cookiemonstah47

Greetings everyone, A few days ago I received a couple swords back from a veteran "Togishi" (Moses Becerra). We had a frank conversation about the swords. I got the impression that the two swords are not worth waiting on, and the cost of restoration is painful (a two year wait and $120 an inch to polish). I did go through a full blown restoration with him on my first sword. I was fortunate enough to be able to sell it afterwards and barely break-even on funds (he brokered the sale). Is there someone that you can recommend to handle the restoration of these two other swords that is more "forgiving" when it comes to terms and conditions regarding services rendered. I understand he's very busy and has very wealthy clients. The swords are not much to look at at this time, but I went ahead and uploaded two photos of them anyways. Your feedback is appreciated, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I would like to start this post by acknowledging the enormous wealth of knowledge found here on this forum. As someone relatively new to the world of "nihonto" there is much to be learned and discovered. Here in the United States there is a massive untapped reserve of "nihonto" that is attributed to the sword edict imposed on Imperial Japan at the end of the 2nd World War. With that being noted I'd like to ask my fellow enthusiasts in the U.S. to please share any noteworthy experience(s) and/or find(s) related to "nihonto" that they have come across domestically. It is important to recover these precious artifacts of history whenever possible. Especially from dusty shelves of pawn shops and disorganized gun-racks at gun shows where the are commonly found. One must acknowledge a reality that not every sword can be restored and papered but we can try our best to land a "big one" worthy of such an endeavor. The floor is now yours, Khalid

Hi Mark, There are a few things: 1) How desirable/rare are works by the school/smith that this sword came from? 2) Would you invest in having Shirasaya made for this sword? 3) Would you invest in a "touch up" art polish for this sword? 4) Does it have enough potential to warrant submitting it for a Juyo token at some point? Any additional feedback is welcome as well. Best, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I was browsing the website of a sword shop and for whatever reason this sword caught my eye. https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-nioh-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/ What are your thoughts on it? Thanks, Khalid

Hi everyone, I have an exciting find to share with you. I'm not sure as to who may have made it yet but it was preserved by a forward thinking person. I would really like to have this cleaning and polished given it's age and condition. Should I bid for it? It could be my first "katana" ever. I can afford one restoration a year right now. Thanks, Khalid https://clarkeny.com/auctions/?a=299&search=lot 301

Greetings everyone, I would like share with you a mei on what is now a katana length sword. It seems like the there may be missing characters. Can anyone discern what the remaining kanji say? Also, is there an app that can pick up on kanji? I don't have the required reference material (literature) yet to start drawing my own inferences on this matter. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Khalid

Just a few more photos...

My turn, There's nothing really special to see with these. I just wanted to contribute to the thread. All three are unsigned. Best, Khalid

Thank you for your feedback everyone. I contacted AOI to see if they had any other daisho and was told that there is the only pair left in stock. I was not aware that true daisho paper on the same kanteisho. This is the pairing that is in stock at the moment. https://www.aoijapan.com/dai-sho-mumei-yamato-shizu-mumeiechizen-rai/ I really liked the katana for the polish but feel like the wakizashi is rather underwhelming. They do come with matching fittings. I just wish that they could be sold separate, which may sound ridiculous considering the match of fittings. But any two swords can be matched together with fittings. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts. Thanks, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I was rummaging around on the internet and for whatever reason this "Dai Sho" at AOI caught my eye. I'd love to find out what your thoughts are on it. It seems like AOI sells quality swords in relatively new polish. How do you feel about their polish as well? https://www.aoijapan.com/dai-shotsushima-kami-tachibana-nyudo-tsunemitsu/ Sincerely, Khalid

Greetings, I just took a few swords out of storage and noticed for the first time that the tang has been cut down at a diagonal angle on one of them. Was this a cut-down tachi? The blade has girth and is relatively heavy. More detailed information and photos can be provided. Thanks, Khalid

Greetings everyone, I recently spoke with a local collector who placed an emphasis on "ubu" nakago and blade length of 28+ inches when it comes katana. How important are these variables to you any why? I personally don't know enough about this subject matter to formulate an opinion but this does seem like the approach of a perfectionist. Thanks, Khalid

Hello everyone, Would it be possible to get some assistance with the kanji on a katana and wakizashi? Also the cut on the tang towards the bottom seems to be rather similar in on these. Does anyone know what time period that attributes them to? I am a novice when it comes to attribution and dating. My best, Khalid

These are the additional photos as promised.

Hi Koryu, That is a beautiful sword. I got into a bidding war over one recently and it was by "Sadashige" as well, in much poorer condition though. The fittings are in really nice shape on yours too. It may not need a polish if it cleans up nice. Congrats on your find. Best, Khalid

Hi Alex A, The blade is very straight. I am not sure as to why that is.

Hi everyone, I'm trying to find out some more information about this sword. From what I've gathered so far it seems to be a shortened "chisai" katana. I've edited a few previously taken photos for you to examine. The habaki seems to be too narrow to be that of a katana though. Blade edge is approximately between 21-22 inches (53-56 cm) in length. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Best, Khalid

Hi Smee78, This is a small assortment of swords that came from one source. The former care taker obtained them from various individuals and estates in the local area. Unfortunately there were no stories to be exchanged.

It appears that the nakago of all four blades are unsigned. I do want to note an observation that one of the katana (in military mounts) is substantially heavier than the other two. I tried to collectively photograph the nakago for you to view but the size of the image is too big to upload. It will need to be sized down.

I'm actually just starting to look around for pillows and bags. Any recommendations as to good quality ones would be appreciated.

Hi ChrisW, I was jesting about the polishing wheel.

Greetings everyone, I just acquired these four swords in a trade with a gentleman on Cape Cod a few hours ago, and wanted to share a few photos with you before I bust out the polishing wheel *(cough). They are dirty and need to be cleaned. I'll post a few more detailed photos after I dust them off. Feel free to comment on what you see so far. Best, Khalid