Jwrussell

Those are Tachi Kake. Try searching Katana Kake (katanakake).

Do a quick search for DISPLAY in the search bar and you'll find lots of results. Plenty of options out there, mostly depends on your budget.

I feel like Markus or Darcy (or both?) have articles that say the very same thing. There can be much beyond the simple attribution. And I truly wish all attributions (Hozon and up) had at least a short explanation. It would help tremendously, especially for us neophytes.

Yay! Congratulations! This is exciting!

It is still up, no mention of Hagire, and there is a bid in place.

Yes, unfortunately not much we can say with these pictures. It does appear to be potentially ubu based on what I can see, but need much better pictures to say anything else.

I find some curious wording here, but it’s hard to say if this is simply a translation issue, or if there is something there. “If you remove the inscription and submit it to the examination again, you will be able to pass the NBTHK Hozon Token.” So, are they saying it was already submitted and rejected…or is this just an English/Japanese language issue? And are they trying to suggest this is an attempt by a modern smith to reproduce a Kunikane blade? If so would they typically inscribe the original smiths name?

Not to be contrary, but the lower mark doesn't look the same to me on both sides. VERY similar, but not quite matching...

Oh My Word. That is stunning.

Sorry, this deserved to be repeated. 😄

Thank you for the post, Peter. Any notes or pointers to reference material so that I can follow up would be appreciated.

Very nice, congrats.

A detailed explanation would help all those looking to learn.

Geraint, is it me or is there a tempered edge (hamon-ish) on that blade? Interesting.

And forgive my mis-use of the term. What I was focusing on was that the style of the Hamon found on the rest of the blade carries into the kissaki rather than becoming Suguha as is typical in Shinto blades. As Jacques so tactfully points out, words have meaning and I was not using the correct ones. Here is some great reading to help the topic: https://www.google.com/amp/s/markussesko.com/2015/06/10/kantei-3-hamon-boshi-3/amp/

absolutely. Nothing happens exactly in one point of time.

John, I believe that he means if you are looking to invest money, you will see a much better return via the stock market than via Nihonto. In general absolutely true as it is with almost any collectible. As with firearms and watches, I am always happy if they just hold value.

See post 6. Seems clear active Harmon in the kissaki to me.

Do some searching on the forum on sword care or "oil" will get you tons and tons of hits. Unfortuantely, that rust on the sword tip looks like it's eaten away some serious metal. Not sure a polisher is going to be able to save the geometry. That said, I'm nowhere near an expert and I'm sure it could still be helped. In the meantime, get some Choji/Camillia or REM oil and follow Brian's suggestions. The imperative now is just to stop any active rust and maintain the sword as it is. Where are you in the US? There are two shows coming up, Orlando and California (San Fran??). If you are near either it might be worth having someone look at it in person at the show. It's an impressive blade, even in the state it is in. Congrats and good luck.

Aha, gotcha. Yes, I'm sure the Sayagaki would be much more detailed.

Could be the picture quality, but looks like it might be in need of a polish (by a Japanese trained professional of course), but lovely blade. Looks to be some areas of rust...or could just be the lighting? Interesting Hamon. I like the sugata and that O-Kissaki is wonderful.

I have no interest in stirring any pots or trying to cause friction. Please understand this question is simply a question so I can better understand. @Tengu1957 you mention this is specifically papered to mid-late Nanbokucho Omiya Morishige. May I ask how the paper expresses this? Is it simply based on the signature on the blade being typical of that period Morishige, or does it actually specify a time period? Thanks!

Really beautiful blades. Interesting to see such variation in the Harmon between two blades by the same smith.

Welcome. Being in Florida (and Orlando!), check out the Sword Show forum. There is a great show coming your way in less than a month. Be sure to make it to that show, you will not regret it.