Lewis B

Sam, thats probably where you're going wrong. A proper digital camera with full control of the exposure, aperture and speed, on a tripod, with appropriate lighting (depending what activity you want to highlight) and last but not least, a macro lens. Then you'll probably improve your stats.

It really helps to load large high rez images. I find Google Drive to be a decent hosting site. Or use what Brano uses ie Zonerama.com

Those koshirae are probably the most tasteful/classy pieces I've seen yet. I love the design on the saya's. Timeless. Yes, there are spectacular gold urushi koshirae but I personally find them gawdy and shouty.

Thats a nice set and the price is super fair given the quality of the koshirae and fittings. Although I'm not that keen on Satsuma blades. Price has been reduced so there may be some negotiation possible.

Thanks everyone. Would a personal inscription of unknown historical significance negatively impact value? The blade dates to the late 80's so unlikely to have a military or Daimyo connection. I know watches that have personal inscriptions on the casebook make them less attractive on the secondary market when offered for sale.

My first inclination was that its a dedication. Name on the omote, date on the ura and dedication or personalisation on the mune.

This modern blade has kanji on the nakago mune in addition to the ura and omote sides of the nakago. Curious what it says and why some makers would mark their blades in this location rather than add it to the sides of the nakago.

Hadn't noticed the Tadayoshi wakizashi was TH. I guess that improves the value somewhat although the muneware is not very attractive.

Another in the fascinating series. A little sad as it's clear at 83 he's winding down. Hopefully his apprentices listened and learned well so the next generations can continue the art.

Another overpriced Daisho set. Poor quality Hozon blades in a fancy set of koshirae just to boost the value. https://www.samuraim...YXYqeVh9vqCMdJW_cUdQ

I certainly didn't read it as a reference to a specific person, more a generalisation around some recent and not so recent forum 'contributions' that are giving the NMB an unwelcoming and, can I say aggressive, vibe. The newbies are certainly getting it in the neck and whilst many of the comments and opinions are often valid, it's the delivery that can be tempered. As has been said many times, unless new members are encouraged, guided and supported in a positive way, the forum will eventually decline as the old guard move on, so to speak. Perhaps it's the pressures around Christmas so maybe it's a good moment to step back, take a breather and then return with a refreshed mind. I've really enjoyed @KungFooey's enthusiastic posts, comments and recent acquisitions and it would be sad to see her go especially under these circumstances. Hopefully after a little reflection any departure will be temporary. A no comment thread for people to show their blades would be very welcome. The 'Rai' Kuniyuki tachi is the quality of blade we need to see more of around here.

Nice Kamakura era daisho set. Ichimonji Nosada (Kanesada). The short wakizashi was originally a Naginata with early example of his Mei. I see these selling for a somewhat lower price if sold separately. https://www.tsurugin...om/items/f00668.html

Personally I think it is best to avoid Ebay, Catawiki, obscure auction houses and Gumtree/Craigslist, especially if you are new to collecting. I've seen FAR better blades recently, with papers, for a similar price on this forum. Ebay, Yahoo.jp/Jauce is a minefield and you'll only get burned... unless very lucky.

This a good starter reference for nihonto flaws. https://www.Japanese...rdindex.com/kizu.htm

Thats my birthday.... just sayin'

You'll be able to watch its discovery in one of the BBC's upcoming Digging for Britain episodes.

If it was my waki and I valued it.... then no. Several tried and tested products mentioned regularly on the forum.

Depends how much you value your waki

I'm a member. Joined this year so I could attend the NBTHK-EB meetings and for the Shinsa discount.

Can you post some clear images of the kissaki and boshi?

Yes, Camellia oil, branded as Tsubaki. There are a couple of species so get the one for blades. Never had any issues applying this sparingly on my swords and Japanese kitchen knives.

Overlooking the usual green paper concerns I see a blade thats in very poor condition and over polished. Shame the seller doesn't give the motokasane and sakikasane measurements. Hamon extends beyond the Ha, Hamachi virtually non existent. Bohi is narrow along the blade vs the nakago. Odd looking boshi and areas of shintetsu.

Even the horimono is exquisite. Far better than some full size carvings. A complete tour de force. I would love to know the story and why such a minute piece was created, mimicking its normal sized siblings in every detail and construction. I've certainly not seen another.

Reminds me of an apprentice piece. Super cute and looks well made.

From the bits I can read it appears Tanobe liked it and no arguments there.