cookiemonstah47

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

Greetings everyone, I found this katana at a mom and pop gun shop and was wondering what the nakago says. Any help would be appreciated. It has been bubba'd with as the gun community likes to say but it still might be worth saving. Thanks, Khalid

Hi Stephen and others, I was looking at lot #1444 but the missing tang and broken tip have me feeling a little wozzy. I'm not sure if it's worth restoring. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Best, Khalid

Wow it looks like a thinking cap is needed tonight to address the psychoanalysis being conducted on the motive behind "collecting". 1) There are several forum members that have demonstrated writing ability that, if desired, can formulate a thesis or dissertation on the edifice of collecting. 2) There is the empirical evidence that does suggest that Mazlow's hierarchy of needs comes into play, and can be manipulated by the presence of outside factors such as psychoactive drugs. (I personally believe that some psychedelics "distort" the brain physiologically to the point where psychological abnormality can normalize. This exponentially increases the risk of a nervous breakdown in the long term.) 3) Imagine likening the various formulations of "collections" to identifiable psychological processes. Insecure attachment being linked to hoarding for example. I'll check to see where this ship sailed from here in the morning.

I sent out the wakazashi to be photographed. Once that's done I'll do my best to post the photos in this thread. There are some details in the blade itself that I cannot explain with words (due to my limited vocabulary in Japanese terminology) but demonstrate the artistic taste of the forger. I'd like to share them with you and everyone else. Also I did purchase my 2nd blade some time ago that is also of wakazashi length and is believed to be made by a Bizen smith. It is "older" (1400 to 1500 timeframe) but in "poorer" condition being subjected what seems to be a polishing wheel (evident by left over grind marks). It can still be restored.

Hi Grey and everyone, Here's a few more pictures of the tanto. The cutting edge is about 12.5 inches in length and the total length is about 18 inches. I hope this helps.

Hi everyone, I was rummaging on the the internet earlier today and found this mei on a long tanto. There is a "mum" crest on the other side of the tang. Are they legit and if so what does the "mum" imply? Thanks, Khalid

Hi Winchester, I hope to have a few professional photos of it taken soon. Is there anything you'd like to see in particular? If I remember correctly this wakazashi is attributed to the smiths of the Bizen province made during the 1600 to 1700 timeframe. It is unsigned with no evidence of it ever being.

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about staring my own personal collection of Japanese blades. Any pointers as to how to go about it? I go to shows and get to see private collections every now and then. I'd like to collect examples that are worth holding on to regardless of condition, as long as there have no fatal flaws. The collectors I know on Cape Cod have very deep pockets. They just buy and never sell which doesn't work for me as I don't have a blank budget. Any tips and/or tricks would be helpful. I'm new here and frankly don't know much. I do know that authentic shinsha origami are a plus to have. Best, Khalid

Hi Kissakai, There is no signature on the blade nor has one been removed. I haven't decided if I should get papers for it or not. I may end up selling it at some point. Papers would help determine what the blade could potentially be though. I've attached a few photos of the mounts. The purple and violet combination was of my choosing. I did get a earful from a few local collectors on having a unsigned blade restored.

Hi everyone, I woke-up this morning and decided to take a few pictures of my first Japanese sword restoration project. This sword is a wakazashi of some sort that was shipped back to the United States from somewhere in the pacific during WWII. Purchased from a local auction house for a nominal sum of $500 the blade was in a tired condition, and the fittings were dirty as it was stored in a wooden box with hay padding. I decided to roll the dice on the restoration of my 1st Japanese sword simply because I liked the war mounts and the hamon. It came out decent I'd say. Moses Becerra who is based out of Florida did the restoration work. It was not cheap to do. After about a years wait and 10 days of polishing this is what I got back. Let us know what you think. Best, Khalid

Greetings everyone, My name is Khalid and my username/gamer-tag is Cookie4Monstah. I'm from the Boston area in the United States where I currently reside. I can't wait to discuss the nature of the Japanese art sword with you. As a currator by hobby I come across a variety of militaria including nihonto and have decided to delve into the world of the Japanese sword. I have been fortunate enough to come across many edged weapons yet nothing compares to the masterful forgings and polishings of Japan. I do like Damascus steel too but not as much! Please feel free to reach out at anytime, especially if I can be of assistance to you. Take care, Khalid