NewB

I also don't think this an authentic Japanese blade although the nakago hints at that. Just my opinion. J.

If NTHK arrive to the Chicago show this year, I'd bring it there. At this level the paper is what matters IMHO, otherwise you could go the NBTHK route which will cost about $400-500 extra. J.

And if it is Yosozaemon then you scored a nice little gem... J.

As Jussi mentioned - yes, Bizen, yes - authentic (rarely (if at all) anyone would fake a signature of such piece And put a date on it), no - it is not mass produced sword (look at the overall quality of hada + hamon). Definitely worth sending for shiage (it might not even need that as there are no kizu or any issues whatsoever) just to bring out the hamon and hada better and then send it to be papered. Similar dated Sukesada wakizashi from the same era were advertised on Aoi website for about 5k. It is a good work made during war times when many blades had to be produced as the demand was high, however most were inferior to the standard and mostly unsigned or signed but by the pupils of the smith. Signed and dated works from those years usually (but not always) speak for 'special' order which gives me extra confidence of its authenticity. J.

It depends on the smith IMHO. Having a matching (and hopefully dated) set with matching koshirae increases the value way more than them sold separately. There are a lot of people that have a different take on that But I firmly believe that. Think of sudare ba by Yoshimichi Yokoyama Sukenaga Yasutsugu nanbantetsu etc etc. John

I wish you health and prosperity! John

The lines separating the 'upper' and 'lower' part of your blade look amazingly crisp. I certainly hope you have read how to preserve it until you decide its fate. It looks very healthy IMHO assuming the brown spots are not deep rust! J.

My car takes 7 quarts of oil so every 7k-10k miles! J.

Appreciate that. I ordered it already. So in what interval do you suggest I 'change' the oil? J.

I heard choji oil is the only acceptable standard. I usually revisit the blades and their oil content about 48 hrs in and wipe off extra content otherwise your shirasaya will get wet. Something to consider! Feel free to correct me! J.

Hello Tough to say categorically with such limited photos and no dimensional information but to me it looks - Older! Something off with the signature on preliminary look so more photos would definitely reveal more information! Search in the help section or online how to take care of older Japanese blade until you decide its fate - whether to paper and restore and keep or sell. Cheers! J.

Gimei IMHO J.

A lot of great points and true advices. My take - invest. It will be your worthwhile, I dare say! REMEMBER - 33" nagasa and Ubu nakago is Not what you find ever day! J.

PM sent J.

There are many local collectors (such as myself) who have high end blades available for sale. Best to do is narrow down price point, school/smith and then just ask around the forum Aoi is a great reputable place but why take a risk with purchasing from overseas when similar quality is available locally?! no hassle, no sleepless nights. Just a thought J.

Well, not necessarily Older examples that I own do not The hada speaks for itself though Just my opinion J.

I think you have a nice blade there. Nice acquisition J.

Or you can add 10k and get my extraordinary nidai Yoshimichi daisho 😛 (It is in the 'for sale' category) J.

Tough to say as photos do not show details of hada or hamon My take Muromachi ubu Too bad the nakago didn't age well however I think you might have a good blade depending on how much of the kissaki is gone J.

😲👍🥳

Welcome Francis, To me, personally, honesty is the Best policy. I have no problems you trying to flip your item but doing it in such a manner in this community where the majority of the members are pretty spot on with their knowledge and they either are looking out for one another and/or for ongoing auctions all over the internet, is somewhat foolish, no offense. With that said nobody from what I saw is trying to kill your deal, they just wanted to clarify. There are a lot of bad things going out there so don't take it personal, it is only in the best interest of all involved! Cheers John

Folks just don't have an idea it seems.. I have a daisho and I love the quality.. Best of luck

Best practice to me personally is narrow down at least era, school and state your budget, that way you won't get lost in the abyss of nihonto and sellers would know what to offer you. J.

Definitely not a modern sword! J.

How many polishes would take to remove the HI grooves off? 🤔🤦‍♂️🤣🥳 John