nihonto1001

I do not mean to open up a can of worms, but I am one of those people, I guess. The Kanemichi I mentioned has both hada and hamon, indicative of a traditionally made sword. Also, the reference manual lists him as a good Gendaito maker. So where do we draw the line between Gendaito and Showato? Maybe the line is obscure, especially with specimens in which a mixture of traditional and modern methods are employed. What is the exact definition of Gendaito anyway? If it is just "traditionally made swords of the era," then should nanban-tetsu swords of the Shinto Period be considered true Nihonto? Perhaps at one time, they were not. What I am getting at here is, the etymology of words are in a constant state of flux. However, I am a conservative, if there is an exact definition, I would like to know it.

Just an example of Gendai with Arsenal Stamp. It seems like most rules are not set in stone with this stuff.

Kanemichi was a Gendai smith who worked in Seki in the Mino tradition. Some of his traditional works have a Seki stamp.

Gabriel, I do not even remember you taking that photo. But, I can clearly see my hand in the background, so I know I was there. I must have been under the hypnotic spell of the Taiko Drummers:) There were some of the finest nihonto I have ever seen at a Sword Show, thanks to Dale, Bob and Andy, among others. The show was slow and definitely a buyers market. Cannot blame this on Bill. He did a good job with advertising, including a TV interview and billboard. I can also see the logic of having the show at the utilitarian Timonium Fairgrounds to make it more accessible to the public. Unfortunately, the public was fickle. In the future, I think Japanese Sword Shows should be held in a more prestigious setting than this shows humble trappings. In the end, I ended up buying a nice little tanto for a good price, so not a total loss. In summation, "you should have been there", even if just to support your hobby.

Hi Joe: Wow, the second sword looks really familiar. How about Mino from the Muromachi Period? I would like to find that tsuba.

Dam, I hate answering a bunch of stupid questions... But, you are right. The 'Incessant Question Askers' are a unique breed, versus the 'Finger F--kers'; they are the ones who don't say a word, but touch everything on your table. I have done enough of these Market/Trade shows to realize these people are indeed two different sub species. It is actually funny to watch. I think most people don't even realize you can buy a real Samurai Sword, and if they did, they would not mind having one. I believe Bill is having a mandatory etiquette class for Nubes, BTW.

Hi Jean: The swords are turned that way for aesthetics. But, you are probably referring to the other weaponry seen in the photo. Those are old school recurve bows; a Bear Kodiak and a Ben Pearson Mustang. What you don't see is the Sig P238, shotgun and rifle:) Woe to the intruder.

I like this thread. Here is mine. I picked up the screens at a local Asian Furniture store. Think I over-paid @ $80 ea. I like the minimalist look better, but I am researching a few extra swords this month.

Thanks for the honest comments. I appreciate them. I like it just because it appeals to my pragmatic nature, while not being as common as what one would normally find. I am surprised they attribute these to a School. I thought it was a smith's, or armorer's tsuba.

I will be seeing you guys there. For those not within driving distance, the price of the table is insignificant when you also have to buy plane tickets and rent a hotel room. If you are within driving distance, consider yourself lucky, and come out to the show. Many of the big guys are going to be there. There are also expected to be many nubes (with cameras). Should be interesting.LOL That's how it all starts. I plan on bringing a few swords, fittings and Microtech knives. If you are interested in anything in particular, please let me know, so I can make sure its there. I am looking forward to walking around and seeing other good swords, along with taking in an event or two.

I picked this up at a local gun show. It appeals to me because it is unique. It has, what looks like, Mon and other carvings in the rim. That is about all I know about it. Feel free to share your opinions, good or bad.

Thank you Mr. Bowen. Interesting name. Interesting history.

This mei is perplexing me. I thought it could be Sukemasa Kore, or perhaps Masayuki??? Either way, I cannot find any info on them. So, I must have it wrong. Any help would be appreciated. The blade itself is WWII era, with tachi mei. It was found in beat up Shin Gunto koshirae.

I found this link works better for me: http://www.southeastshowsauctions.com/baltimore-2013.html Bill Green is a good guy and it seems like he is pulling out all the stops. I look forward to a good show.

It seems like these tsuba/koshirae are also associated with higher quality blades. Gendaito?

I wonder what, if anything, actually arrives. Same sellers other item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORTRAIT-OIL-PAINTING-ON-CANVAS-NUDE-BEAUTY-24-X36-30934-/321134310788?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item4ac518b584 Don't worry, its just an oil painting.

Its amazing how good some of the Gunto knockoffs are. They always seem to miss some "no Brainer" thing though. http://www.ebay.com/itm/COLLECTABLE-RARE-WWII-Japanese-MILITARY-SAMURAI-SWORD-KATANA-EW3-/321156909112?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item4ac6718838

An apology with another of your contrite remarks... Kind of like a handshake followed by a smack in the back of the head. No apology necessary. Just to overt a pedentile conversation on whose knowldge of the Omiya school is more vast, I dont think tataware, or week boshi is a kantei point for any school. My description is based purely on the swords condition. I dont have time for pissing match here Jacques. So just let it go.

Jacques, Did you see the first sentence? I looked at the sword. That means I saw it first hand at the viewing. What are you insinuating?

I looked at the sword. Nothing to write home about. Even at the opening bid, you could find a "better deal" at a sword show, IMHO. If you are going to bid, here is what you are getting into. The sword is legit. However it has many small ware, maybe even flattened fukure, at least two of which are in the ha. The boshi is week. The hamon is dull and not bright. There are a few questionable areas of ohada, possibly shintetsu. The new polish is intact, but is not of high quality. There is an area that looks like an amateur tried to burnish a spot of corrosion. It does have a nice modern habaki and shirasaya. The sayagaki is one that I do not recognize and looks poorly done. However, it is a cutting test from the Nanbokucho period and that is interesting. To note, this is rare because they reportedly did not test many Nanbokucho period and older blades during the Edo period because they did not to risk damaging them. I would not be concerned about the validity of the auction itself, The US Marshalls are top shelf professionals that you can trust.

To determine if this set is a real Daisho, I think we should be validating the koshirae instead of the blades. Ie., Daisho as it was worn by a Samurai. The papers would be issued to the koshirae, in this case.

Yes, Munenaga, agreed. Looks like it has some gendaito characteristics. Seems to have hada, as well as nie in the hamon. Here is a pic of the blade. Thank you again, gentlemen.

I thought maybe Muneharu. But, I could not verify that name either.

Hi: Mune-??? I was hoping someone could get the last kanji of this mei. Maybe even some info on the smith if convenient. Thanks ahead of time.

http://orlandojapaneseswordshow.com/us/ Bob Elder is putting on a regional sword show that should be worth the time if you are in striking distance. Last year, as a vendor, I had a good time and the accommodations were excellent. I also had a chance to see some very nice swords. If you can make it, come by my table and say heh. If there is a particular item of mine that you would like to see, let me know ahead of time, so I can make sure it is available. Also, I believe Joe Forcine, will be conducting lectures. There will also be other Japanese related events.