David Flynn

What do you think is more important, The ability to pick a good sword, or the ability to kantei? Personally, I will go with picking a good sword. Since I have been concentrating on collecting Gendaito, I haven't been studying older swords like I did when I started. What I believe has happened though, is the ability to recognise a good sword. There are many levels of Gendai out there. From very average, to very very good(excellant). I have a friend who concentrates on Koto and thats what he likes. I have other friends who collect across the whole spectrum. What collecting Gendai has allowed my to do is, appreciate the difference between an average sword and a good sword. Why has this happend? because I have been able to concentrate on what makes a sword good. sugata, hataraki etc. Also I believe this concentration has helped whilst picking through the roughies. I have held many, many swords in my hands and believe I can pick a sword worth collecting. Also my critearia has changed. No longer do I try to collect any Nihonto, I have learned to be discerning. My critearia is: Is the sword worth preserving? Is the sword value for money? and do I like it? We all have different critearia in regards to collecting Nihonto. There really isn't any right or wrong, Just opinions and just because my opinion may not match yours, vive la difference.

I appologise for the Barb. It was not aimed at an individual. I will go with something I stated earlier. " Every sword held in the hand is a lesson". It's up to the individual to learn.

And fine Aussie hospitality.

Ah! the air of superiority. Nothing else smells like it.

Welcome Agripino, thank you for sharing your infomation on the Kanenori. Even if the sword is a bit "rough", it's not a bad start.

Definately not made like this. Looks like someone has taken a lump hammer to it.

I believe you're wrong Keith. Check John Sloughs book .

There is a good chance this is a traditional nihonto. Kanenori made both, gendaito and showato. Not always the case, but sometimes a two character signature means traditional.

I haven't entered into this discussion till now. :D All swords(nihonto) are worth studying. Whether they are in polish or out. What may be learned from an out of polish sword is, how one may pick a diamond in the rough. Of course, studying polished swords, is definately the way to go for learning all the attributes we desire in a sword. I personally believe though, any sword held in the hand is a lesson.

Going by the Sydney Shinsa, at least 6mths. In fact, we picked them up in Japan in Nov. the shinsa was in march!

I have been lead to believe, that these swords are actually handmade. Some have Mokume hada, some Itame hada and some Nashiji hada. I have also been lead to believe, that the Numbers on the mune of the nakago are a reference number to the smith that made a particular sword. Alas, many theories abound.

Hope to see you there Jock.

Welcome, Anthony and Yuri.

In Oz, we call this a Bodgie.

G'day and welcome.

I was also led to believe, that some Juyo papers issued in the 80s are also spurious.

Hello and welcome Gunnar.

May I suggest, instead of relying on second hand information, we all check with our respective Post offices.

Welcom Kieran

Welcome to all our new members and Kiora Corey.

Thanks Adrian. Also, anyone interested in being a volunteer, please let Adrian or myself know.

Check, So Masamitsu. I don't know if it's the same smith.

Stephen, the one on ebay is Katana Mei. The one here is Tachimei. Also the one on ebay is signed Noshu Seki Kanekami, and the yasurimei doesn't look as good.

I read the bottom two kanji as HIROSIGE. It also looks like there is some missing, in that the Nakago looks reshaped.

For Oshigata, Jolhn Sloughs book is best.