Ray Singer

In this particular case, notice that this is not a shinogi zukuri blade. The bohi may appear to cross into the kissaki in an unusual way because the yokote runs from ha to mune. The body of the blade is hirazukuri. Regards, Ray

Referring to the attached mockup, it appears the munemachi is now much closer to the first mekugi-ana (filled). - Ray

From what I can see in the photos, the width of the blade has been reduced to form a new munemachi in an area that was previously within the nakago. - Ray

This is a sword which was discussed previously on this board. Interesting to see that the sword has gone from 66cm to 69.5cm with the reshaping of the nakago and formation of new hamachi/munemachi. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/sword3.html - Ray

I think it's worth trying to remove the handle and examine the nakago. With the issue of being glued in, perhaps another NMB member has thoughts on how to do that without damaging the tsuka. - Ray

Would you share additional photos of the tsuka and tsuba? Thanks, Ray

Have to say I am in agreement. My mistake for going in just assuming it was authentic, but the shape is another red flag. The sword tapers and begins to curve in to the kissaki in a strange way below the yokote. The whole monouchi looks wrong. - Ray

As John said not a match. I believe the papers are for a mumei Fujiwara Takada. The sword is signed Shinano (no) Kami Minamoto Nobuyoshi. - Ray

Yes, possibly the photos. The hamon appears to be lacking in hataraki and the jihada has the look of a smith emulating a strong hada with chikei by using mixed steel. Not saying it is an Ikkansai Yoshihiro, but he has that appearance to the jihada. - Ray

My guess is shinshinto. - Ray

Muneyaki can still be seen, even through the burnishing. Likewise for tobiyaki in the shinogi ji. - Ray

I would recommend John Tirado. You can also see an example of Brian Tschernega's koshirae below. http://japanesesword.com/Images/Swords/15/0315/0315kat1.htm Regards, Ray

I went though the same situation with a sword that was previously papered to Nobukuni. The previous owner had thought the papers had simply been misplaced, but later (after I purchased the sword) realized the Tokubetsu Hozon kanteisho had been disposed of with the box the sword had shipped in. Even though I had photographs of the kanteisho, the NBTHK would not reissue the papers and the sword had to be resubmitted. - Ray

Definitely not a kazuchimono. Kansho Norimitsu was a respected smith from the earlier part of the Muromachi period. Generally Bizen kazuchimono are associated with Sue-koto, later Muromachi in the 16th c. - Ray

Here is the full nakago. The polish is quite poor but I will try to take photos. Best regards, Ray

In case it does not display correctly, visit pages 202 and 203 in that link. The blade I am studying is very similar to the kantei example reviewed in Markus Sesko's kantei volume. It however has a nijimei, where the citations I have found for this smith only reference the Bizen Osafune Yoshimitsu mei. - Ray

I am still researching this piece, which I was finally able to acquire. Has anyone else encountered examples of one of the three smiths who used this mei? Although he is cited in the Token Zenshu and Toko Taikan, I have only been able to locate the example below: https://books.google.com/books?id=HtgPBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=bizen+yoshimitsu+%E8%83%BD%E5%85%89&source=bl&ots=apeP9gKXM4&sig=5g8tBWqqCGIqfQrufkuAeY6Q9Ko&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EHYxVYaMEceAygS34YHgDg&sqi=2&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=bizen%20yoshimitsu%20%E8%83%BD%E5%85%89&f=false Thanks, Ray

Sue-bizen sold and donation sent. This round of site updates complete with 29 swords and fittings added. Any questions, please email me at raymondsinger@gmail.com. Take care, Ray

Thank you Stephen. Photography is a challenge. Some of you list members really have your sword and kodogu photography down to an art form. Best regards, Ray

Sue - Bizen now on hold pending payment. - Ray

Hi all, My website is still a work in progress, but I am continuing to list additional swords and fittings for sale. Last night I posted two daisho tsuba and a few additional tsuba and kodogu. There are a further 20+ pieces I will be adding to the site over the next week from the collection I have agreed to consign. Apologies for any missing descriptions, dimensions or pricing. I will be filling in the gaps asap. Donations will be made for any pieces sold to NMB members. http://www.swordsofjapan.com Best regards, Ray

Amazing, I've wanted to see an example of tsuka hei's work but never personally encountered one. Benson's article is here. https://web.archive.org/web/20060606185421/http://www.togishi.com/did_you_know.htm - Ray

I would like to purchase the Kanetane if not spoken for and possibly the Chikuzen Morisada. I would like to discuss the others as well. Best regards, Ray

Hi Peter, please email me your contact information at raymondsinger@gmail.com. Thanks, Ray

Perhaps Yukimitsu (kaga). - Ray