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Thank you for posting that, or I would have missed it I think. Voted!

This is frightening. This has got to be one of the best repro I’ve ever seen.

What can I add that hasn’t been added. I agree with most of the posts above and think that there are swords for every collector and every level. I know that I like both Paul's story and sword. I also feel saddened that we’re losing the great knowledge of Ray because of reasons that elude me. I know that deep inside, he is a nice person and I fail to understand what is happening . Whatever is happening to you, Ray, I hope you sort it out and come back the great scholar you were and that we miss. As one other member would add: Peace...

It can probably be purchased from Amazon.jp, but I don’t have the Japanese abilities necessary to find it. EDIT: There it is. I wanted to buy it as it’s quite cheap, but would have had to create a new account, so I gave up. https://www.amazon.co.jp/真説“戦う日本刀”-“最高”と呼べる武器性能の探究-大村-紀征/dp/4814202571/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=大村刀&qid=1594151989&sr=8-1

At least there is Hada, so traditional sword. When I first saw the pictures, I thought the ji was so glossy it looked like a WW2 Showato..

The thing is, do we have everything that's on his site? I mean, not reading Japanese, we may have overlooked some stuff. For example, I don’t think I’d ever seen anything about the clay used For yakiire before last week.

Possibly, yes, but it is such a state that making any sure proof affirmation would be nearly impossible.

Although not universal, when a nakago jiri (tip) is cut straight like this (mind you, some swordsmiths did it on purpose), it usually means the blade has been shortened. However, when this happen, even for a few centimeters, the mekugi ana (the hole) doesn’t correspond to the new tsuka and a new mekugi ana is drilled. If it is greatly shortened, the signature will disappear and sometimes replaced by a kinpun mei or left unsigned. The shortening and the absence of a new hole points to a fake Ō-suriage (greater shortening) to add a prestigious name to a mumei (unsigned) blade. It’s a common practice by con artists.

Suguha is more dangerous to perform because a Hamon like Choji has more ashi to release the stress points during yakiire. At least, that is what I have come to understand. Maybe I got it wrong.

Christian, So far, everything that has been found seems to show that the conception that railroad tracks were used was wrong. It seems this idea was born from the name Mantetsu itself and because, among other things, they managed the railways in Manchuria. However, some swordsmiths seem to have used railroad tracks to create artificial Hada. But all those I’ve seen seem to create a very conspicuous Hada, very different from Mantetsu swords where the most prominent are still very subtle. As for the Suguha Hamon, I don’t know. I’ve always read it was the most hazardous one to make as the stress during yakiire is the one most likely to produce hagiri. Maybe they had found a way, through a constant temperature, to overcome this hazard.

Well, hardly the guy I’m afraid... I think everything was made to deceive here. The nakago is suriage for no reason it seems.

Didn’t even know the Japanese army had Russians among their ranks. Fascinating.

The yakidashi would point towards Shinto I guess.

Of course I did! But then I’ve read many other things too, and some contradict themselves. For example, one source will call something Mokume Hada while another will speak about itame. In the end, I think that the only thing to really progress would be to see the swords in hand and have a mentor show me. Sadly, taking care of two handicapped parents prevents me from travellling, so I’m stuck with books, photos and my own deductions. When I came here, I had hit a knowledge wall. Here, I’ve found out many things. First, that some swords were really underrated, like WW2 swords. A whole new world has opened to me. I make mistakes but now I can usually place a sword in its era and sometimes school. It may look like an easy thing for you but you can’t imagine how happy I was when I discovered that. But yes, now I’m hitting a new wall that only factual experience could break. To you, my progress may seem like a small step. It was a giant leap for me. The next step is yet to happen. I’m like a toddler learning to walk. Sometimes, people come here with less knowledge, and I try to return the favor this great site has accomplished for me. Of course, I always add the caveat that I’m no expert and more knowledgeable people will confirm, infirm and further my help. I’m genuinely trying, but it’s a rocky road.

Don’t worry Peter, I know it isn’t personal, but this... episode... has made me conscious that my (useless) presence (and that of many other newbies) could irritate some people. Someone mentioned in another thread, a few months back that the more knowledgeable people had left and obviously, I’m among those who are new and I’ll admit to my knowledge being limited. Perhaps this board should select their members and leave out those unworthy. It would sadden me, but I can understand that scholars may just want to be among scholars and be annoyed by the insignificant flies buzzing around them. Once again, this is the reason why I’ve been waiting for so long before registering, the feeling of "not belonging".

Peter, I am one of those and have never done it out of friendship or anything but because I genuinely like what I see and lament that I can’t buy them. Now if some people feel feel those comments are misleading or undeserved, I’ll abstain from posting them anymore from now on. Still I feel it’s a shame that we are not authorized to comment on what we like. You say that some Tosogu or other swords don’t get those nice comments. Well, I have almost zero interest in Tosogu, so obviously won’t comment on them. And if I don’t comment on some swords, it’s not because the person isn’t one of my friends or because the sword has no quality, but because it isn’t the kind I like, period. If the 'no comment' in sales has to become the rule, so be it, but I think it’s sad what been happening since yesterday. Also, you can’t deny that some sales are pretty good deals. One more thing, not addressed to you Peter, but a general observation. This whole mess seems to reveal that some people here resent others. I apologize if I belong to that list of resented people. I came here to learn and because there are like minded fellows that I respect and admire for their knowledge. I have long hesitated joining this board and have lurked for about 10 years because, obviously, what could I bring to this board. If some feel my presence is unwanted, I’ll feel sorry but I have long been a lurker and can go back to being one if it makes others feel better. If my departure can make the forum better, I can leave for the good of all.

This could indeed work, Dave.

No, unfortunately. Since the tip was broken, so was the tempered part of the Hamon. With it lost, the blade looses its integrity and makes it useless. It’s a fatal flaw carried to the extreme.

I looks like a nihonto indeed, not too old though, probably Shinshinto by the look of it. Better pictures of the whole naked blade laying flat and taken from above, with no distortion, would help.

Can’t be seen on your pictures.

JT, i know it is frustrating but it will arrive eventually. I’ve had parcels from all over the world stuck lately, and some for a few months. They all arrived eventually but one (the oldest), which is still in limbo somewhere. The issue is the lack of planes. Some destinations are off limit, so parcels are flying from country to country until they finally find a plane for destination. In the meantime, the go through sorting in warehouses which are backlogged and then through customs which are backlogged too. Sometimes they get forgotten in a corner of the warehouse until someone notices them and put them back on the circuit, but eventually, I’m sure they will get to you.

Is it just a shadow or the mouth of the tsuka is larger than the nakago? Though in poor condition, the koshirae must have been a good one. On the contrary, the blade looks all kind of wrong and I wonder if it is original to the koshirae.

What puzzles me is the nakago. It looks crude and thin for a tanto.

That was actually my first thought, and that last picture seems to confirm it. It one of those Bonsai blade often mistakenly called a head cutter. Unless it was a genuine tanto whose entire kissaki got broken. Whatever, it’s dead.

My friend, whatever it was, I’m afraid it is too far gone...