Franco

Yes. Original true samurai (not merchant) koshirae can be found. Dealers can be very helpful. This is not to say that a quality merchant koshirae is something to sneeze at. Regards,

Quick thoughts; First, building a proper koshirae requires expertise to end up with a believable result while avoiding making sometimes costly mistakes. Even then, in the end it will be a Mark C production. Secondly, if you must, since you will be hiring a professional to make the saya and tsuka, it would be wise to have that professional guide you through the entire process. Be prepared, it will require time, patience, and a significant budget depending upon the quality sought. Third, after all is said and done, experience suggests finding a quality original samurai koshirae and be done with it. Regards,

Good quality signed and dated Muromachi-Koto period nihonto are quite collectible. A sword that is ubu with bo-hi makes it even more so. The owner of such a blade who intends to keep it would be wise to learn how to properly handle and care for such a sword http://www.jssus.org/articles/7.html , as well as begin building a library to learn about their sword. Whenever in doubt about anything, please ask! This sword appears to be in overall good condition. However, if I may so, red rust anywhere on a Japanese sword should be considered active and needs to be properly addressed. Suggest researching the topic of rust and using oil on the nakago. As far as seeking papers/origami is concerned, shinsa is available in Japan of course and there are periodically shinsa held here in the states. https://nihontocraft...hinsa_Standards.html Regards,

Perhaps of interest .... , https://www.msn.com/...=winp2fptaskbar&ei=7 Regards,

Kantei is the vehicle and methodology that needs to be used/followed in order to possibly determine the answers to your questions. https://markussesko....9/kantei-1-sugata-2/ https://markussesko....i-2-jigane-jihada-2/ https://markussesko....tei-3-hamon-boshi-1/ https://markussesko....tei-3-hamon-boshi-3/ It is essential that when evaluating a sword using kantei to be constantly mindful of which features are a function of manufacturing, and which features are a function of polish. Otherwise, as Professor Arnold Frenzel often reminded those attending his study group sessions, any misstep in kantei particularly when it came determining time period could leave one hopelessly lost. Regards,

As Ray correctly points out, the shape has already been compromised. So, unless a blade is an important piece, what is it that you hope to accomplish with a new polish? While there are excellent polishers that can work wonders/magic, adding metal is not one of them. It is unlikely a top polisher would take it. Which makes waiting for the right sword to come along perhaps a better idea. In the mean time study, enjoy! Regards,

Suggest writing out all of the pluses and minuses that you see in this sword, and if you don't know or aren't certain try asking. Then decide for yourself. Keeper? One should always be prepared that a sword will not find a new owner. Regards,

Nightingale ? Hawk. Good luck with sale. Regards,

Indeed! With zero expectations at this late date before the show, a request, will there be by any chance videos, or at least a transcript, or even detailed reports, of the educational programs made available for those like myself (handicapped and unable to travel)? Thank you. Kind Regards, Franco

'The sword (or fitting) confirms the paper and not the other way around.' 'Buy the sword (or fitting), not the paper.' Collectors new and old would be wise to adhere to this insight and advice. Having said that, if memory serves, papers from those late 70's and early 80's USA NBTHK shinsa, especially those with big names, should be approached with a healthy dose of cynicism, caution, and suspicion. As for green papers in general, from a collecting perspective please refer back to the first line of this paragraph, while at the same time recognizing that they are considered outdated. Regards, Desire is the cause of suffering.

Do you have images of this sword showing no crack?

Desire is the cause of suffering.

Beginning on page 3 of this search there are a number of conversations relevant to the current discussion ... https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/search/?&q=sunnobi&page=1&quick=1&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy Plus, more conversations about uchigatana here ... https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/search/?&q=uchigatana&page=1&quick=1&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy Keeping memories of passed friends alive. Regards,

Possibly dried oil stains. You might talk to a polisher about them. Caution on forcible removal, it could make things only worse. Regards,

Do you mean both fittings makers and artists that make fittings? I'm assuming so. Regards,

There are fittings makers, and then there are artists that make fittings. It is not uncommon for the first to leave us with questions and even sometimes puzzled. Whereas the second can leave us in amazement and wonder. Perhaps this cormorant was unfortunate enough to have its beak caught in a vice. Regards,

Cormorant, fits theme.

We wash them with Arm and Hammer dye free, fragrance free, laundry detergent and have never had any issues in more than a decade of use. It is recommended to hang dry them (beware, dryer sheets as well as soaps can have unwanted chems). Regards

Perhaps the problem is the shirasaya?

Take your time shopping, measure twice cut once, get second opinions from trusted friends/mentor. Buying a nihonto is easy. Buying an excellent nihonto or even a "good" nihonto is a challenge. Which is part of the attraction for collectors. Hindsight should be a positive experience. Regards,

One reason to think about adding Yamanaka's Newsletters revised to one's library is not only for Yamanaka's kantei guidance and historical background descriptions, but the fact that these newsletters describe both positive and negative aspects of nihonto and how to identify them. What to look for and what to avoid.. Regards,

Attending a show is an excellent first step towards beginning this journey. Since shows can quickly become overwhelming especially for a beginner, it is advisable to write out a list of objectives you wish to accomplish ahead of time. In addition to swords from all different time periods to view, there will be lectures to attend, books to shop for, dealers to connect with, lots of fittings, take notes. Regards,

One of the challenges for collectors that seek to advance their knowledge and understanding is to fully analyze the judgment/opinion. In other words, prove the origami to be correct or incorrect. At the very least reach an understanding of how and why the judges reached their decision/conclusion. The study/purchase of nihonto is an open book test. One word of note; a sword's polish is the one variable that may throw off a correct judgement. "It's never easy." https://www.nihontoc.../Mihara_Nihonto.html Regards,

Dry scaly rust the kind that I think I see here is a sign that suggests this piece may have heat damage. 'If' that is indeed the case, it renders this piece to being not much more than a souvenir. Regards,

Old polish? New polish? Images? Oil being used? Regards,