Julien

I had the chance to study it 2 weeks ago... Wonderful sword

@eternal_newbie It is ! Thank you for your comment. Let's do a good deal on a really rare book. It start today and will end on Sunday. Next monday, it get back to the original price. 700 euros / 815 $ shipping included worldwide (the book is 9kg !)

Sōshū Den Meisaku Shū, written by Dr Honma in 1975. This large size book (21inch*15.5inch/53cm39cm and 20lb/9kg) was printed of only 1500 copies. This is the most complete reference about Sōshū Den works, and it features high quality pictures, oshigata and description in Japanese. It comes with the original cardboard box. Note that there is minor foxing on the grey cover and on the first page of the book (pictured). For the rest, it is in excellent condition. The book was originally listed on Facebook for 850€/1000$, shipping included worldwide (from Japan). Since the buyer had unexpected financial troubles, I am happy to offer it here, for 800€ shipped. I only post a few pics, but I have more available that I can send through email or pm

If my memory serves me well, it was offered by Raymond Yan

I may be harsh or suspicious but... I think it would help you if you post a picture of the sword with your name / date written on a paper ?

The two other books are sold too

Looks like a hard book to find ! Good luck In case you do not have it (or did not knew about it), I can advise you the Hizen To Taikan, really good reference that focus on the Tadayoshi lineage (sadly, in Japanese)

Personally, when I see a photo of a kanteisho with the left side obscured (online auctions), I tend to be very cautious. The second key point is whether the torokusho details (Prefecture, number, era, and date) match with what is written on the kanteisho, and whether that section shows any signs of alteration (corrections, strike-throughs, etc.). Third, the nagasa listed on the kanteisho should match both the blade and the torokusho. I have seen cases where the torokusho and blade matched, but the kanteisho differed by as much as 8 cm. Finally, if something feels off, it is best to walk away.

I will add my two cents here (a bit far from the original subject, yet connected in my opinion). First of all, I fully agree with @Rivkin, who expressed the point far more clearly than I could have. Secondly, there have always been both good and poor blades, regardless of the period. The finest swords were those best suited to their intended purpose. It therefore makes little sense to compare, for example, a Kamakura tachi with a Kanbun-period blade later modified to fit a sword cane in the Meiji period. Today, we are far from those times of warfare, at least in their traditional form. I believe that we now collect swords primarily for their historical significance (of which all blades are a part), their aesthetic qualities, and, for some people, the prestige associated to the blade/the smith. Since the original functional aspect of the sword is no longer central, a wide range of blades from every era, regardless of sugata, hamon, or hada, whether signed or mumei, and whether associated with a prestigious lineage, a temple, or an ordinary samurai, can be appreciated on their own merits. I believe that every smiths probably created at least one piece that could be fully enjoyable !

The seller just let me know that the Mino Taikan is no longer available

Hi guys, I was offered lately three books in Japan, that I already have. I know they are quite hard to find, so I am happy to give you the opportunity. 1/ Soshu Den Meisaku Shu, 1500 copies only, by Honma Junji - 850$ + shipping (the shipping cardboard box is a bit damaged / soiled, the book is in excellent condition) 2/ Mino To Taikan, 1500 copies, by Tokuno Kazuo - 200$ + shipping (the box is sun faded, book in excellent state) 3/ Studies in Kyo Goto, by Naohisa Tsujitomo - 200$ + shipping (book and box in good condition)

My pleasure