Blazeaglory

Awesome! Is that silk wrapped on the Tsuka?

Very nice. I'm amazed that it's so old and in good shape. They appear to have 2 holes Thanks for sharing that! Also, in my Tsuka maki book, I noticed they have a "battle wrap". My friends Gunto Tsuka is wrapped the same way. It involves wrapping without knots

Is that Ubu or suriage? If original, maybe 2 ana were a preference of the Samurai? More often during war than not? Did Samurai have war time Koshirae vs. Peace time Koshirae? I know there were strict procedures on how to hold and transfer a Nihonto during war time vs. peace. Maybe the adding of a second Ana was more than functional? Could it also be symbolic or ritualistic? I'm just running my mouth here so don't take anything I'm saying as factual. I'm only thinking out loud for the sake of a debate.

Thing looks scary as f*ck! Some kind of genie in a bottle or Japanese ghost story?

Now that looks really awesome!

What kind of coating do you think it could be? In the hand it looks and feels like other iron tsuba I've held and own. There doesn't seem to be any coating. I think my camera just whitewash images and makes them appear shiny or wet at times. I'll check tho to make sure before I try heating, so thank you for the heads up!

Totally! Lol!

I can definitely appreciate a new blade! We can actually use them! As for the Koto blades losing steel through polish, I've considered that as well. I always wonder what a blade looked like new back in Kamakura Japan... I have seen a few that still have all of their outer pattern remaining but the selling prices for those have been in the six figures. I can't remember which website it is but they're currently selling an Ubu Tachi from the Kamakura era that looks like it was made yesterday. I'll try to find it

I can't say I've seen an actual Tsuka other than the above Gunto and others or maybe a koto Tsuka/koshirae in a book but honestly I can't say that I have seen many (or any) either. Ive seen quite a few "double ana" on Nakago but the kind I'm thinking of are different than the typical gunto or "added at a later time" for new koshirae or shirasaya. I don't know why I've got this in my head or where I even read/heard it but for some reason I've got the notion that 2 ana on Nakago (usually Koto and early Edo) were for war time use. Anyways, here's an example I have. The ana look to be chiseled and the blade appears O suriage.

Sure! They're in really good shape, the Dragon is actually pretty detailed. The bottom ones look like creatures with horns and are tanto sized. Message me and I'll send you better pics.

Tanto sized (Dragon is a bit bigger) Take what you want! FREE OR TRADE Pay shipping only

I checked my history going back 3 years and found that it was that same seller. I also checked their recent listings and most their Tsuba look similar. They also had some old complaints about authenticity but nothing recently. I paid 15$ for it in hopes of getting rid of the Crane.

Lol! The description says, when using this sword that a person becomes a better swordsman by consuming the spirit that resides in the blade! At least the seller was nice enough to give a disclaimer to not leave unattended with children

Nice! I assume that's antique? I was referring to something more generic, like a sock and underwear drawer lol

Interesting, thanks for the answers Also, I've read or heard, I cant remember, that prior to bamboo pegs the blade was was held in by the friction of the Nakago alone? Is that true? It would seem that with one giant swing, the sword would fly out like a bolt

Possibly, that name sounds very familiar. Is that bad? lol

You know I was thinking that myself the other day. Luckily I didn't pay much for it. Im still 50/50 on its authenticity but its funny you mentioned that because I was fearing the same thing The "lip" you see is actually the glue running out and dried. In person you can see it much better.

Personally I keep them oiled in a Shirasaya and on a rack so that rust is harder to form. I've read that keeping them in the bag, say inside a drawer or something, can lead to problems.

I cant remember where I heard it but when there are two Ana on a Nakago (spaced further and looking the same), not just a separate Ana for the Shirasaya or a newly made koshirae. Do I recall correctly that it was for a "war time" koshirae? Is there any truth to that?

Have at it. There are more pics if you explore my Flickr page. And like I said before, Im not saying its Kotetsu. And yes I plan on sending this blade to Japan for next shinsa. And btw, I know how it works and I didnt ask for an answer from you or anyone else here and could care less what you personally think TBH. With all due respect. https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazeaglory/albums/72157704244397475

So one person says they need more pics for a proper kantei but I guess you got it all figured out from this pic alone. Like I said, not trying to brag, but every time a person comes over and looks at the blades I have listed for sale, they always choose this one (which isnt for sale). Last week I was offered 2000$ for this "not high quality" mumei sword. I guess that must be the going rate for horrible swords then haha Anyways, Im not opening this can of worms again...Forget I even mentioned it

Its a learning experience...

LMAO...

Thank you! What I'm afraid of tho is maybe the crane was added because of a blemish? Used as cover up. But really, what's worse? This ugly arsed crane or a little blemish? Also, thanks for letting me know about how to spell Tsuba. Literally I hesitated to put the "s" on the end because it didn't sound right. Going forward I'll make sure to remember this! Now I have to go back and edit allot of posts because of my ocd haha Anyways, thanks again

After learning all this, I chose to look at one of my wakizashi that resembles a Kotetsu. The forging is so tight that there are no kitae-ware, or very tiny and few, even in the bohi. Its hard to find any pattern on the ji because it's smooth as glass and always looks wet but the jihada that can be seen points to Kotetsu. The Nakago, 2 different hamon's and Boshi point to kotetsu as well. The only pattern that really stands out from the rest is what looks to be Ohada, roughly 3 inches from the mune machi. Other than some minor scratches and old polish, its in great shape and as sharp as my early Mino/Shizu blade, if not sharper. Now before I get crucified and the usual members start slanging insults or jumping to conclusions, I'm not saying its a genuine Kotetsu. What I am saying is every Kantei I've done on this always finishes at Kotetsu. I'm well aware of his fame and the majority of counterfeits. I'm still a rookie in the Nihonto world but I've handled my fair share of blades in person and have examined hundreds online, as well as read constantly. I know quality when I see it and this wakizashi is quality. So, imho, this wakizashi is either one of his unsigned, from his school and someone close to him or a forgery by a really good smith who was familiar with Kotetsu style. Please, if you're going to debate, which I welcome, please do it respectfully using Kantei points and not just heresay or bitterness. I say this because many times, even now, I've seen others claim fake or not genuine mei based off pictures while the blade was actually papered to the smith the person said was not. Anyways, please forgive my ramble and feel free to critique. I'm not trying to say I own a Kotetsu or brag, I only want to talk Nihonto using a blade that's close to me