Yes, sir, I respect your explanation but, ya see, I'm just one of them 'citizens' out there that is not a member of this worthy group.
Out here in Podunk they call 'em all SAMURAI swords (I think ya can thank hollyweird for that). If I were to refer to this blade as a Koshirae (is that the correct name for what I have?) my peers would be quick to tell me I was wrong, that it was a samurai sword and do their best to make me feel the fool. <grin>
Anyhow, I'm glad I dropped by to pay ya'll a visit. I have learned a bunch since I registered (despite the agony of the registration itself).
Thank everyone who has volunteered their opinion and while I do recognize that they are opinions, I will regard it as good information. My main propose for coming here was to learn about my blade. I now know much more than I did yesterday and I'm sure there's a ton of stuff yet to learn, in matter of fact this could become another very expensive hobby. An I ain't goin there.
No, no, this ain't goodbye, I just want to add to my introduction I did a couple hours ago. I will for sure stick around for at least six months and see if I fit in anywhere here. As usual collectors come from ALL walks of life and the personalities in collector's forums are always — uhm, to say — interesting <grin>.
Tnx again,
george