NewB

Good to talk with some of you and thank you for letting me take a glimpse at your nihonto. I am definitely getting a table next year, inshallah 🙏 Cheers John

If it becomes like that, I am selling my whole collection 😛

It is always an opinion, that's why I say - buy from the experts here. No headaches then John

I appreciate the detailed information. Cheers John

My 'chicken scratched' signature papered (pic 2) And yours slightly edited (pic 1)

So what I hinted at are few Personal opinions and those should be taken with a grain of salt! It is only a perspective, not trying to debate with anyone. I'd try to give you my stream of thought and if others are ready to correct me or add to what I have written, I welcome it with an open heart! In my Personal opinion nihonto is waaaay underpriced because nobody counts of all it goes in it to be made. For me this is a recent hobby and I don't know much although I try to educate myself as good as possible and this forum and its members have been the next level for me so ... thank you But ..opinions opinions.. .. but I still don't know why 500 years old blade can be worth only 2k - would anyone work all that physicial/mental process for such A long time to collect 2k? Think about my angle, I am sure there's much more to it, but some blades were appraised by Fujishiro (among others) for hundreds of gold coins and in the millions of yen. Why the hefty reduction in price? Also, how could a recent made katana is asking the upwards of $20000 but it's centuries old predecessor is only $2k. It is nonsense. Regarding, the so called 'crap blades' - the violent wars of 1500s increased the demand for nihonto tenfold so many reputable experts have named Some of the blades 'inferior' in quality of the regularly produced as the smiths didn't have time to keep up with the demand. I am sure many arguments have arisen about the kazu-uchi mono, I am not there yet to state anything but that I own a few and I don't see anything wrong with their similar counterparts! So be it as it may , I like your sukesada wakizashi and once I get home I will supply a photo of the signature on my blade just for comparison (mine is papered so no doubts there) 😊 Cheers John

I have one, possibly older. Beautiful in every aspect nonetheless ! Old blade Cheers John

Lots of Sukesada indeed, not many jishin mei as it appears to me from the photo (if authentic, so don't quote me). Definitely not a 'crap sword' (don't even know what that means!). My take is - traditionally forged nihonto is extremely undervalued to begin with!!! Just imagine - prayers, 1+ month of heavy labor (usually 2+ people working at a time), polishing by highly ranked togishi (an extra week of hard labor), fittings (lots of time to make as well), shirasaya etc. And then the age ! So I suggest, preserve it, paper it and restore it! Cheers John

Shitahara?? John

The blade looks well preserved although the photos of the blade itself are not enough to determine that for a fact. Very nice Jokyio era (I believe) example. Cheers Some extra info: http://www.sho-shin.com/edo-kaneshige.html Ryo wazamono 👍 John

This was amazing indeed. 👏 I was starting to lose sleep over it 😂 Could we get some more ? Very engaging! John

Well, I don't have enough knowledge but I have a blade that looks almost identical to this one of the Rai school Nambokucho except my nakago rust is considerably darker (black) and this one appears red. Last, not sure from the photos but I see some utsuri which makes me believe in my Rai guess. Aoe possibility? Cheers John

Thank you John

Could anyone give a brief description of the event for people that have never attended one? Also, say if someone decides to sell a blade, how does that work? Is it more like going to a car dealership and trying to make a deal OR just like purchasing from a reputable dealer in the US or Japan? Thank you in advance John

Nicely polished/preserved boshi. Wish to see more of the hada. Cheers. John

Looks fantastic. John

Looks identical to me John

Hello, Every traditionally made blade deserves proper restoration and care, in my opinion. If you are looking to polish it to sell maybe it won't be worth it from a monetary stand point. If you are looking to keep it, I'd authenticate it First and then go for the polish! Just my thoughts Cheers, John

I think both of you have valid points But considering we are talking about nihonto the assumption always should be, go the traditional way with a togishi that has lived there and that has been supervised throughout the process by the master polisher! No wonder most of them are experts in appraising and authenticating .. I believe we have to agree to disagree and keep it all away from any further complications. I would always support people that try to do good rather than harm but unfortunately most that attempt to 'restore' nihonto usually end up destroying it and that is the worst possible outcome. Just my point of view! Regards, John

It depends on the one that wields the sword, I was told. Those look spectacular. Makes me want to start taking photos 🤭 Cheers John

Looks great. You polished that yourself? Cheers John

I rarely use the uchiko ball for aforementioned reasons but I suggested it as it would stick to any oil in the ware so if there's still oil residue after wiping it, then the ware is deep. Otherwise I agree with most on the uchiko judgement although I have used it all these years without any issues so far (once in a blue moon). I hope you are happy with your blade and the price paid. Protect it in good health! Cheers John

Congrats! To me - Ubu, papered Shinto is always a pleasure regardless of study or collection. Take good care of it. I hope that ware isn't deep as it is close to the hamon. If choji oil doesn't stay in there long after applying the uchiko ball then you are good, in my opinion. Cheers John

To my noob eyes it appears legit Cheers John

Thank you very much. John