Franco

If this were my blade the only thing that I would do is keep the blade oiled including a very light film of oil on the nakago. Then, change the oil about once a week being very careful not to rub any grit or dirt into the surface of the blade. In other words tamp the old oil off with an unscented plain clean kleenex instead of using a wiping motion. I would not recommend using uchiko to remove and change the oil here, especially on a blade with an uncleaned surface that is not free of rust. On active red rust I would change the oil daily until the rust is under control. When in doubt consult a qualified polisher. An electronics grade 99.9% anhydrous isopropyl alcohol will work to remove sword oil, but take full precautions as it is nasty stuff.

Hello, Restoration by? Thanks for sharing. Regards,

Colin, Thank you for not being upset, not taking the down vote personally. Still, my apology for casting it without explanation. Why is because I strongly disagree that it is only a matter of opinion. No, it is not any longer "only" a matter of opinion when there is a majority consensus by the experts that says otherwise. That isn't to say that you're not entitled to have that opinion. Neither is it saying not to express your opinion. Are we going to start telling polishers how to polish a sword? Is liking something reason enough? Regards,

One thing to be cautious about when evaluating a sword is to keep in mind those features that can be a function of polish and fairly easily manipulated apart with those that cannot readily be changed. While recognizing that the current polish is lacking, this bizen-ish sword without the bizen brings to mind for me the Kozori school. Shinsa? Without a clear boshi don't expect a definitive call. Regards,

When posting on an open forum, unfavorable responses should come as no surprise. Btw, your throwing out an insult for simple criticism places your thin skin on full display.

Based upon these images the shape (curvature) of this sword suggests Muromachi period imo. The following information should also be posted as well in addition to the length and overall length; moto-haba, saki-haba, moto-kasane, saki-kasane, sori, length of nakago, nakago-yasuri, also the width of the nakago at its widest point (kasane). I have to wonder if the hi are ato-bori. Nakago looks o-suriage. Regards,

Please excuse my manners for casting a down vote, especially without explanation. The reason for the down vote wasn't because you expressed your opinion which you have the right to make, but rather for, like me, making it without giving explanation or reasoning or giving a supporting argument why this sword is one thing and not another. What makes this sword Koto, especially when the shape of the sword has yet to be shown? We have to remember that people are coming here to the NMB for learning and educational purposes. Personally, I think it is irresponsible to lead someone on without clear explanation or reasoning, and that includes myself. Express opinion, fine. But, why? Regards,

Suggested images: (feel free to add on) 1. Full profile image of the omote and ura sides of the sword including the nakago, habaki and tsuka removed. 2. Images showing the full kissaki and boshi both sides. 3. Images showing each third of the blade plus nakago on both sides of the sword, including the ha machi. 4. Above images of mune-machi-nakago, ko shinogi. 5. Close ups of any areas of concern or question. Regards,

No worries. Hmm, I wonder how many additional images needed requests there have been on the NMB? Perhaps another permanent subheading in one or more of the forums on "how to request information about ....... ," including a description of what images should be posted? Regards,

Kantei begins with evaluation of shape. Where is/are that/those image(s)? Get the time period wrong and you could find yourself completely lost in attempting to figure out the answer of what this sword could be. Regards,

Hello, I would not recommend having this sword polished/restored. While there are definitely exceptions, suggest using the NBTHK shinsa standards for Tokubetsu Hozon level swords as a guide to decide if a sword is worth the cost restoration. http://nihontocraft.com/2015_NBTHK_Nionto_Tosogu_Shinsa_Standards.html Regards,

The ideal situation when it comes to polishing would be to be able to match and choose just the "right" polisher to the sword. Short of achieving that end for a slew of reasons, not the least of which is the lack of skill and ability on the part of the sword's owner to properly analyze and judge the work of a polisher, the next best approach is to find the most skillful and able polisher available. That, however, often involves making sacrifices. Sacrifices that too often Westerners brush off in the rush to get the job done as quickly as possible. Which brings us to the subject of hadori vs sashikomi. For me, I find it difficult to understand when I hear a sword owner wanting to dictate to a person who has spent up to ten years of their life in a challenging apprenticeship training to become a polisher, followed by years more or longer practicing, wanting to tell that polisher how to do their job. If the sword's owner did their homework in choosing a polisher, then the question of how the sword is to be polished should have already been answered. Let the polisher decide how best to polish the sword. http://www.nihontocraft.com/Jimmy_Hayashi_Sword_Polisher.html

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/kizu.htm

This is a tired sword. It is strongly recommended that one does much reading before buying their first nihonto. Why? When it comes to nihonto the words "I want" is all too often when trouble begins. Regards,

Hello, https://markussesko.com/kantei/ Regards,

Sad news. Always used to look forward to reading Keith's comments. Sorry that I missed this until now.

https://news.yahoo.com/iron-sword-almost-9-feet-233636406.html I think I can see some hamon.

Cheap, the question is why, what's the catch? https://nihonto.com/000045/ https://nihonto.com/8-8-19-2/ https://nihonto.com/11-05-19/ Regards, " In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering." - PBS

No reports on the educational lectures and demonstrations given?

https://www.shibuiswords.com/tsuba.htm

Welcome! You couldn't ask for a richer nihonto surrounding than San Francisco here in the States. http://www.ncjsc.org/ http://www.nihontocraft.com/Jimmy_Hayashi_Sword_Polisher.html Regards,

No. The Japanese recommend beginning one's studies with the best swords possible. Which is very sound advice. While it is not always possible and often difficult to access top quality swords for study, books are one short term alternative solution in order to learn the new vocabulary that is essential for learning until which time you do gain access to a quality sword. Save your money and don't buy junk is a piece of advice frequently overheard being given to beginners for good reason. If a sword has little to offer in the way of study, then what is it that you'll be studying? Do you want to become a bad sword collector/student? A mediocre sword collector/student? Or an excellent sword collector/student? http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/gdsword.htm Regards,

Congratulations! It's the sword(s) that finds the owner. Images? Thank you. Regards,

You're welcome. Yes.

Opinion; late, probably Meiji period made for export/ tourist trade, not traditionally made. Regards,