Scogg

While I certainly can't fathom the price tag (even more than the Juyo Awataguchi!) But pictures of this tsuba really don't do it justice. The fine detail, color, and condition really stood-out in person I didn't handle it, because of fear ; but it was a really fabulous item If only I could win the lottery...

It means the signature is likely fake. The sword appears to be genuine. Often times, a sword would be given a fake signature in an attempt to increase it's value or provenance. Unfortunately it's fairly common to find a fake signature For what it's worth: mei = signature gimei = fake signature mumei = no signature Best of luck, -Sam

If you're referring to the appearance of the Nakago - between the first photos and the last photo.. I don't believe it has been cleaned. I think its just the lighting. The first photos had less brilliant light than the last couple photos, making it look a bit different Best of luck Jeff, it's a cool little Tanto! I hope you find the answers you're looking for, Cheers, -Sam

Likewise! Great meeting you I hope to attend next year also. Maybe i'll get to meet some more members then -Sam

Really well done Chris! I'm excited to see your progress from here. Also, great meeting you in SF Taking photos is challenging. Yours look great! Even the more "simple" shots I really struggle with, with my rudimentary setup. Who knew getting into Nihonto would subsequently get me interested in photography

Here’s an interesting story featuring a blade https://ktvl.com/new...r-wilderness-respect

I still haven’t found the perfect tsuba in my budget, but I found one that’s a much better place-holder, in my opinion. Obviously not perfect, but it fits much better, and I like the size of it more. I like how the negative space easily allows you to see the fuchi from more angles

I had a blast! I found a few that would have been perfect, but unfortunately, with my wedding on the horizon, they were outside my budget Although I was able to meet Brian (don’t know spelling on last name) who makes shirasaya near me. So I might go that route, and afterward send my blade to a togishi for evaluation. I can worry about the matching tsuba later, when I know a bit more about the blade Until then, I’m happy to keep shopping around! Coincidentally I’ve developed a liking to Kirimon

I must say the show was really amazing. Such incredible collections of all types and qualities. I felt especially privileged to see everything on Fred Weissbergs table - the Juyo Awataguchi was a highlight to see in person. Fred was also especially kind, even to a newbie like me Im mostly full of hyperbole right now, but it was all very overwhelming and amazing to attend! I saw more swords in the last two days than my entire life beforehand I did not take many photos. I didn’t want to be the young guy in the room glued to his phone. But here’s a few of my favorites. The last couple tsuba I purchased. Hopefully next year I have a bigger budget and can take a blade home! ps. If you ever attend, definitely stay at the Marriott above the event. I stayed at the Hyatt nearby, and there was a 1000 person Swingdancing event hosted the same weekend at the Hyatt

I had a blast walking around and viewing items yesterday. It was overwhelming seeing so much at once! I saw more Nihonto related items yesterday, than I had my entire life beforehand. I hope to take a little more time and “take it in” today Where is your booth located Brian? I’ll be in there today around opening. I’ll be wearing an army green cap and a green/brown flannel button-up. I’ll be one of the younger attendees. If you see me, feel free to say hello! And that goes for any other NMB member as well. It’s been great meeting people and seeing such incredible collections

I’ll be at the show today in the later afternoon / early evening. Also going to be there tomorrow morning into the afternoon At the airport now waiting to board. Safe travels!

This is exciting! Glad to see some of y’all are in the area Would love to coordinate a meet-up sometime in the future. Where we can talk Nihonto, and maybe share some of our collections I’m getting married in 60 days, so Ill likely be swamped until then. But I’ll have a lot of free time come October Cheers! -Sam

Personally, Im not sure I could draw any conclusions about beauty from these photos. They look poorly focused, and with the oil-droplets, I can't really see anything worth noting I'm a firm believer that beauty is subjective. But in the world of Nihonto, it's my understanding, that beauty and quality often go hand-in-hand What makes a sword "beautiful" is up to the eye of the beholder, whereas what makes a sword "quality" seems to be generally agreed upon. The difference is "quality" is learned and recognized over time and study - and I imagine recognition of beauty will naturally follow For example. I think my out-of-polish swords are beautiful! I really enjoy studying them and appreciating them. I imagine, after a few more years of study and collecting, and seeing more swords, my opinion and tastes will change Just my observations/opinion

Looking forward to meeting you Brian, and seeing the items you're selling Unfortunately I wont have any time outside of the show. I'll be traveling with my Fiance' and we've got plans around the city during our downtime That being said, a large chunk of my time will be at the show viewing items! Cheers, -Sam

Ray, per usual, is on-point. His patience in the facebook groups continually impresses me Not gonna lie, I've certainly been a victim of beginner naivety. Luckily, thanks to the advice from ya'll on this forum and Ray on facebook, my current lack of knowledge hasn't gotten me into too much trouble

You've likely already seen these topics in the forum. But just incase, and for those who haven't, a fellow member has been sharing these great youtube videos of swords with a story https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45657-story-of-the-onimaru-kunitsuna-sword/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45678-the-sword-worth-a-country-the-ikkoku-kanemitsu/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45668-honebami-tohshiro-bone-cutter/#comment-473327

Phew! Having only ever read these terms, I was concerned my pronunciations were wayyyy off on some of those Good to hear!

I especially like the part where it survived the 'Osaka Natsu No Jin' where Osaka Castle went through a fire - and the sword was found in the moat unscathed Did the sword will itself to safety? Or was the tossing of the sword into the moat someones final act? Really sparks the imagination and awe Very cool, and thank you for sharing

This looks like a really great option. I didn’t know they had zoom meetings. Thank you and @Winchester ! I’ll be at the SF show in August, I imagine there will be membership sign up available? Otherwise, I’ll do the online thing Thanks everyone!

That's great to know, thank you! Definitely something I would be interested in. I am looking into it now Still interested in physical meetings if possible. But the NBTHK AB zoom meetings is a great option I didn't know about Thanks again!

Hello again! I would love to be able to see more swords, and talk swords within a local community. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any clubs available in the Pacific Northwest USA. Are there any that I am unaware of? If not, what does it take to start one? Maybe having an annual meeting in Olympia Washington, which is in-between Portland and Seattle. Olympia or Vancouver WA could be a centralized area for anyone with an interest in Nihonto in the PNW I'm merely a beginner. So I don't think I should spearhead something like this. Although I am willing and able if there is nobody else Any/all advice appreciated

I wish the same in the Portland area maybe… if there’s enough of us in the general northwest USA, one can be created with less frequent meetups sorry for being off topic to the OP

Congratulations Jon! I imagine the unboxing was very exciting. I have enjoyed following and learning from your posts I hope this is not presumptuous, but I have learned a ton from the "downloads" section on this forum. Especially on photography, and capturing activity on camera. I have even been able to capture activity on camera, that I had very hard time seeing in-person. Its been extremely helpful for my learning and documentation Your sword looks great! Selfishly, I want to see more Below is a link to the downloads section and the article I am referring to, by the late great and legendary Darcy Brockbank

Thank you @Bryce and @O koumori, those are great photos! I now see how subtle the difference can be. It's great to see those examples in polish Appreciate the help!

Love the analogy with two different Picasso paintings. Especially because painting and Nihonto are both in the fine art category I like to think, being able to recognize quality, is akin to getting into fine wine or beer. At first, you won't be able to tell the difference between a $20 dollar bottle and a $200 bottle. But as you research, and try a variety of wine of all qualities, you might slowly begin to recognize what makes wine "good", in addition to what your particular tastes are. You'll also likely learn to recognize what makes wine BAD After hundreds of hours, tastings, and dedicated study you might even begin to recognize terroir, vintages, or specific ingredients. You might find that you like Pinot, but not Cabernet. You might find that a winery with less-than-average wines, also makes one of your favorites! Anyway, I also struggle to recognize quality, but I hope to get there someday. Best of luck, Cheers! -Your friendly neighborhood brewmaster