Toryu2020

To my eye the Mei is very poorly cut - Sukeie is an Ichimonji smith so never made wakizashi - but if this is a Bizen blade it might add value to add that name at a later date... -t

I think Bruce is correct - gendaito need to be made from Tamahagane What Bob points up is that, other steels, like namban tetsu, meteorite, gun barrels and the like have historically been mixed in, in small amounts and used as a selling point. I think the amount of nie in the example sword makes it clear this is a product of tamahagane, but also clear is that the smith mixed in some "sponge iron" to make something worthy of presentation as noted in the original post. mho -t

Personally I am a bit of a book hoarder so have many of his titles - the book I refer to most often is the two volume Kantei book - in hardback I have his "Meikan", all three, on my iPad which helps identifying makers when I am "In the field" or at sword club meetings. It is easy to do - add to your library, add to books and your purchases are always there if you get a new device and need to reload them... -tch

"Thicker" or wider?

Not a cat, maybe a dragon and waves? -t

That is exceptionally nice Mark - count me jealous! Perhaps a stylized waterwheel and waves? -t

and it was issued Reiwa 3 so not pre-internet...

"the battlefields of Yokohama?" Seriously check his service records, my own grandfather sent home many Japanese antiques while "serving" in Korea. He could have easily bought this from another soldier or sailor en route to Korea and it was a legitimate pick up from the earlier war. Potentially a nice piece, deserves careful consideration... -t

Dan - A lot depends on when it was made - bigger heavier spears were used from horseback - but as Geraint points out once you are in the Edo period polearms become billboards and not real weapons... -t

All good choices - I would seriously consider 1 and 3 If you are asking questions about the Morikuni (4) I would ask if they think it isnt machi-okuri - which I think it is and with Shinto condition is everything, to be the best it needs to be in pristine condition. Regarding number 5 you have to love if for the blade, cause that purple tsukaito has to go! mho of course... -t PS good on you for taking the time to do your homework and ask advice!

So the two characters of the name can be read "Shimotsuki" (Frost Moon) and this is the old name for November - the reason I think this is a name and not a date is because there is no other date information above or below it - Therefore I'm convinced this is a art name 霜月 "Sogetsu" with kao - I would posit that this is the polishers art name, maybe some Mekiki whose work we haven't seen. Someone here is sure to know... -t

Much!

Are you able to post close-ups?

Piers et al - Along with the Juyo certificate there is issued an oshigata and setsumei page for the "Juyo To-ken Nado Zufu" publication - these most often are several paragraphs long with detailed description of the work, the general characteristics of the artist and sometimes background on the smith. Many times information not found anywhere else will be included. Therefore if you have a sword of this quality it behooves you to collect at least all the pages on your individual smith for a complete record of the maker... -t

Thanks Geraint - saves me some typing...

Tip up for tachi - tip down for katana...

The other cost of dumpster diving is you spend all your time in the dumpster, I'd rather spend my time at a well lit sword shop or the sushi bar! -t

True - his son Chris has taken over the business but it is not his full time job - if you are waiting for work to be done he has many "back-orders" to get caught up on so response time may be long... -t

Michael - Yes we used to do Iaido demonstrations at the old theater on base - different crowd than those outside the gate. Bakumatsu Meiji history is a favorite of mine so even if its light on sword related material I am going to look up a copy... -tom

So this I think belongs in another thread - I don't put that much faith in baggage handlers and the TSA - instead I get to the airport plenty ahead of time - I take my case to the TSA counter - there I have it inspected and swabbed for explosives, which is what they really care about - they put an "Inspected by" card in the case and then it is sealed in the presence of the TSA officer. This ensures that they will not need to open it in transit... -t

So the 750% number is complete BS - use situational awareness like you would in any major city as noted The venue is in Burlingame which does not have a smash and grab problem but still "don't leave valuables in your car" - do travel to the City, all the popular tourist spots are still worth the trip - don't forget though they are popular tourist spots... -t

Welcome Michael - Having lived in Kamakura we used to go to Yokosuka to the movies and we did demonstrations on "Open Base" days. Youve got the right books there and I see one that I'm going to need (Meiji no Senso to Yokohama) - thank you for the recommendation! -t

Michael - My usual advice to first time visitors is "Leave your wallet at home!" - you'll see so much good stuff you can fill up a suitcase pretty quick. Seriously though Grey has covered what you need to know - if you get to the show and have questions you can ask any of our members - recognizable by the black and white happi coats - we are happy to point you toward persons who collect in a certain area or answer general questions about sword stuff. Since there are booksellers there if you find you need a reference while making a purchase decision many folks will be happy to lend you a book so you can do your research on the spot. If your wife likes decorating there are often paintings, scrolls and woodblock prints along with pottery and other things to look at - if she likes kodogu there will be lots of good stuff to eye and one of our members even makes her own jewelry from kodogu. If she'd prefer a long walk there is a beautiful bayside promenade just outside the hotel that is popular with locals. Give your self plenty of time to see everything, keeping in mind that some table holders will duck out during meal times so you may have to circle back to catch them "at work". Do take the time to introduce yourself and do give us your feedback afterwards as we are always looking to improve the experience for folks... -tch

You do have the profession correctly - and yes Masahide would have made the stamps himself - why so many? Maybe his wife moved his s**t when she cleaned up? IDK :-) -t

Bruce - They are in sequential order by date - they are all by the first generation Masahide - he did not however use them in strict sequential order, there were times where he was using the third stamp and then the first... -tom