SwordGuyJoe

Clive, I understand that it is most likely Showato, although this smith is attributed to gendaito as well. Able to find that thanks to you. I am looking for a good Kai-gunto and this one seems to be in pretty good shape. Regards, Joe

This looks a bit like my Kanehiro, but I just find it hard to believe that Kanehiro keeps haunting me from his grave... Regards, Joe

Message from a Newbie... While I agree with what everyone is saying here, I would like to interject something from the perspective of a newbie. I am sure for you guys, some of the questions new people - like me - post may be trivial and juvenile and far below the likes of some on this forum. While I haven't been talked to rudely in the handful of questions that I have asked, I am concerned that I will ask a stupid question and be treated stupidly because of it. You gentlemen (and women if any are reading) have been studying far longer than folks like me, but at one point in time - whether two years or twenty years ago - you were in the same boat as folks like me. I only ask that you talk to us newbies with patience, as has been my experience, so not to discourage less educated from such a beautiful hobby. I will continue to read and try to absorb what is being said here, so the stupid questions become more few and far between, but in the eventuality that I or one of my new counterparts ask a dumb question, please take the time to answer and tell me why. That has been my experience thus far and thank you - a few on this post already - for your help and guidance. Regards, Joe

That is kind of what the low-low price tag let me know. I appreciate the advice guys. Thank you very, very much!

I ran across two Wakizashi's on eBay and I am looking for opinions. They are both in bad polish, so I am wondering if they are worth the investment. I am okay on WWII blades, but non-WWII blades, I'm a bit fuzzy - one of the reasons I joined the group. Blade 1: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0303057799 Blade 2: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0183686174 ->Any thoughts on the smith? Both have low prices, for obvious reasons, but I am interested in a project piece and was just hoping for your thoughts. Thank you in advance. Regards, Joe

Interesting that you bring up Nagamitsu - He is one of the two I want to have looked at... So I would follow the process and just ignore the date information?

I have a few WWII blades and I am curious if a person can get certification papers on this era of blades? I looked at http://www.nihontocraft.com/Nihonto_Shi ... dards.html and did not see any description/instructions on this type of blade. Does anyone know?

I think the picture is misleading... It is right-side up... Kanesada maybe?

Is this Kanenaga? Maybe Kanemitsu? Thank you!

Anyone know a place that I can find WWII mounts? Also, without being at the store, how do I know if the Tsuka and Habaki fit? Do I need to measure everything? Thanks in advance. Joe

Link?

This was the shirasaya that the sword I asked about was in, but didn't want to assume it was from the same maker. It seems like it is. Do you know a Showa Kanehiro from Seki? I have been looking, without much luck!

Can anyone help translate this sayagaki? I am pretty new to this and painted Kanji is tougher for me. The three images attached go in the following sequence on the scabbard: There is a shared (nin?) kanji character in the "...Top..." photos. Thank you for your help! Joe

Thanks for the help - You know how it is when you get something stuck in your head!

Are you sure? Amaike Yoshimasa signed - or the engraver signed - his mei with a nearly identical "Ike". The example that I am looking at is page 197 of Slough's Modern Japanese Swordsmiths. Second opinions?

I am stuck on this translation!!! I believe it is: No- Shu Seki Ju ??? Ike Kane- ??? Saku- Kore ANY HELP????