Blazeaglory

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

Hello all. I have a question in regards to this Tsuba I know its not the nicest or anything but I've always liked rough iron Tsuba's for some reason, especially this Mokko Gata shape. The question is in regards to the Crane emblem glued to this tsuba. It looks like modern super glue because I can see it coming out the sides a bit. I would like to remove it to try and restore the original integrity of this one. I mean it doesn't look that bad but it just rubs me the wrong way. When I received it in the mail form Japan there was actually a long white hair that had been glued under the Crane as well. lol I dont know how well you can see the glue but its there. Its fairly large at 65.80mm wide and thin, which I like

Dude you just described 75% of the people in my neighborhood. 700$ monthly payment for a Benz or BMW meanwhile its 4 seats and a steering wheel, 2x the price of normal cars outside of Europe and over engineered/over priced! Imagine trying to be different by driving the same car as everyone around you lol

Keep your enemies close right?

Was he a member here? What was his screen name? I dont think I knew him either but he seemed like a much liked person and its always a tragedy when someone like that passes!

Very interesting! Almost like early fraud prevention lol

I think I see some sanbon sugi

Thanks. So it's something he did on purpose, almost like a signature right? Could something like that get polished away after so many polishes? Just wondering if it's only on the skin or through the entire blade. The more I read about Kotetsu, the more I'm intrigued.

Sorry for the questions but is it only on one side of the blade or both?

"Possibly" customized sheath... ya think?

Interesting, I pictured it more like the hada in the pic below Do you think this is an attempt to reproduce Kotetsu's Ohada? I found this picture from someone who claimed to have found a Kotetsu at a garage sale

Thats what I was thinking as well. Basically just one bigger itame "swirl" 3" above mune machi?

For the life of me I cant really find what this is exactly. Its usually mentioned as Kotetsu's "secret hada" and is roughly 3" from the mune machi Can someone point me in the right direction or post a detailed pic with the above mentioned? Thank you in advance

Things are getting exciting!

I doubt its a real Mei but I was thinking... Considering the smith used Kotetsu's "tiger" kanji, would this be a good way to date the blade? Is this just another way of the smith paying tribute or something else? I would think that a later Edo smith would be using Kotetsu's later signatures but maybe he chose this one due to its artistic appeal? Either way, this kogatana/kozuka is very well made and fairly large

Remember this for any of the new "looking for first blade" threads.

I see allot of activity in that hamon! I would love to see more brighter and better pics! Nice find!

Can't believe this hasn't sold yet

Oh wow I like these!

Maybe Ichimonji?

I'm really trying to figure out where anyone in this thread said that sword is fake.

That's a good way of looking at it. I feel the same way now that you mention it. Some modern blades I've seen are really freaking good but expensive

I know, I was only having a laugh. One of mine is a O-suriage early Koto blade as well. I love the stories of family members going to battlefields afterwards to recover broken swords. Today they'd probably just get thrown out for lack of foresight

I second this! You gotta keep an eye on this website tho because once listed, they sell fast!

First, i agree with Alex but I'd like to say that I don't think the above comment about calling ahead meant that we as customers are peasants under AOIs arrogant thumb but what it said. The place is tiny and a heads up would save time and effort. A little communication goes a long way. I've bought several Nihonto from AOI. I went in with ZERO illusions with a "buyer beware" mentality. Also, I'm constantly online browsing multiple websites to examine (best I can) every blade they list or have listed. So I have somewhat of an idea in regards to the online sword game and what to look for I didn't feel AOI was hiding anything but quite the opposite. He has super detailed photos and tries to list as much problem as he can find. As with anything in life, sometimes things escape our eye, especially when we've become somewhat complacent in the monotony of dealing with multiple blades constantly. Does he trade items from koshirae or use toss away items to beef up low grade swords? Imho don't think so but heresay can be quite the detractor. Who can say if it's true or not? If you like something he has for sale and are ok with the price, then go for it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder What I like about AOI is he has a range of items from low grade to excellent. Sometimes his prices are higher than I like but he's always worked with me on pricing. Very few other dealers were willing to negotiate pricing and offer layaway! What other Nihonto dealers let you do that? As for calling out certain tanto's or other blades, most of that is subjective to each individuals preference as a large majority of his Nihonto are recently papered. I would totally recommend him but buyer beware. Don't over pay and don't get caught up chasing a sword