ChrisW

It looks like it was cut with a dremel and then some chemical tarnishing/blackener applied.

Makes sense, a bohi is a form of an elongated arch which does resist force.

Samurai lived and died by the blade in battle, as Jean says, every millisecond counts.

Many places charge up to 30%. Its pretty filthy how much they ask for when what the seller gets is already minimal.

Well... its a business in Paris, of course the rent is going to be stupidly high.

Judging by the total lack of any geometry, if its real, I doubt there's anything left to save.

If it ever was real, it has been butchered by amateur hands.

Exceptional or not, if they're genuine, they should be rescued!

I suggest purchasing a blade from one of the many fine members here! You are much more likely to receive what you're looking to buy!

My condolences for your loss, even if the blade itself was suspect in some ways!

I would avoid the new seller. He is a total scumbag that deserves any manner of torture that could be imagined. Well known for 'enhancing' historically correct pieces into something more dubious, e.g. dremeling a horimono into a blade that did not have one before or packaging wartime blades with dressed-up incorrect parts. His list of lies is well-known here. What he's done here is just one more casualty added to his list I am afraid. While the original seller has deceived you for doing this, the originator of your woes lay with 'that scumbag that shall not be named'.

I think he does mean that yes! I have a question too. Are these all blades that you own personally? If so, fantastic collection!

I can't speak for the individual piece necessarily, but its not uncommon for arsenal stuff to get mismatched. Its unlikely to be a fake as there's not a huge market for these particular blades; they're also mass-production pieces. They're fairly readily available still. I think Bruce might be able to speak more on these than anyone.

Wishing him a quick recovery! He's a cornerstone of the nihonto community.

Dang. This sword makes me jealous. I've always wanted a named blade. Let me know if you ever plan to sell this beauty! I'd love a first chance it it.

Yes and no. Sharpened for war? Probably not as it removes the decorative etched hamon. Sharpened by amateurs who want a 'sharp' blade? Yes. Rather commonly. They came from the factory with an edge, but it was likely not considered usable and it was not razor sharp/capable of holding said edge. These parade sabers were designed just for that: use in parades and ceremonial functions. @Mac You can get a fairly nice study piece for a reasonable price. I wouldn't expect something extremely fancy but you can get a fair deal here. There are a few nice deals right now if I recall correctly; but the usual go-to for beginners should be getting books and studying up first.

Hello Mac! Please be sure to put your name in your signature line under account settings so we know how to address you. As for the sword, it is not counted as a nihonto as it is a non-traditionally made blade and likely has a machine-etched hamon which will scratch off. A true nihonto will have a hamon that is the result of the smithing process that is created and revealed after water-quenching and an arduous polishing process. The price you paid is fairly typical for a dress saber of its condition, which is fairly decent. If you want to buy a true nihonto, you should deal with the people here as they are fair and will sell you something worth the money! My recommendation would be Ray, Ed, Luis, or Harry. You should be VERY careful of buying on eBay as its very easy to buy a fake there. If you really want to get into nihonto, you should soak up all you can on this site as well as look for all the books that members here can recommend. Avoid paying the knowledge price by studying books instead of buying costly (and possibly fake) blades. However, this one is not fake, it is just not made traditionally and lacks a true hamon. It is unlikely to be traditional; however, I am not an expert and that slim possibility exists. But I feel confident other members would give the same opinion. The sword is decorative and would not have been considered useful in combat if alternatives were available. Anyways, welcome to the NMB, you'll meet a ton of friendly folk here!

That is a gorgeous mei (well not a mei, but body cut date) and blade.

The yokote is present, you need only look closer. Its definitely out of polish though.

This one ticks all the boxes for a fan of Sukesada. Shame its forever out of my price range.

Welcome to the NMB George! You're in good company here.

The lack of interest in the area I think. If I could get like.. ten people in the area, that'd be pretty swell.

Congrats! Shame there isn't one in the Indy area.

Love it! Some more knowledge out there will be good for all lovers of nihonto. I always thought it'd be nice to document my collection of blades with videos since I am nearing about 70 blades or so; but I lack the equipment and any skill to do so.

Pretty neat stuff!