NewB

Welcome, Tell your friend to Google the two words - 'kantei nihonto'. Lots of great websites will pop up. I personally enjoyed Markus Sesko's works and honestly, I follow them diligently. 😉 John

Great news and About time. It's hard to conceive that such an advanced technologically nation delayed this for so long but I get it - it is a money making machine! Lost papers is their favorite probably J.

There's some truth to your angle however this is what this forum is ALL about - mainly to help the public with its inquiries and to reaffirm the philosophical/ethical/moral standard of the preservation of what has survived today. Many blades were purposefully broken and thrown in the ocean etc. Many are in existence however in not so healthy status. With that said I think it's a clash of philosophies , not personalities. I may be wrong but this is my angle ! Cheers Johnnie

I just got fever while looking at the links. Thank you for always bringing to us the most intriguing posts and honest and humble opinion on topics. Cheers (that'll help the fever 🤒 🤗). John

No dated but Shinto and signed. Will try to get some parallel photos when I get a chance

I have several blades that are as straight as yours. It could be a school trait or just personal preference for whomever it was made for IMHO. J.

Anything from this school is worth restoring and papering IMHO. I'm a big fan - looks nice in a need of restoration. I doubt it's a gimei but photos would be nice Cheers J.

That's all great and sincere. Sucks for the seller... J.

Great one. My favorite Shinto works. Congrats J.

I personally like Jumyo and I own several of them - mostly signed with horimono. The blades usually are made for life longevity among other blessings. Here, you'll learn a lot of useful information as to how to approach nihonto however I disagree with some folks' pricing complaints as that creates an additional discrepancies across the board but - different subject. As what some say - the sword will pick you rather than the other way around. And of course check the for sale section. The sellers are knowledgeable and trustworthy. I wish you success. J.

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.