MHC

Guys, thanks for the clarifications, all crystal clear to me now. Wheww, I almost went off on an incorrect tangent, now I'm back on track, thanks to your information! Mark

Yes Chandler that is true, as you stated, after softening the steel, the entire blade can again be coated with clay and repeat Yakiire. Very risky however, as each repeated attempt may result in a compromised blade. The point I was referring to, was that each side of the blade cannot be hardened independently, as mentioned previously by Jean. It is done all at once, no other method is possible. Mark

All information regarding traditional hardening (Yakiire) of the Hamon, clearly state this process is done complete (entire blade), and only once. The clay compound is applied to the entire blade, both sides, only one time. This is a very critical step in the process, with some swords not surviving the process. These failed swords may require re-work or disposal. Additionally, sorry for my use of the word "temper", that was incorrect on my part. Still learning the correct terminology for use regarding Japanese swords. Mark

Hello all, First off let me state that I have really no opportunity to view swords in person, as the availability in Thailand is scarce. So I'm relegated to photos online and in books, as my information source {I know, I know not ideal to say the least}. Looking at various photos of Tantos, I often see a stark difference on the temper line detail from side to side. Several tantos I've seen pictured, barely even display any distinguishable temper line on the Omote side, while the Ura side is very clear even showing partial or entire return temper on the Mune. Is this simply a style of clay prep before tempering via individual smiths, or is this a sign of many polishes, thus removing enough metal on one side , diminishing the original detail? Second question relating to all swords, does showing core steel after a swords polish, negate it's value, or is it simply showing that the sword is on its final polish? Thank you in advance for helping out a fledgling rookie. Mark

Hello Alex, I wish to buy this item, but my Paypal and Venmo accounts no longer work for me now that I moved to Thailand. I will reach out to a friend in Washington state, and see if he will buy it for me. I will let you know when I find out the status. Thanks. Mark

Might not get much traction here, if you don't post dimensional information and better photos, including those of the Nakagao. Try using the available sales form from Brian, it is very useful. Mark

I can't help but feel mystified, amused and slightly pissed...all at the same time over this plodding thread and the provocateurs, be them newbies or rainy day members. Either your a member of NMB because you believe in the concepts, traditions and eloquence of Nihonto collectors/guardians, or your not. There really is no grey area here. There are a plethora of other sword forums available that will stroke DYI egos. Hell anyone can go onto Facebook/ twitter/ etc. and get all the "likes" one is clamoring for. Don't forget to take the obligatory pic's too. Can we just stop reminding everyone of the obvious and stop beating a dead horse. Is it maybe, just maybe, possible to put an end to this relentless, pointless drabble of a thread? Mark

Thank you all for your replies, all useful inputs. John J., your description both make complete sense, and is more consistent with what I have seen in pictures on quality, higher end blades. Sometimes I just wish swords were like classic cars, if the easy to see serial numbers match, the body, trim, paint and interior colors and options match the door tag...then bingo you have the real Macoy. Such is not the case with swords, but I guess where would be the fun in that! Mark Cannaday

Hello Brian, The main problem for me, is that I am only viewing blades via online photos, especially those from countries abroad, which is never ideal. Furthermore, most online photos never seem to dwell on that particular area, always at the edges of the photo or non-existent. It's so sketchy for me to try and decipher what's what with a particular blade when not in hand, compounded by my inexperience, just makes purchase decisions very difficult. I'm unfortunately very skeptical of humans in the first place, so I'm always looking for faults and problems. So when my inexperienced eye perceives something that might be out of place, my monkey brain instantly says run away. However, I don't think that is always a fair reaction, thus the question that I posed to all here. Thank you for your input. Mark Cannaday

Hello all, Been awhile since I have posted anything, too busy building a house. Anyway, I've been curious for quite some time now, regarding the Hamon continuing into the Nakago on an older suriage or O-Suriage blade. I would think that if a blade has been shortened more than once during it's life, and of course depending on the amount of shortening. One would think you would expect to see the original Hamon continuing into the new Nakago {in the area of the Habaki}. If a Suriage blade has 2, 3 or even 4 Mekugi-ana holes, wouldn't one not expect to at least see some blades where the Hamon continues into the Nakago {area of the Habaki}? Especially if the first Mekugi-ana hole is very near the end of the Nakago. I have seen blades with even just a partial Mekugi-and hole left on the end, surely the Hamon should present itself into the Nakago on a blade such as this. I have only seen one blade where it was clearly apparent that the original Hamon did indeed continue into the Nakago. I know that if the blade was damaged, then shortened and possibly re-tempered, you would not see this feature. However, to the well trained eye {not myself unfortunately}, other telltale features give away a re-tempered blade, so no need to comment about these. Thanks for humoring me, as I ponder this. Mark

Hello Seiko, PM sent Mark Cannaday

Brian, You've gone above and beyound...as usual. Keep up the good work! Mark

Hadori polish required for judging, yes read that on this forum and equally in several books I poses regarding polishing technics and traditions. I have a heck of a lot of books, and have read them all several times over, but alas it would take more time than I'm willing to invest in order to notate each occurrence. Especially for just a casual inquisition on the subject of this or that style of polish preference. Thanks for all of your inputs and opinions, clearly I am not alone in my preference. Mark

Hello all, As the title states over exaggerated Hadori polish, what do you all feel about this. I have seen swords polished well, but with a Hadori polish profile that clearly goes well beyond the actual Hamon {1 is for sale on the forum currently} I'm not a huge fan of Hadori style polish anyway, but an over exaggerated profile just instantly kills my interest in the sword. I'm aware that a Hadori style polish is the norm these days {aka required for judging}, but sure would like to see more old swords polished in the original Sashikomi style. Just one mans rambling thoughts..... Mark

From what I can see from the poor pictures, it appears this could(?) be a chrome plated blade. Making it a non-traditionally made blade. Additionally...yeh I would stop talking about your intent, before it gets ugly. Mark

Thanks for the photo update. I'm too much a rookie compared to...well everybody else here, but the blade looks to have promise. Knowledgeable folks will chime in soon I hope. Mark

Please use down load files that all can open without having to download some other extension. Mark

While not directly blade related, but proper conversation during the purchase process is very important. So when I receive any written conversation {text, PM, Email, etc.}, if there is "Millennial speak" occurring {i.e. no capitalization, no punctuation, non-existent sentence syntax, spelling errors, etc.} they get a very hard pass. Petty, probably...but very annoying and in my mind, instantly eliminates any credibility regarding the seller. Mark

Mr. Portland nor his son, have answered my emails in over 2 years so....... Mark

DHA swords do not have any form of a Mekugi-ana, their handle mounting is with resin not a peg. This mekugi-ana looks original to the blade. Mark

Well there it is, in the last 2 lines that Kirill just posted. "In most collectibles an item valuation is set by sort of collective perception of what its worth, so quite a few even high end collectors are moved to show and discuss their pieces so as to stay in touch with that general perception. Nihonto ones often feel they can only loose from their pieces being discussed." The first sentence is a basic true-ism in regards to just about all hobbies that deal with collectable/valued items. However, first and foremost, most people collect things because they enjoy it, value is all well and fine, but secondary at best. The second sentence is somewhat understandable, but just a shame if it is indeed true for Nihonto, and does explain a lot for me. Up to this point, I had a different take on why high end Nihonto collectors were basically stand off-ish. Now with this possible new enlightenment, I can see another side to the story. So it does appear we can learn things about this hobby, even without observing blades and doing Kantei. Mark

Shure I can Ken, but the same can be said for say a chemistry class, it's all well and fine to learn the subject when you attend class each day...but sometimes it is just as rewarding to make a soda volcano! Mark

Hummm...I'm hesitant to write here as my .02c worth of opinion is worth exactly that .02c, but here goes nothing. Purely from my point of view, a hobby, any hobby should be first and foremost, fun and entertaining and personally fulfilling. I love Japanese swords, Japanese sword history and all it's complexity. While it is important to know the details about the swords and fittings I collect, in the end it comes down to holding the item in my hand and simply enjoying it in all it's minutia. I rather enjoy cars and motorcycles too, having had 45 cars and 6 motorcycles thus far, and once again I like to know the details about each and every one of them. So needless to say, I have been to and involved in many a show/gathering/barbeque/Sunday coffee meets related to this hobby. Additionally, I was a member of a SCCA race team for 4 years (suspension specialist), where we were Pacific Northwest Champions for all of those 4 years, running a Porsche 911 in D production sports car class. so once again, deeply involved in the hobby. Firearms have been another hobby of mine and I've been around firearms my entire life, I have owned, traded, bartered, swapped countless varieties. I have been to more gun shows than I have brain cells to remember them all. I have been a member of several clubs and shooting ranges, I've been a rangemaster and a personal level firearms trainer. In all of these exploits, it all came down to having fun interacting with like minded people, sharing there proclivities related to the hobby at hand. This interaction was most fulfilling when it was at the simple level of sharing the experience, be it the last race, the last rifle, the car currently in the parking lot etc. Sure all of these interactions involved some level of detailed comment or comparison or data, but that was a lesser part of the overall experience. I certainly understand where some collectors need to know absolutely everything possible about their subject hobby down to the most minute degree of detail, in order for them to truly, deeply enjoy their hobby. That level of commitment is commendable, admirable and necessary, as it allows for accurate overview of any given hobby, and keeps the riff-raff at bay. However, I'm afraid that level is not obtainable or even wanted for a large portion of any hobbies participants. So with that being said, I too see the advantage of having arenas with a little more of a casual approach/environment regardless of what hobby it might be. After all, sitting around a buddies garage with several friends while working on his/her race car and drinking beer and talking shop IS FUN, why not the same with swords (maybe without the beer though, I could see problems arising with that). Mark

What's unbelievable is that there are currently 24 bids on this fine object, currently at $450!!! And just for the record...if I was charging a machine gun blazing away at me, my personal choice of weapon would certainly be a sword. Because after all, any Samurai worth his salt should be able to run headlong into the fray, all the while deflecting the pitiful American bullets with his blade, then slice the inferior American steel barrel in half and save the whole platoon....right! Mark

I looked back, and that actually is the best picture of the Mei. 則 nori is possible but, all the right half is un-readable 元 moto is a much closer match, but the left half is very, very vague. I've decided not to pursue this item, so it's all a moot point now.