Fathergascan

I likely will just fix the original tsuka and leave it there. Personally even if I learned how to polish, it'd feel same as refinishing a milsurp gun. Professional is the way to go as far as that goes, but again likely going to leave the blade and just keep oiling it. Yes some red rust did come off!

Would anyone know of someone local who can have the blade inspected? (Texas)

Thank you for the reply, I messaged Nihonto antiques over in Florida. A guy named Moses if anyone knows of him. Hes said it looked to be 1700s. Also I agree, its not good condition or anything but its not ugly at all and there is some little detail showing through the scratches.

Oh no id never try myself haha, thats like refinishing a gun. Camellia oil it is then! Ill get some today after work.

Hey there! Thank you for the response. I was told mineral oil would be good to wide te blade and nakago with, so ill probably start there. Could you elaborate further on the polishing aspect? I wasn't planning on getting someone to polish until I can find someone knowledgeable in person to check it out. However, the tsuka from one of my more modern wakizashi happened to fit perfectly with the blade. I even was able to use the fuchi that came on the original tsuka, at least till I get the real tsuka wrapped. I know this isnt an amazing sword, but for 120 bucks its my first step back into collecting nihonto after a few years, so it feels good.

Oh im not too worried about ita value, I figured 120 was a safe bet no matter what. I just personally would like to know its age since that is a big part of the blades history and isnt clear to me atm.

Ahh I see, well thank you for the response. I suppose id like to know how old it is at the least. When I thought it was koto, thats what made me grab it for the price so if it ends up being somewhat modern I can sell for 240. I was offered that where I bought it.

Alright, what time frame would that be? Looking it it up is giving me wildly different estimates.

As far as I can see it's just poor condition. Even with the new pictures, youd say it was made in the 1900s?

Is this worth keeping? I paid $120 for it, was going to get the tsuka wrapped and all that.

That is surprising, I've been out of collecting nohonto for a while. I thought the X Style filing was a koto thing. Also the color of the nakago is black, there is new surface rust that im going to take care of. The yellow stuff is glue, it chips off with my nail. Here's some more pictures of it.

What is the meaning of 20c Seki?

What period would you say it is? I can get other pictures if necessary.

Sorry, could you explain the meaning of 20c Seki?

Picked this guy up at a show (ignore the tape, just to keep it from rattling), was told it was koto period. Yasurime looks to be Higaki. Unsure of what smith since it is not a signed blade. The blade itself it a bit rough, however I can clearly see the hamon in the right light. Let me know if any more pictures are needed.