nihonto1001

Usually, ebay is not the place to find what you are looking for. However, this seller is a member here, and has been recommended. You might be able to avoid ebay fees if you find him here. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/user/2223-nickupero/

Fudgie The Whale Tsuba.

I recently picked up a copy of Military Swords Of Japan 1868-1945. There is a section that explains some of the arsenal stamps. Perhaps the square is a Tan or Kitau stamp, used to indicate a hand forged blade. These markings are said to be scarce. Peter, please post a pick of the Kanenobu if you get a chance. I would like to see what it might look like in polish. Added: I actually found an example of the Tan stamp thank to Hoanh's link. Not the same.

I saw this item for sale on EBay Canada recently (Sept 25th). I thought it was odd that the same sword sold here a few weeks earlier. I messaged, but got no response. The seller name is 09boughtit. It is no longer listed.

I'll have to disagree with you on this John. No one is forcing you to buy this hypothetical sword, and it does not matter what the seller paid for it. Its not like we wait in "bread lines" to buy swords. Because each sword is unique, and the sword market is relatively small, prices are set more arbitrarily, like many other luxury items. In my opinion, these things should be valued more, instead of being "whored out". I also feel it is in very bad taste to leave negative "Sword Gestapo" type comments on a classified ad.

Apparently, posting here in an auction format is like a chicken dining with Colonel Sanders:) If you are from the USA, you will understand.

Ed-Yakiba, Darcy-Nihonto.ca, Andy-Nihonto.us, Bob-Togishi.com are the big fish I have had personal experience with and can therefore recommend. I am sure there are many other great dealers. I too have nice pieces on my site and many happy clients. Though, I am just a minnow.

Gentlemen: Thanks for the information. It really is not much to look at in its current state. I am contemplating having it polished.

I recently found this Gendaito: Noshu Ju Kanenobu; Showa, 1941, October. The nakago looks good. Bad news; the sword is heavily pitted near the monouchi. Good news; the pits are in the shinogi-ji. It should polish out. The question I have is what the mark in the nakago mune means? Any insight would be appreciated.

I know Zenjo Kaneyoshi and Nosada at times worked in sugaha based hamon. There are probably others. I don't know why the Mino Den gets penalized by collectors. There were so many great smiths that contributed to its formation.

Markus: Thank You! Are you going to the Tampa Show in 2016? I have been wanting to pick out a book. Any recommendations?

Ted, Nice Dragons. Are they Goto?

My vote is for the Turtles too Ed.

Christies once sold an Ichimonji with a hagire. It was not caught until after the catalog was printed. They did a quick disclaimer before bidding started, calling it a transverse crack. Their sword expert said it was not a hagire, because it did not go through the nioi guchi. The sword had Juyo papers. Therefore, there is a good possibility that the hagire was newly conceived. Someone paid over $30K for it. I was going to bid on it, until I caught this. Looks like a hagire to me: "Caveat Emptor"- Buyer Beware, has become almost a universal law.

Excellent point. Another aspect of this point is that, as responders, we are Free to answer the question, or ignore it. So, this information is Free. However, payment does come in the form of the satisfaction you get in helping others and building interest in Nihonto. This is good for building the market, which ultimately benefits those of us whom are heavily invested in it. This forum definitely bolstered my interest in Nihonto, maybe too much.lol

I vote for the laissez faire theory. Every hobby has its "Corporate Culture", so to speak. Our hobby is perceived to be filled with a bunch of grumpy codgers; a tough crowd. Nubes, are often alienated for asking "stupid" questions, the answers to which amount to someone else's more educated opinion. That being said, I do not feel it is the job of the moderators to censor responses, or make us into gentlemen. The best forums seem to be the ones with less moderation and more open communication, if not for the pure entertainment value. If someone is an A-Hole, it is their problem, not the Nube who is asking a Nube question. If that same person is an A-Hole too often, it becomes their reputation; and they reap the harvest they sew. -My 2 cents.

John Tirado is one of the best choices for shirasaya and is not too far from you. Look him up on Facebook.

Henk I too am sword rich, but cash poor. The naginata is well liked by most who have seen it. Thanks for the compliment.

Hi Ken All the prices were listed during the sale, just as they are now. The only exception is the study tanto, which I am not actively marketing. If you like it, I would sell it for what I have into it, $2000. All my swords are backed with an inspection period, to make sure clients are happy, and to make up for bad photography.

Because peaple will always want something more if they know other peaple are interested. The same goes for people:) The economy works like that on a grander scale.

I have an opportunity that I need to generate capital for. This is an opportunity to buy items at a greatly reduced cost (20% off). Some of the items are priced below my cost with this discount. The Kanabo Naginata is a no brainer. This sale does not include Knives, which are already priced low, but everything else is fair game. Because of my poor photography skills, I am offering a 3-Day inspection period. The swords look much better, in person. This sale absolutely ends on 8-11. Please click on the link to Onihonto.com below. Happy hunting.

There is an Ebayer selling nihonto from Israel. I sent a tanto there a while ago without incident.

I am having some trouble getting posts to show. I hope it is now corrected. So far, I have three for Bizen Yoshii and one for Yamato Shikake. Thanks for participating.

I thought this would be an interesting way to promote Onihonto.com and get your opinions at the same time. http://onihonto.com/kantei/ This sword just came back from polish. I have already heard some excellent opinions from the Big Fish, whose opinions I highly value. Just for fun, lets see what you come up with. Please reply on my page. It will be nice to get some insightful commentary. Thank you.

I have had the opportunity to see this sword first hand. It is a nice piece.