Oshy

Right, any online store to link?

From where?

By display, do you mean display within shirasaya as opposed to bare blade?

Im assuming he has received several PMs from interested parties per the above.

Beautiful!

Hi Florian, Im thinking it might be oil residue. I use 91% Isopropyl to remove all old oil prior to adding fresh oil as part of my maintenance routine. You might try that. As long as you keep the blade lightly oiled and inside the airtight saya/shirasaya, all should be ok (assuming proper humidity levels below 60%). I believe Koshirae can be a bit more temperamental and also doesn't like humidity levels that are too low. Lacquer, leather etc can require extra care.

Warm welcome

Sorry that's just from memory, don't recall where it was from. I was researching it last year to determine if open blade display was feasible or not. Ended up deciding against it.

Is this testing renessance wax? From what I remember reading the wax will protect for years but the properties change over time and it will haze gradually as it ages. It's also difficult to remove due to how the properties change over time, perhaps it dries and hardens or something. So I don't think testing removal after a couple days will be an accurate test.

For example sake, let's say a blade is valued at $2k. I think you will find that if you spend $800 shipping a blade to Japan for NBTHK shinsa and obtaining hozan, it wouldn't typically increase the value dollar for dollar unless a favorable finding is uncovered in the process. Same goes for polishing. So you will typically save money buying a papered / polished blade.

Yes flaws will detract from value, however a generally tired blade is more accepted from Muromachi or prior. I don't see anything too alarming here. Looking quite nice ????

Just speaking from my personal experience and what the practitioner world generally agrees on. Not a Hanwei dealer but I would say I am biased with them due to each piece, at thier respective budget, seems to be a great bang for the buck for the modern day practitioner. Il let you continue with your research, stay safe.

Hanwei fittings and castings are typically quite good for the money compared to other modern reproductions.

Im sorry you had a bad experience with your first piece. This video was just to show the quality of the nakago, it's the same that you can expect on the $250 practical XL. I've seen many modern blades in hand from different companies and for what it's worth, I can say Hanwei Paul Chen are a notch above the rest but you cannot expect the same quality and results that your used to with traditional nihontos, especially at the much lower prices. I'm just trying to help but you seem to have made up your mind generalizing all non nihonto as garbage.

Il leave you with this Hanwei video, review of the nakago 17 minutes in. Good luck with your search.

You seem to have made your decision then

No sir it is definitely not. Il try to find some reviews

I no longer own but Hanwei Paul Chen great and we'll respected brand for practitioners. Lots of reviews out there to read and YouTube if you want. Best bang for your buck for functionality in my opinion.

Odd indeed, not my cup of tea asthetically. I feel having the bohi so low would compromise the integrity/strength of the blade if too deep compared to the standard position. Primary purpose is to remove material to lighten up the blade, much more material closer to the mume where it's thicker. *Shrug*

A wall hanger at best. If your looking for a cheap functional piece to cut with, I would recommend a Hanwei. Practical XL posted below for $250 http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH6000XPF&name=Hanwei+Practical+XL+Katana

Welcome Adal

Additional close ups of the fittings would be nice as well.

I enjoy forged in fire for what it is. Some very talented folks there making some impressive pieces in just a few hours/days.

For the price it looks to be a decent starter blade to study and pass on for little to no loss. Could do worse

Looks to have some age purely based on nakago, Edo maybe?