Scogg

Looks just fine Steve - As long as it keeps the tsuka from falling off the nakago. And you don’t want the mekugi (peg) to fall out of the ana (hole). Words to the wise: ALWAYS confirm the presence, and proper placement, of the mekugi BEFORE handling your blades. Having a blade unexpectedly slip out of the Tsuka can cause damage, and also be very dangerous. Cheers, -Sam

- Whole book: Kentei for beginners / intro to kentei - A book in English about early Koto Yamato-Den - Now that we're well into the 'future of photography', I'd love a book with high definition photographs that focuses exclusively on blade forging quality, flaws, and features. Disclaimer: maybe one or more of these books already exists, but escaped my searches. I have many books that touches on these subjects, but does not dive deep into them as much as I would like. Including but not limited to Marcus Sesko koto kentei + supplement, facts and fundamentals of Japanese swords, connoisseurs guide, etc... etc...

If the ends of the mekugi "came off" then you must have been using a pair of pliers to pull at it? I'd try using a chopstick, or a similar "poker tool", to PUSH the mekugi out. Mekugi are slightly tapered or "cone shaped", so they should come out one-way more easily than the other. Like Colin says, images would help a lot because the description of your issue isn't clear. Cheers, -Sam

If I saw this listing, made my offer, and purchased the sword - then yes I would want it. The scuffs are an eyesore, but I have blades with much bigger issues in my collection. I would have wanted better photos of that area also; but there's no reasons to suspect the seller was hiding anything that wasn't already clear prior to purchase. I might even turn down the offer of a discount, and chalk it up to being "my bad". If I were in your shoes, I'd keep it and enjoy the sword in my collection. It's a nice looking sword, in my novice opinion. Alex brings up what ultimately matters - and that's what you think, All the best, -Sam

Both marks on the blade were shown in the original listing; albeit at the edge of the photos. The fact that a discount was offered is very generous, IMO. I agree with John, and I would follow his and Brians advice on this one. Cheers, -Sam

I can’t speak to 3 and 1 oil. Hopefully someone more experienced will address that option. Here’s one I’ve used: https://www.amazon.com/Yoshihiro-Japanese-Maintenance-Complimentary-Sabitori/dp/B00AZ6SYSY? Singer sewing machine oil is often recommended too. Choji oil, Or pure clear and unscented mineral oil Best of luck, -Sam

Grey gives great advice. You only really need a microfiber cloth and appropriate oil. I just use a clean cloth used for eyeglasses, and light machine oil (I dont like the smell of choji oil). The powder is called "Uchiko", and it can potentially be harmful to your blade, and also your lungs. https://web.archive....-considered-harmful/ Here is a web article - you'll have to scroll down a little - that explains the potential harms of using Uchiko. Here is a high quality cleaning kit. BUT as has been mentioned, the Uchiko may be unnecessary and potentially harmful. This kit also includes choji oil, and some paper to wipe the blade. https://www.ebay.com/itm/204652887233? Go slow and be careful. The sword survived this long, and will survive while you study a bit too. Best of luck, -Sam

To me, it looks like the blade had some corrosion/rust in the yakiba, and someone removed the rust with something abrasive. I have a WW2 sword with similar issues. Probably not fatal - certainly not ideal. It seems some less-informed folks would rather scratch up the blade and claim it to be "rust free and therefore 'very good' condition". I would consider that amateur restoration in my opinion, and something we should never do. Ultimately it boils down to what you're willing to accept as the buyer. All the best, -Sam

My favorite part is the Kashira and matching kurikata, kojiri and saya fittings. They look maybe shakudo to me, but it's hard to tell from the distance in the photo. If I had to guess - and it's really just my beginners wild guess - i'd say: Mumei edo period wakizashi, perhaps Seki. I hope i'm in the ballpark, but very prepared to be wrong, All the best, -Sam

In the meantime, here’s an interesting thread on the tassels. After reading through it, I feel the one in question looks a little funny - In my opinion All the best, -Sam

@Swords The eBay seller in that link has 0 feedback. Meaning they have never received a review for buying or selling. If you click on their profile, you will find that they created their eBay account this month (April 2024). You can find the best and most reputable sellers on eBay by looking at their seller rating, feedback score, and the number of items they've sold. A seller with no history is considered more risky. Sincerely, -Sam

If you are able, attending the Orlando Japanese Sword Show could be very beneficial to you: https://orlandoswordshow.com/ I think they are hosting NTHK Shinsa this year: https://nthkamerica.com/ All the best, -Sam,

What a neat little find! How interesting. Reminds me of a pin cushion. I’ve got no idea, but how cool. The treasure hunter in me wonders if the silk was wrapped around something in the center. Got an X-ray or metal detector ?? Best of luck, -Sam

Thank you @Dan tsuba, I appreciate the feedback, and I owe you an apology for being testy earlier. For that I’m sorry Edit:* Ultimately, I plan to get it into the hands of someone more experienced and knowledgable than I. Until then All the best my friend, Cheers, -Sam

I tried to focus on the leaf in question. It was very challenging to get good photos because it’s such a small area, but please let me know what ya think! Thanks again, -Sam

Thank you @Dan tsuba, that's very helpful. I see what you see - but the "seam" on the leaf is very hard to see in person. After work I'll have to investigate that area more carefully, and I'll try to get a better clear photo of it. My thoughts about it? Mostly confused! haha. I see everything the CAST party says, but I also see everything the NOT-CAST party says. I simply don't know what to think... If it's cast - I will keep it as an example of a sneaky cast. If it's hand forged - even better! I'll also keep it . Ultimately, I have no plans to part with it, so I just want to know the truth. And hopefully learn something in the process, Cheers, -Sam

Thanks for clearing that up Brian, that makes sense. And apologies to David for the misunderstanding Thank you for that link Colin! And for the info and input Jeremy! I'll be reading over that thread while I procrastinate my work today Thanks again everyone, and sorry I let this thread jump all over the place. Cheers, -Sam

I'm sure others will chime in, as this topic has been covered a lot In the meantime, it would be wise to read this article about the old green papers. It's a 'web archive' article, so you'll have to scroll down to the content. https://web.archive....en-papers-no-papers/ Best of luck, -Sam

Oh no! Looks like I'm misunderstanding again.. But this one does confuse me when you click on his page profile it says grandmaster, but on my browser it says moderator

And I thought studying blades was complicated and full of nuance Jokes aside - I appreciate everyones input a lot. I am looking forward to getting my Tsuba into the hands of someone more knowledgeable (than me), for an in-person assessment. I wish I could sit down and discuss it with you David, or Jean. If nothing else, I've learned how little I truly know - which is always humbling. @Spartancrest the image in your previous comment does not seem to be working - but I think I know the area you are referring to, upon looking at my original images. I took my Tsuba to my LED light this morning and tried to capture that area. It appears to be indented into the metal, roughly a long triangular shape, and is the only blemish like it on the whole tsuba. It was filled with dust or rust, that darkened when I rubbed it with my pinky finger. + Added some more photos under the LED, Thank you everyone, -Sam

Thank you @Soshin, I am less concerned with the downvote itself, and more concerned that I was misunderstood by someone I respect (you). Admittedly, I was taken-aback by a downvote from a moderator, but i'll get over it I never meant to conclude anything in my original post, and your previous comment implied that I was agreeing that this tsuba is cast along with Dan - but I didn't say, or conclude that. At least I didn't intend to. I'm simply too green with fittings to conclude anything here. If I failed to make that clear, that's on me. Again, thank you for the info and especially that link! I always appreciate the help and information, Sincerely, -Sam

Agreed! Always a big help, and much appreciated. Thank you @Soshin and @Spartancrest; thanks to people like you, I learn a little more every day. I hope nobody thinks I was asserting that this Tsuba is cast. It was meant to be a question and not a statement of fact. My apologies. Curran, that old tsuba you have for sale is really stunning! Cheers, -Sam

My apologies, you are right. It's not necessary for me to get defensive. I sincerely am just trying to understand what I have, because I don't know. I only meant to ask questions. This thread really took a left turn, and i'm sorry for my part in that. I am, 100%, without a doubt, out of my depth with fittings. Again, my apologies to anyone I offended, I respect everyones advice, knowledge, and input to this community. -Sam

No offense Dan, but I was simply asking for the opinions of people more knowledgable than me. Originally I just wanted to know about the motif - maple or kiri. Your post history and past arguments are irrelevant to me. I got this Tsuba originally because I liked it. Simple as that. Floundering? Maybe, but that's my prerogative and $$$. I got it from someone I trust. You even admitted that you could be wrong, but then downvoted ROKUJURO? I just don't understand that logic. Sincerely, -Sam

Fear not! No hammer was used in the enjoyment of this tsuba . I would never. I also wish I could get it into David, or Jeans hands. If either of you ever attend the SF or Vegas sword show in the future - I plan to attend them and will bring it along. I appreciate the discussion, -Sam