Tad

17 hours ago, Jwrussell said:

 

See post 6. Seems clear active Harmon in the kissaki to me. 

What is an “active” hamon? I understand a hamon is the wavy line in the blade but can’t find anything about an active hamon. 

1 hour ago, Tom Darling said:

Would be nice if you measured the cutting edge.  Also,  if the hamon is active in the boshi/kissaki it is koto, if not shinto.   Take a pic.of both sides of 

20 minutes ago, Jwrussell said:

 

Do some searching on the forum on sword care or "oil" will get you tons and tons of hits. Unfortuantely, that rust on the sword tip looks like it's eaten away some serious metal. Not sure a polisher is going to be able to save the geometry. That said, I'm nowhere near an expert and I'm sure it could still be helped. In the meantime, get some Choji/Camillia or REM oil and follow Brian's suggestions. The imperative now is just to stop any active rust and maintain the sword as it is. Where are you in the US? There are two shows coming up, Orlando and California (San Fran??). If you are near either it might be worth having someone look at it in person at the show. It's an impressive blade, even in the state it is in. Congrats and good luck.

I’m nowhere near a show but will definitely research everything about this topic. Good to know people are looking out for me on this. Thank you so much for your support.

1 hour ago, Geraint said:

Dear Ted.

 

The mei reads Bungo no kuni Yukihira saku.  I also am hoping that the dark patches are a trick of the light in your photograph.  As Brian said this is  genuine Japanese sword, whether it is a true signature is another matter.

 

Looking forward to some more photographs please.

 

All the best.

Thanks. Hoping it is authentic. 

3 hours ago, Jwrussell said:

Could be the picture quality, but looks like it might be in need of a polish (by a Japanese trained professional of course), but lovely blade. Looks to be some areas of rust...or could just be the lighting? Interesting Hamon. I like the sugata and that O-Kissaki is wonderful.

Yes it has a bit of rust on the tip. I will definitely need to look into getting is restored somehow by a professional. I was amazed as to see how sharp this thing was even though it was sitting for many years. Any tips on sword metal care in the meantime? I know literally nothing about topic. Thanks.

4 hours ago, Brian said:

It is a genuine Japanese sword. As for who made it...we need to see the signature on the tang. Nice clear close-up.
It does appear to be signed as Yukihira. But less eye strain will help.

Thanks Brian. Here is a close up of the signature. It’s been sitting in a chest in our storage for over 50 years. My uncle sent it to my father from Japan but he passed about 6 years ago so we don’t know the history on it. 

Would anyone here know if this is an authentic sword? Asked around and I was told it said  Bungo no kiri Yukihira. Any info would be greatly appreciated thanks.