YankeeAirPirate

I still think its amazing that we can own items like this, even if it is in less that perfect condition. Its still a piece of history. The armor display at Odawara Castle is what originally got me thinking that it would be amazing to own some of this. It surprises me there is so much of it for sale. Now to research enough to choose a few big categories of items, then find a great piece from each category to build myself a cool collection. I also have a helmet, but its a rusty shell. Very intricate but not all clean and pretty like I see for sale. Haven't seen anything like my helmet for sale, only in pics. Its in storage, will post when I get to it.

Yes, very sad haha. Only a mere 12MP photos.

Attached. This blade looks like it was used for junior soldier training in a rock pile!

The blade reminds me of the woman's ability to cut the heart out of the man.

That looks like a good resource. My point was it might take me a long time to find that...but you were kind enough to show me the way! Thanks!

I really appreciate all the input, both here and in personal messages. This is a very helpful and knowledgable group! I will buy more of these weapons in the future and will definitely use this blog as a go-to source and hope to one day be able to contribute. Lots to learn first!

No humor is this blog.

She was beautiful!

Thank you for the reply. When I look at this blade it reminds me of the Harajuku girl I dated in Tokyo.

I am almost there, needed to get some background. I used to live in Zushi near Kamakura and can speak some Japanese but cannot read or write. Very little useful information in English to find a real answer that I have come across yet. Some input from Gaijin who are smart on the subject or local Japanese is invaluable.

Good inputs. Can anyone provide a target for age range for the blade and for the scabbard please?

I heard that these were sometimes used by women. I'm not giving this to my wife. She is Indonesian Chinese and already threatens to kill me if I look at another girl.

Yes, I will not cut. I think this is a great piece of history, not for me to cut up and change so I can have something shiny on display. Non-abrasive polish oil only to slow any further corrosion.

Oil only!

No, only the blade and scabbard.

Even in it's current condition the blade is sharp enough to shave with!

It also came with a scabbard, not sure if that is from the same time or place. Probably not.

I've already cleaned up some of the discoloring on the blade with lots of rubbing and light oil.

I acquired this recently and think it is very cool! Its got rust, pits, discoloring, and I don't care! I like it and think its quite amazing to be able to have an item like this. If you have an opinion, tell me the truth. You won't hurt my feelings. I know its in poor condition compared to some of the blades I see on this site.

As a followup, its working! If I get any TV time I use very soft cotton pads and a light oil, rub rub and more rub. After a number of hours one small section is cleaned, much of the staining removed. The blade still has corrosion but from looking at the internet thats not something i will ever touch. I will keep this for now and enjoy it, then sell it some time in the future. Thanks again for the advice.

OK, thank you for the advice.

I already think its the coolest thing ever! So its ok to polish the blade? I've always been told that old patina and such should never be cleaned and polished away on old items or it destroys their value. Not so for an old blade like this?

Would the acid have been used by someone trying to remove corrosion from the blade? I'm not going to be so sad if this isn't spectacular, I think it is still a very interesting item.. I appreciate the information! Thank you Babu.

Thank you Mywei! I lived in Japan for a couple of years, in Zushi near Kamakura. It was a beautiful place. Of all the cultures around the world I have seen I am always drawn back to Japan so its personally interesting to me that I came to be in possession of this blade. I've walked through the armories at the palace in Tokyo and Odowara Castle and was amazed at what I saw. Do you think this could be an original blade made by him? It is sharp enough to shave with. More pics attached. It would be nice if it was real.

I have a Naginata blade and am interested to know more about it. I am attaching a photo of the signature. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.