NewB

My words precisely Be well and I wish you success j.

I ran my mouth many times here and in real life... still think I should have just let go. But we are all different-you don't have to follow my suggestion. About how topic progresses - most folks like drama, I don't. 😆 I think the blade is good (sho shin) based on the features I see on my Sukenaga but I'm not in a position to make a call. Godspeed! J.

Hello Ferry, I'd like to ask you nicely to please not disrespect the folks that are doing nothing but trying to help you out - for free. I've personally met some and I can reassure you they are true, knowledgeable staples in the Nihonto world some of which with over 40 years of experience. I think the approach you have is wrong and just to be clear why I think that - the most of the folks that have plenty of books and time spent examining blades are quiet. It's the attitude I believe. Also you've been asked to take photos that can help make a parallel research with the information available at hand. I still don't understand why you wouldn't just provide what's asked. Last, I'm willing to submit the blade to shinsa in April in Chicago for you, as long as you pay for the submission fees and shipping/insurance. I don't want anything for the legwork! I'm not sure whether a blade in need of restoration can be submitted to shinsa though. These are the best things I can suggest for you. Cheers J.

I think we should just find the best in us to stop whatever that is currently going on. I'm buying a virtual round for all J.

Yes, Google works. Take your time. If it's 30" nagasa - you have something. Now that's assuming a lot but I like to stay positive. Many great folks here. Better photos and accurate measurements will definitely contribute for them to chime in so once you're ready , we'll be eager to hear. Cheers J

Indeed Sounds like you're aware of nihonto considering the terminology you use 😉 Obviously forcing the habaki out is NOT what anyone would recommend. What's the motogasane? J.

Hello I think he is a respected, honest seller based on what I see posted on Facebook. It ultimately comes down to how you feel about it and why are you purchasing it on top of the asking price of course. Also, I see Something that reminds me of Osaka yakidashi and also sambonsugi hamon so if you research the smith and that is a kantei point for his works then I would be comfortable with going for it. Also, i see solid silver habaki (good addition to the package). I recently sold an owari shinto that had similar boshi kaeri that turned to muneyaki so that's what makes me feel good about the blade you're thinking of. One thing - I don't know whether it's the lights but something with the polish looks odd.. Regarding the signature - looks bold and well inscribed IMHO Just an opinion by a novice so don't jump to conclusions or immediate decisions that might result in negative emotions. J.

Hello Yukimitsu niji mei and sugata suggest koto per my recent studies. Shinsa could tell whether it is sho shin (there are many knowledgeable members that could help also). I wish you took photos without the habaki as that usually could tell the overall blade health etc. Would love to see more photos of the kissaki and hada.. Cheers J.

To each their own. I was only chiming in so folks understand the depth of the rabbit hole J.

I'm part of the buyers that make an educated decision before they spend their money on blades in need of restoration. If the name of the smith is in the jo jo saku or saijo saku tier then depending on the motogasane and the togishi's opinion I may proceed with the acquisition of the item. As I mentioned-too many unknowns and - clearly nothing contradictory. I'll leave it at that as it seems you've formulated your opinion regardless. I thought I'd contribute by touching on another angle/subject of the blade's acquisition thoughts process of the beginner collector or broker. J.

I'd mention that by taking the blade for a fresh polish one is also taking the risk of uncovering whatever could be underneath that currently isn't visible - core steel, various forging flaws and other defects that hand forged blades sometimes produce. While I'm a big fan of the school, I'd personally be extremely cautious while doing the math as in the Nihonto world there are quite a few unknowns including the fact that while the signature and date appear legit, the blade is not papered. All that is only my opinion.. J.

Bizen yokoyama school? J.

Tough to tell from that angle .. it looks unbreakable I like these tools for the range only. Had Kalashnik0v on my back for 18 months, enough is enough 😀 Clearly off topic. My bad.. couldn't help but to notice J.

Is that a 40 cal? Pick your poison huh? Lol. Cool 😎 J.

Steve, @Okan suggests that as there is a designated area in the forum for blades in military outfit where most of the experts in the field gravitate around. I'm sure the post will be moved there by an admin eventually. Just a thought P.S. Slough's book has examples of medium to high grade showato also. oil quenching is a non traditional but IMHO safer way to harden hot steel that eventually transforms into a curved blade. Cheers J.

👋 I'd like to offer a totally out of the blue guess based on few things I noticed in the OP's recent photographs. Owari Shinto Cheers J.

Hello Tensho was my gut check but I'm in the beginning of my studies so don't quote me on it. If it's pretty thick and without any flaws that warrant an expensive restoration And if you didn't spend much And if you truly want to know - April Shinsa in Chicago is coming pretty fast. I'm sure many would be willing to submit it if you want an expert's answer. Then you'll have a papered blade. Not bad overall Cheers J.

thank you @SteveM i must have brought a bit of confusion. I posted it just to compare the patina to the original post’s nakago always there to help, thank you again j.

I'm sure you guys know more. My take comes from the photo attached. Same chisel outlines and aging inside the Kanji IMHO J.

Thank you. I was wondering whether there's more to it in the books that I don't currently own unfortunately Appreciate the time nonetheless J.

While my forum name clearly states my level of knowledge I disagree the nakago was altered unless the date and signature was added later. The Kanji look very crisp with the appropriate 'dimples' as outline that clearly warrant a sharp chisel work. In an event of grinding no such 'lips' would be present but rather flat and sharp edges. Just my observation J.

The burn mark that was brought up is a great observation and a serious concern IMHO J.

Hello there I think most of the folks won't be willing to open these files. If there's a way for you to attach the photos , I'm sure you'll get your answer pretty fast. J.

Maybe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagöz_and_Hacivat J.

👋 Dear forumites Could anyone help me by providing more information on Higo (hishu?) Ju Minamoto Morimitsu Kumamoto 1926-1989 "The Toko Taikan values Morimitsu at 1,000,000 yen. He is listed in the Nihonto Meikan as a student of Yoshimitsu. He is listed in Token Bijitsu, Showa 24." Any awards, competitions? Thank you in advance! J.