Scogg

I use isopropyl for so many projects that I go through it pretty quick, otherwise i'd be doing something like that. I also buy it in bulk for work, so I have tons available. (Well not tons... but dozens of gallons ) It should also be mentioned, that it can be dangerously flammable - and the vapors can be harmful if inhaled - So you should always handle with care and wear your proper protective equipment (PPE). Cheers from your friendly neighborhood brewer , -Sam

I've used both 91% and 99% with no noticeable difference. Probably one of those things we overthink. To Nulldevice's point; and in my experience in the alcohol industry - both become less-than-advertised in mere moments. Who's to say your 91% isn't 80% and your 99% isn't 82% by the time you get to the end of the bottle. And at that point, what's the difference if you're not able to measure it? Like mentioned, it's best to use it fast. It's cheap compared to your blades, so you might as well replace it often - and use the older bottles for other things. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you all very much. I’m going to spend some time reading up on Zenjo school. I realize helping newbies like me with swords like this must get exhausting from time to time. You’ve been very generous with your time and info and I’m grateful. I very much appreciate the constructive conversation and observations on my sword. Thank you! -Sam

Thank you Jacques, that is a good observation. I'll be taking a take a close look this weekend. That Yamato Senjuin blade that you shared in a link earlier appears to have what looks like masame in the shinogi. Is that just a trick of the polish? The photography? Or my own inexperienced eyes? https://sanmei.com/c...27604_S2823_PUP.html Photo for reference:

Fear not! I am not drawing any conclusions just yet. To Jacques point, judging a sword via photos just isn’t the way. I’m getting some sunny weather this week. I hope to take another close look with fresh eyes and all the new ideas y’all have helped me with. Even after that, I’ll have my ideas, but I won’t know for sure unless I send it in for shinsa; or get a togishi’s expert in-hand assessment. But for now my plan is to admire it and keep it oiled. I appreciate and have enjoyed the discussion very much, Cheers, -Sam

Fair enough, and thank you! I think Sue Koto Mino does make sense. I appreciate the frankness - I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t prepared for that Thanks again, much appreciated! Slowly but surely I’m learning a little every day. Cheers, -Sam

Sunlight damages nearly everything given enough time and exposure. It will bleach fabrics, hair, synthetic and natural materials. It will burn your skin, and dull the paint on your car. It will even turn your beer skunky! Best to keep fine art out of the sun, and many museums even ban flash photography due to an excess of caution. All the best, -Sam

Interesting, thank you. Short answer is no, it does not extend the whole blade and is not the same on both sides. At least not to my novice observation. Muromachi would not hurt my feelings. This sword only put me back hundreds, not thousands. Muromachi was actually my first impression - but i'm not drawing any concrete conclusions until I get this sword into someones hands or Shinsa. What's your current opinion on age and school @Jacques D.? I understand photo kentai will be far from definitive. I appreciate your expertise and input, Cheers, -Sam

Hi Khalid, I am sincerely jealous of all of you attending the Orlando show. I really want to make it one of these years! Please share photos, so I can live vicariously through ya'll. Here's an ongoing thread about the show. You might have better luck finding fellow attendees here: BUT I will be at the SF show! All the best, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Lewis B! I appreciate your input One of the reasons I really liked this sword, is because it reminds me of an early O-suriage Tegai Wakizashi that I am having professionally restored. I wont get that sword back for over a year+. Albeit, that sword has ji-nie and other activity like sunagashi, while this one is much less active. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Jussi Ekholm, I value your input! I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts over the last couple years I’ve been active on this forum. Your information gathering of awarded Juyo blades has been really interesting. I also think this sword is greatly shortened. You’re right, it is very tricky to imagine how it originally looked (especially for me!), and I’m at a loss for dating it. It’s been enjoyable to admire nonetheless. Safe travels, and thank you! As for the height of the shinogi… Jury is still out. I’m having a hard time determining, but it does not appear particularly high to me. This has been a struggle for me to identify that I hope to remedy once I can see more blades side-by-side. Apologies

Thank you @Jacques D., and good question. I took my sword out this morning to investigate the shinogi height, and also that line. The line appears on both sides where masame is most heavy, but not in the same area (they don't mirror each-other by any means). It does not extend the entire blade. It fades into itame/mokume after a few inches toward the kissaki. Upon inspection of the JI, it seems the masame is mostly toward the hamachi, and in the middle of the blade. Toward the kissaki it blends into itame and/or mokume with more intermittent masame. This is just my observation. More experienced eyes may vary! I couldn't get great photos, i'll have to wait for another nice day. Here’s a highlight from my previous photos where that line appears to end on that side. I know photos are not ideal for Nihonto, but the discussion does help me learn. Thank you!

Thank you for clearing that up for me. That makes sense now, and is much appreciated! I agree that the shinogi does not appear particularly "high" - but I would say it's higher than it is low. I'll have to take a closer look at the shinogi height after work today. Edit: is there a way to measure, or photograph, the Shinogi height in a meaningful way? Thank you again, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Brian, some people just can't help themselves. This particular pattern is becoming predictable at this point For what it's worth I am still shopping for a papered mainline Yamato blade (as described in my "wanted to buy" thread). This particular sword I just had to have for the price. I'm under no illusions that it's a high end piece or anything. Like I said, I like it! I'm just a newly married blue-collar fella. I'd quickly lose my wife/life if I bought all the swords, art, and collectibles I REALLY want Cheers, -Sam

Thank you very much Rivkin! Your comment is very helpful, and offers me avenues to research. Even if I rule some out, I will have learned something in the process, which is exactly what I hoped to get from this thread. You are absolutely correct in your observation about the Jie-Nie, it's nearly absent, or very hard to see. Your observation about the nie in the hamon is spot-on also, its more ko-nie, and very fine. Getting the photographs that I got was a challenge to show that. No utsuri to speak of, but i'm sure that's no surprise. The open grain is less obvious in hand, and took some tricks of the light to expose. I have a question about your observation about the blade being "massive". I had perceived this sword as being fairly slender and small. What did you mean by that? Motokasane = 5.9 mm Sakikasane = 4.1 mm Motohaba= 27.1 mm Sakihaba= 17.5 mm Sori = 7.3 mm Kissaki = 32 mm Nagasa = 51 Cm Total = 65.5 Cm Thank you very much for your input. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Lewis B, and I like your sword very much! Right now I’m looking into Shikkake, Sue-Tegai, and Uda. But I’m mostly just enjoying the ride and not drawing any conclusions. Its easy to jump down the wrong rabbit hole with the combination of mumei, suriage, and my own inexperience. I’m trying to view it critically, and not allow my hopes and desires to impede my assessment. At the very least it’s got my nose in my books! And its condition allows me to enjoy it for what it is (whatever it is). Cheers, -Sam

Has masame that’s more prevalent near the suguha hamon. Otherwise there’s some mokume and itame throughout. Some more closeup outdoor shots of the blade:

First of all, I like this sword. It checks many of my boxes. It reminds me of another wakizashi that I’m having professionally restored. It’s unpapered and mumei. I think KOTO and suriage. I’m getting Yamato vibes. Am I just seeing what I want to see, or am I on the right track? Nagasa: 51cm (20.2inch) Motohaba: 2.7cm Sakihaba: 1.75cm Kissaki length: 3.2cm Still working on photography. I need a lighting rig. Light and reflections seemed to be battling me on this one. It’s easier to admire and looks better in-hand. Cheers, -Sam

Color me jealous... Lovely sword Lewis! It checks many of my personal boxes. Thank you for sharing! Cheers, -Sam

I think if you have a trained and professional crafstman do the work, then altering a nakago-ana is OK... That being said, if the Tsuba is papered, then the altered nakago-ana might make the papers appear/become invalid, because the photo no longer perfectly matches the item. < Question for the more experienced: would this be a correct assumption? Cheers, -Sam

I've always been told to leave Type 95s in their tsuka, because it's difficult to get them to fit together tight when you re-assemble them. It's cool to actually see one disassembled. I've flipped the images so we can see them properly oriented. Cheers, Sincerely, -Sam

I'm interested to see the Nakago. Keep us posted! You may get some flack, but i'd also take a swing at only $300 Best of luck, -Sam

Please don't take my opinions here as fact: - First and foremost, I have also never seen this combo of style and colors. - My guess is that it's real, maybe with some "post-production" customization going on. 0-10 and 10 is fake? I’d give it a 4 for now, pending more images. Obviously a big wild guess with just the one photo. Are you able to request more photos? Best of luck, -Sam

Thanks for sharing Brian, and congratulations! I've always really liked older blades in Gunto fittings and I collected them for a little bit. This one looks like a great find. I'd be curious to see better photos of that Sarute. It looks better-than-average to my untrained eye. Very cool! It always feels good to rescue a sword from the wild. Cheers, -Sam

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this sword is not a genuine Japanese sword. Unfortunately, It is likely a Chinese fake. http://www.jssus.org...japanese_swords.html Sincerely, -Sam