Oshy

Hi Phil, Koshirae would be in full functional saya and mounting (with tsuba, sepa, fuchi, kashira, and tsuka handle typically wrapped in samegawa, silk ito and menuki)), shirasaya like this piece is typically for storage. In my very limited experience i have also seen 2 habaki similar to this with cutouts of different shapes (moon). Not very common but they do exist.

Had my wife watch this before to help her understand ????

Very unique saya indeed!

I would leave the nakago(tang) be, it's meant to patina with age.

Would you call that a double bo-hi of sorts or is there a specific term for that type? It's very interesting, must be quite uncommon?

Im a short 6-7 hour drive away, not sure if I can make it but would be interested to hear who else plans on attending.

Good day everyone! A bit of a delayed introduction but better late than never! My name is Mike Bender, I reside in Minnesota USA with my wife of 9 years and 2 year old daughter. Ive held a fascination for all things Japanese for many years but haven't done much to act on it until recently. I've been somewhat of a self taught practitioner using modern blades for a bit over a year which lead my interests into nihontos over the past few months. Since then I have been quietly observing the NMB forums daily, mostly disregarding terminology and just enjoying/drooling over the beautiful pieces shared, however recently decided to take the plunge, buckle down and begin learning from the ground up. I hold particular interest and appreciation around the muromachi period and will likely focus my collection around pieces from that era. I will be beginning my journey with a budget friendly study piece paired with entry level reference books and move up from there when ready(but probably prematurely because I cant help myself ). There are so many people here with a lifetime of knowledge, it can be quite intimidating but I look forward to growing, sharing and in time helping where I can, please be gentle! Best regards,

Thanks David, thought it looked longer in those first pictures. Indeed a tall hamon, unfortunately I have no place identifying but im sure others can help. Bummer about the kissaki, looks like a lot of material to move if fixed. Best of luck

Looks like the hada was enhanced using acid etching of some sort? The hamon appears most visible in the kissaki(tip) picture. Are there any other serial codes not shown here, perhaps on the back of the blade or mouth of the saya?

Hi David, Beautiful piece, love the hamon. Would you be able to provide some basic dimensions? The tsuba has some charm, are you set on completing the koshirae or would you consider shirasaya? Regards,

What a surprise, love the tsuba

Thank you!

Hey folks, As a modern practitioner with preexisting interest and appreciation for most anything Japanese (particularly Muromachi period) ive grown increasingly interested in Nihontos. Ive been quietly keeping up with the NBM forums daily taking it all in and oogling over many pieces that have come and gone until now. Ive decided to take the plunge and purchase my first (im sure of many) budget friendly piece to get me started but im also looking to pickup some entry level reference books to start basic blade study or an all-in-one covering general terminology, blade and mount geometry, historical information on smiths, schools and their defining characteristics and general historical events that may have had an influence on them. Below are a couple that I have received recommendations for so far: https://www.amazon.com/Koto-kantei-Markus-Sesko/dp/1300552581 https://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book-Japanese-Swords/dp/1568365810 Thanks in advance for the input! Regards, Mike