ChuckJ

Thank you Mr. Singer!

Hello Guys, I have tried to get this simple Mei translated on my own, studying Grey's cards and doing my best but I get varied results. I have a good picture of the Mei and an overall picture of the blade, any help would be appreciated and it is my blade. Thank you!

Hi Dr. Dave, I don't have an accurate way to weigh the blade so I just took off the saya and put it on the bathroom scale (LOL) standing up and it came in at 3.5 pounds +or-. A pic of the nakago.

Surfson, it is clouds and blue sky the spot is a reflection of tree branches/leaves changing colors I suppose as the blade is perfectly clear and the pics were taken under/ next to a Canadian maple tree. The blade was finely polished by a well respected kind fellow in Hawaii a few years ago and is mirror like. The nakago is signed by a Gendai who was awarded Mukansa in 2006 and former president or honorary president of the NBTHK. The blade is around 1999 to 2003 can't find the info but he is in Fukuoka. Chuck

HI Guys, It was a sunny day and I decided to take a few pics with my iPhone of my favorite katana. Pics are not to good but after cleaning and before oiling I decided to see what the bright sun would bring out. Please don't beat me up on my not so great pics! This katana has some very active features I hope you enjoy and comment on what you see going on in the blade. I have studied the hamon and hada using the books I have and would be interested in finding out what I didn't see from my reference material. A side note the nagasa is 31". I wish you all and your families well!! Chuck

LOL the Maker's Mark bottle is my friend Al Herr's table!!!

Hi Guys, What are your thoughts on these pieces concerning the jidai and schools that made them came from.

Thank you!!

Hi Barrie! I am familiar with that particular book and it has become pricey at $400 USD everywhere I look!

Hello! I am interested in finding pictures of the style of Owari tsuka ito, if anyone could list a reference to Owari tsuka or post pictures I would be very appreciative. I know they did things a bit different and would like to see some true Owari tsuka ito work. Thank you! Chuck

If you deal with Ray you won't be disappointed! Ray, I am so in love with the Owari flying geese tsuba I bought from you! All the best, Chuck

Hi Grey, I met you at the Atlanta sword show and attended your class as well as visited your table. You are a very nice gentleman and care about sharing your knowledge with others. It is people like you which give light to the world of nihonto. This passion (nihonto) is fraught with grifters and money hungry individuals eager to seperate one from his money, you are not one of those. I enjoyed talking to you and your class was wonderful. BTW... I am loving the kanji cards I bought from you and yes you were right, it is coming together as I'm recognizing the signatures on my blades. Thank you for being an inspiration and the help you provide, I really hope to see you again. Chuck

Hi Nick, Post a complete picture of the naked blade to assist in getting information about the signature as nihonto have very specific traits. Steve M is among the very best there is at translation, once you post pics of the blade more can be determined. Best wishes, Chuck

Hi Piers, Yes, I ran across it and it struck me as being similar to the topic here. I also saw several examples of lotus or what was identified as lotus which appeared very close to if not spot on for the menuki in this post. I found that mon put in with lotus images and thought it to be a close match! Just a thought. Chuck

Hey Guys, I think we could be looking at Lotus leaves here, I found several examples which carry the five leaves and look very close. Just a thought. https://www.pngegg.com/en/png-duxbd

How are you Mr. Hennick! I enjoyed speaking to you over the phone the other day!! So happy you guys are Okay!! How can I get those editions as I'm a JSSUS member, I love this blade! On another note, the gorgeous lobster/sea tosogu set I got from you is going to be mounted on this blade as it fits wonderfully, like the tsuba was made for it wonderful fit! All the best my friend, Chuck

Hello Gents, Concerning a large katana I own (nagasa 31" or 78.74 cm) a respected friend of mine as well as in the nihonto world found the following references to the sword smith. He indicated the smith was hard to find but he sent me this reference: Japanese Newsletter vol. 15, 6, & 31, He didn't provide what that reference is, I would like to research it as the blade is very nice, heavy, healthy and in good polish. What is the Japanese Newsletter? Forgive my ignorance. Best wishes, Chuck

Matt, Thank you Sir it was very kind of you to do this. Best Wishes, Chuck

Morita San, is a good man taking his time to help others as are MANY here on this board freely giving their knowledge. Lets, recognize these members who do this difficult work of translating as are giving to the small community of Nihonto. I thank you all, Chuck

Hey Guy! I was wondering if anyone has the reference knowledge (books) which show this smith (Nagato-no-kuni -ju Fujiwara Hirotaro). I tried searching the Nihonto Club signature search, but I can find nothing and I used many variations of the Mei. I thank you in advance, I just can't do it on my own.

Thank you all very much!! Chuck

Hello Guys!! I acquired a wakizashi and through my limited knowledge, decided it was Nihonto, I can conclude it's nothing special. I ask for a translation of the Mei, I tried as I'm learning but it's frustrating as there is rust hurting the Mei. If you Gentlemen can help me I would as always appreciate your efforts. Chuck

Hey Guys, I just stumbled across this YouTube channel, hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABDnuiXwIdBRqqKvb3PYBQ Chuck

Thank you very much for your time!!! I appreciate your wonderful help. Best Wishes, Chuck

Hello Guys! I want to thank Ray Singer for helping me, I called him and told him I'm looking for Tosogu for a mounting project on an Owari katana. Ray, was very kind and quickly located an outstanding Owari tsuba which when compared to the katana is wonderful. Mr. Singer, followed through kept great communication and I could not be more satisfied. Thanks Ray. I would like to ask you gents to translate the paper for the tsuba so I can document it. Thank you all for your help, Chuck