Blazeaglory

Not saying this sword is a fake but there was actually quite a bit of forgery and fraud in the early 1970s dealing with Nihonto and Origami in Japan.

Hello Ray. First, VERY nice blade for a spectacular price. Second, I had a question about the Shinogi ji. In regards to the "snake skin" looking pattern, is it a reflection from the camera? Or part of the hada pattern? I don't think it detracts or anything, I'm only a bit curious Either way, if I had the cash I'd buy it right now! There is so much action going on in this healthy blade! Thanks!

BLASPHEMY!

I think you mean ubu? WOOHOO I corrected a long term highly respected member! Edit:DOH! I'm late to the party... I think my browser didn't update until after I quoted your old post haha

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but I have another Kogatana with the same signature. Not trying to brag but mine looks a bit better, meaning nicer, not to mean authentic haha I wonder if it was just in fashion at the time or if this is actually the same smith? Seems if it is, his chiselling skills had got a little better. I know the signature reads Kotetsu but I know its more than likely not the original. Anyways, the question I had was, considering it has the Triple Hollyhock would that put this item pre 1867? I would think a smith wouldn't use the Mon after that date for fear of repercussion from the emperor? Or is it more of a sentimental thing?

Its an old version of a combination lock. To stop hot headed young samurai from drawing their sword too hastily, they were forced to figure out the "puzzle" or combination in order to release their sword. By that time everyone had cooled down and more interested in the neat little Tsuba puzzle than fighting. haha

The Nakago looks recent but I think they cut it down during WW2 maybe? You can still see the hamon through the rust and there is writing on it as well. The person who has this also said it was a Koto blade but I'm unsure personally. But you guys have proved me wrong many times haha

Interesting that I feel the same way. Someone offered me 2000$ for one of my wakizashi but I couldn't part with it. For some reason the shape and feel in the hand is just something I've never felt before. I love that Tachi style Sugata/Sori but I can appreciate the reason for needing the typical katana style sori This pic below shows the extreme Sori on a 20" Wakizashi. I've got it leveled from the bottom of the Tsuka. I think this is either early Edo (Kanbun) or Momoyama. I think this is what they call the typical "Kanbun Sugata"? Genroku Shinto Sugata?

Thanks Ray! I was thinking it was something like that Here's more pics But if I can or if it's still available, I'll list in for sale and make a donation if it's sold but for now its just discussion.

I was wondering that myself. Also, if you notice the little silver button or dot above on the Fuchi? What is that?

Its being sold through a friend. I think he's asking a couple thousand. If anyone is interested I can check availability.

Still has the original owners address on it from being confiscated after ww2. This was a bring back. You can notice other things as well like the silver family Mon and other silver items Its for sale if interested

Wow that's a beefy Tsuba!

Would that be a yoroi doshi? It looks pretty healthy and thick

Yeah i mainly stick with the war years as well. I've been taking a second look at the swords from that era to see which smiths actually made good swords but they seem to be rally expensive when found.

Thanks! I hope so. It had a really nice Koshirae as well with Goto gold menuki

My older O-suriage waki is sharper than a razor. It's so sharp that you can't feel the cut. I only noticed my leg was cut, through my pants, when I felt wet. And that was just from examining the mune (albeit a little carelessly) My Kanbun wakizashi is also razor sharp but another early Edo waki I had was super dull but looked awesome with a nice koshirae also. My Muromachi tanto is super dull tho but it doesn't matter to me . Using Brian's points above it's all debatable

I finger my Nakago with a little oil

I wish I knew more collectors in orange county CA but the ones I've met through sales have been the part time collector so to say. They didn't seem really interested in the history or getting down to discussing details, etc... Would be nice to have a place to go or more people. Kinda like how the "magic card players" would meet but a little more serious maybe? We could still play magic tho haha

Whoa! Reminds me of one of those RV motor homes that retired couples travel the country in and put stickers on the back from all the state's they've visited! Lol

Up close its definitely old rust

I had a chance to purchase a late Edo early Shin Shinto sword that had the most awesome hamon where it looked like fire and demon horns. It was so vivid and well made and in a beautiful koshirae as well. I was debating between that and a Nanbokucho blade but by the time I decided, the other blade was sold. I haven't seen anything like it since

Im beginning to appreciate that era for the same reasons. If WW2 smiths are included in Showa? I picture the smiths during that period having the same seriousness and pride that the smiths of old had during Koto times preparing for war. Actually there are some very well made swords during that period I think.

Sometimes white spots are actually little areas of black nie (tobiyaki?) Or similar Usually in the dark, using a LED flashlight, you can see that theyre actually black spots. Then again it could be anything. Scratches, old removed rust spots, a bubble under the steel, etc... Here is what the "white spots" really look like under certain light. Little clouds of Nie

Just checking that sellers listings he's blatantly selling counterfeit swords. The listings I've seen from following that link all show detailed info stating things like "kamakura" "handed down from family generations" "unbelievable to find a sword as rare as this", etc... So anyone trying to condone this sellers behavior needs to realize he's actively trying to scam people. Currently there are no items for sale but his account is still active