NewB

Without degrading the blade/seller, lately I see a LOT of blades being offered/sold with absolutely unacceptable flaws in or near the kissaki area. While I understand that their future owners do not intend to cut with the blades it is yet a flaw that i recognize and I suggest (per my sensei teachings) that is never compromised with. I'll leave the rest to interpretation. "The life of the blade is in its 'monouchi' area", he said. Sincerely J.

🤯 Anyone can have my katana/wakizashi for considerably less Lol J.

I can make out as Kanemitsu 兼光 (maybe noshu seki?) Could be wrong.. As the upper comment, do NOT temper with the nakago too much while trying to clean up the powder (or whatever that white is). Removing patina reduces the value of the blade by up to 50%! J.

My sensei always said: 'Ta(m)pa no-kami Yoshimichi' as @SteveMmentioned. I'd like to know where 'no' comes from .. Definitely grammar (assumption). J.

This looks very very similar https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-5th-gen-yoshimichi-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/ J.

Hello again I'm not an expert just a fan of the school. I'd say - Tanba VS Tamba but I'd let someone more knowledgeable chime in. I'd say - definitely Shinto (Circa 1600s). Kikusui hamon is an important kantei point for the Kyoto branch so again, I'm not an expert but looks like sho-shin. Also, IMHO, it can be earlier generation since it doesn't have kikumon. Feel free to post a photo of the blade in vertical position. It has a beautiful o kissaki and it clearly looks to be in good/great polish. Cheers J.

Hello Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi 丹波守吉道 from the Kyoto branch . Looks great! Not sure about the generation though 🤔 J.

Thank you very much. It seems to me it is most likely the first one. I'm very happy to read about the Chu Jo Saku rating. It's a magnificent wakizashi.. John

Thank you all who replied. I can't find anything online .. all I see are either Bishu no Kuni Fujiwara Nobuie OR Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie 🤔 J.

👋, Please let me know when convenient. I could make out 'Nobuie' but that's about it 🤔 Thank you John

So if I may ask - where is the private information about any person involved in the submission located as far as front and back?? Could someone please circle it? I'd appreciate it very much Cheers John

@Brian? That's enough! Steve if you are angry that you spent over $2500 for a polish of a blade that won't return your investment eventually I just don't see how do we have any fault in case YOU made an uneducated decision. Also I'm not here to criticize or offend you but you dont know how to spell and you suggest that honest and supporting the forum members read more books???! Come on. Let's be honest.. P.S. we have many that come and visit the site - let's have our standards upheld IMHO! J.

Just my observation, Lately I see lots of disrespect and animosity towards folks that have done nothing but technically answer the question asked.. and personally I've had moments that I didn't like the answers I received but considering the knowledgeable folks that have taken the time to answer I've become considerably more humbled rather than more aggressive. To each their own. Plus it's none of my business.. however - respect right? Let's keep it tidy. On the other hand: Steve, what was your motivation to have this blade in fresh polish ? J.

FREE 🤬 J.

👋 Looks great. Cheers J.

Thank you @Wah Allegedly, there's a Masamune in Chicago taken out of Japan by an APO. It took me years to convince this individual to sell me few blades for my personal collection so i doubt they'd be willing to show me such an important item.. either way I wouldn't be able to tell as I'm in very very early beginning of the nihonto knowledge however the oshigata is truly the only guiding light should my wish comes true and i get to see it. i know my friend wouldn't lie considering all the articles in their vault but in all fairness - hearsay. Thats why i asked how many are missing and what happens if the blade is found. Great suggestion on the Norishige! I'd love to own one once I restructure my collection. Thanks again J.

Well, I'm thankful for your insight. Also, I'm thankful that @Ray Singerposted the oshigata of the missing one. The journey continues Out of curiosity, what happens if the blade is found? Cheers J.

👋 How many Masamune blades are known to exist and how many are missing? Cheers J.

Dang. Looks like it could be flipped for more than what was sold for based on the photos. Share the photography set up, if you don't mind 😎 J.

Well, no pun intended but considering the budget I just can't seem to imagine what kind of blade that'd be to be able to be studied. I just sold a totally rusted tanto for $250.. (bare blade, no habaki) So @Franco D has a good point about buying the book. Plenty can be seen and learned from it. With that said, everything is possible. Cheers J.

LOL Or 'komonjo' items on ebay J.

Nice photos. I certainly hope this nakago wasn't cleaned.. if it was - yikes. Otherwise, way better photos than the original seller, no doubt. J.

I might, once I see it again J.

👋 I wonder whether I have this correct Hishu Ju Minamoto Morimitsu Kore OR Higo Thanks J.

Thank you! Good to know. P.S. it looks nanbokucho but NBTHK will have the say J.