16k

And it could also be the origin behind the much discussed and refuted idea that they used railway tracks to make swords.

Won’t do because we need to see the curvature in relation to the tang. Wild guess? Looks Kanbun Shinto (second half of the 17th century) but hard to tell for sure in those conditions.

One more thing, your Tsuba (guard) is an early one. Good blades are often found with these, so you definitely scored a deal.

For the rust near the tip, if it is active wipe with oil. It should come off even though staining remains. Then put some choji oil on the blade with a soft paper but be careful not to put too much. It might be wise to wipe it slightly just after to avoid pulling. The tang need to remain as is. You can wipe it to with oil to remove active rust but don’t overdo it as the condition of the tang is used to date the blade. A tang whose patina has been removed looses 50% of its value. For the picture, put the blade on cushions on the floor, jump on a chair a take a picture of the whole naked blade, without perspective or Habaki (collar). The shape of the blade helps dating it too. And care for your blade as you have a genuine Nihonto!

Real deal! Type 98 with older blade but need better pics to say more. I think you scored a deal. As for taking care of the blade: DON’T DO ANYTHING ! Especially don’t remove the rust and leave the nakago (tang) as is! About Care and Maintenance, please read this! http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/faq.html

Austus, Thanks for the new pic. I wasn’t as much looking for the sori as I was interesting in seeing the tapering toward the kissaki. With this picture, I see what is a fairly uniform blade with an elongated kissaki verging towards Ō-kissaki. This shape is common to both late Edo and Momoyama periods. I’m tempted to say late Shinto, early Shinshinto, but I could be entirely wrong.

Dayum! I wanted to play that part, but looks like you got a ... head start!

Chris, Here is a picture of a seki hamon I own (photo courtesy of Ed Marshall) that is in about the same condition as yours. I really believe yours isn't Showa Seki, though I'm dubious about Bungo Takada too!

We have to try! Who volunteers?

Yes, put the blade on a stand and make a picture of the whole naked blade from the front, not with the blade lying down as it skews perspectives. And yes, from what I can see, I agree with Suguha based on ko choji/midare with nezumi ashi. And unfortunately, no, not a Muramasa!

Haha! Yup! Muramasa or maybe the illegitimate son of Muramasa and Masamune, Muramasamune! More seriously, hard to see the Hamon in that state of polish. However, I think Steve is right. Looks like it could be a very nice blade.

Masa... mune? Chris, you’ve done it! You’ve finally found the Honcho Masamune!!!!!

Sure about the origin of the word Ray? Would have thought I came from French “Hachette” meaning “small axe” (hache meaning axe and ette a word ending meaning small) than again, hache probably comes from the Germanic Axe.

I think it is older, Chris. I agree with Mino Seki, but that Hada looks too prominent for a Showato. And the sugata doesn’t scream Showato to me, but you’re the specialist.

They are drilled. That and the sugata make me think late Shinto. On the other hand, I’m not to sure about the sugata since the blade is laid down, I’m not to sure about the tapering. In some picture I’d swear late Shinto, in others, well older.

I’d say late Shinto blade, probably post kanbun. Tired I’m at least two places, I like the suguha Hamon.

Couldn’t they just simply use wax like the Celts did? EDIT: answering my own question. Probably not or there wouldn’t be flashing as in a two part mold.

Stephen, I quite understand what you’re going through. If it is any consolation, I’ve wanted many times to buy swords in the sales section, some are a real steal, but even at those prices, I can’t afford them. Money is a trouble for many of us I’m afraid. Get this! I’m buying a sword from Ed at the moment. I knew from the start it was going to be painful for my wallet. Yet, even priced cheap ($3200), I don’t have that kind of money and am paying it over 5 months! Just hold onto your swords, better moments will come. Sell other stuff that matters less if you can. But don’t sell anything you’ll regret later on. And hold on!

Actually, my first reply would have been :”I can’t help you with your appendage as I’m too busy with mine!” :D

John, That would be my thought too. A guy I know in the army told me the primary use of tassels wasn’t rank at the beginning, but to replace the loop of cavalry swords so that within a charge, the sword could not only stay within the hand and wasn’t twisted backwards by the momentum. So that could be it. As for the crown section not going through, I’m sure there are ways to tie the tassel without the crown needing to go through this.

No necessarily. If the blade is in great shape, worthy of being at least Hozon, by a well known smith, not suriage, then, yes, maybe. Otherwise, you may end up spending more than the purchase value. Age doesn’t necessarily dictates quality.

If I may ask, why were you thinking Hizen?

Beautiful Hitatsura pattern.

Wow! A fake? Damn, those guys are good! Sorry for the inaccurate news guys! Hey, John, where did you get your repro? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a new one for sale and since I’ll never be able to afford a genuine one...

For those of you looking for one at a reasonable price, I saw this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Japanese-Army-general-officers-sword-tassel/254449203647?hash=item3b3e5ab9bf:g:bNsAAOSwPeRd5M~0 I think it’s the real deal.