with the Morikami Museum over the years to assemble several nihonto-related exhibitions, I'm not familiar with any museums who would be actively looking or at least receptive to displaying a Japanese sword on a long-term basis through a loan. if anyone here has a suggestion please let me know. Without going into specifics the sword is one which would be very worthy of display. Much appreciated, Ray

What Jean said, x 2. Quality Yamato blade.

I should probably bite my tongue, but Stephen there are several individuals in North America who can be trusted to competently execute a madoake. I suggest having one done and if your sword clearly shows workmanship consistent with high level Soshu, we can discuss further. I do not see what you are seeing, and I feel that I know what to expect from an early Soshu. What I do see is a sword with a fairly tight nioi-guchi. I will defer additional comments pending more visibility (aka full restoration or madoake). Best regards, Ray

Thank you Arnold! Best regards, Ray

That is what I have heard, but lacking specific details. Hoping for some evidence either way. Best regards, Ray

Here are authentic Hatakeda, so you can compare with your sword. https://www.aoijapan.net/?s=hatakeda&x=0&y=0

Recently encountered this quote and I have heard in the past that General Patton owned several Japanese swords. Are there any photos of General Patton with the Japanese swords he owned, or information about those he acquired? "The day before they departed, Patton casually remarked to his exhausted wife, “I hope you remembered to pack all those swords under the bed.” Walking into the bedroom, Beatrice discovered dozens of swords and scabbards of which she had been completely unaware. Frustrated that her husband had not appreciated her efforts or informed her of the swords he had been collecting, she angrily picked up one of the weapons and began chasing him around the house. A frantic Patton scurried over chairs and tables, pleading with his furious wife, “Don’t! Don’t! Please don’t!” Beatrice eventually brought the sword down on a table, missing her husband, but hard enough to embed the sword in the edge of the table." Best regards, Ray

Thanks for the kind words Ed. Best regards, Ray

I have added several swords to my website over the past few weeks, which can be seen at the link below http://swordsofjapan.com/home/gallery Any questions, please email raymondsinger@gmail.com Best regards, Ray

Yes, please. This particular sword made an appearance at the 2016 Tampa show, where it received papers (and not to Masamune). That should have been the end of the story.

Will take a look, but first it 'looks' like these are fresh fingerprints in the bo-hi that you may want to wipe down before re-oiling. I believe you would typically expect to find Moriie signed as tachi-mei.

I do not think Gordon is a member here, but am sure one of the members can help you make contact.

You may be aware, but Gordon Robson is a collector and enthusiast of the Kanabo school. He would be a good person to speak with if you are researching your sword further. Best regards, Ray

Randy, whoever that was he does not speak for the rest of us. Hope you reconsider and appreciate your efforts.

That was the price on nihonto.us.

FWIW, this really wonderful nidai Muramasa sold for $3,500. It was owned by a good friend, but I made the unfortunate decision to pass in order to make another purchase at that same time. Note that the kizu mentioned was extremely minimal, and this had one of the best jigane I have seen in a Muramasa. http://www.nihonto.us/MURAMASA%20TANTO%20-%20NIDAI.htm

https://www.aoijapan.net/?s=Muramasa&x=0&y=0

Very true, I have utilized him in the same way. Roy, if you want to try Bob for an evaluation, he can be reached at Togishi.com. Good luck, Ray

Roy, given the short time between now and the shinsa you would not be able to have a full restoration done. It is possible that you could utilize the work of Bob Benson (Togishi.com) for a madoake (window polish) to open up a small polish area of the blade so it can be better assessed. Best regards, Ray

Ken, as far at the NTHK NPO you will receive a notation on the pink slip indicating it for the feel the mei is authentic. Perhaps Thomas can verify it for the same is true of upcoming NTHK shinsa in San Francisco.

Please note that the blade's condition may prevent it from receiving a kanteisho however I believe (if the NTHK is similar in this respect to the NTHK NPO) that you would still receive a comment indicating if the signature was found to be authentic. Best regards, Ray

Roy, the hakobore (chip) appears to be a minor one and should be restorable. Please only use a professionally trained polisher if you have the sword restored. Also note that nothing should be done prior to shinsa & polish to clean the blade or the nakago. Best regards, Ray

Thank you all for the feedback. This is where the saidan mei appears to be currently. ōgesa (大袈裟) _ 毛 _ setsudan (截断). I did try to plug in 切 手 however the kanji preceeding 毛 does not seem to match. Still looking.

I think its clear you nailed it as far as the first three kanji Steve. Thank you.