Dan, thank you so very much for the very detailed and thoughtful information. I will post pictures of the areas that you mentioned shortly. I also have another Wakizashi that is much longer that was brought over with this one but because the pin in the handle is under the cloth (silk) wrap I have been hesitant to try and do too much. Also, I live in Cumming, Ga. about 30 miles north of Atlanta. Again, thanks for helping me learn about this family treasure…