katonk66

I finally received my tanto from Japan. Lovely nihontou, but I just have a question: Why is it so small, especially the width? (L-in inches, width in c.m.)

Thank you. For some reason, I thought I saw a creature of some sort. LOL.

Can anyone here tell me what type of creature/entity this is? "Amaryu"?

For those of you that have extensive Bushi/Samurai knowledge, I was looking for information on the name "KAGAWA". I'm aware of the Kagawa that was decendants of the Taira clan. (Ergo Kagawa in Sanuki) But I was curious about the smaller family that inhabited Aki/Hiroshima. Not a lot of information is out there that I can find. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

A little question: Was it more common for a tanto to have a kozuka or a katana/wakazashi? Or did really not matter. Or should I also say, which was more pragmatic?

Yes, this is what I attempted to describe.

Hello everyone Has anyone here seen a suriage blade, whereby the mei runs off/or cut off the lateral aspect of the nakago? Henry

Nagasa:　63.4cm Sori:　1.4cm

Hello all. I received a nihontou from Japan. Though it has ware, the yokote is off, and some stains, I'm please for what it is...and the price. The mei/gimei is difficult to see. Sorry, I tried different ways of photographing the nakago, but I just couldn't get a good shot of the Mei. (Dark background and lighting from the side)

Hello. I'm expecting two nihontou from Japan, and it the tracking still says "ICS Los Angeles". How long (on the average) does it take to clear customs? Thanks, Henry

Thank you everyone.

Most recently, I read a little blurb on the "Murakami Pirates". I did a little research and found only a few articles on the subject. 1)Were they all of the same family, or different clans incorporated into the group? 2)Has anyone found a detailed list of the individuals involved with this group? Thanks, Henry

Hello everyone, this question may be a strange one, as it involves presentation on racks or katanakake: So, I live in an apartment with limited space for the presentation of my katanas. That being said, if I purchased a multi-rack, it's probably not a good idea to place it next to a window (even with curtains closed), due to ambient air with condensation and an increased risk of rust? Thank you Henry

Hello again. For those that are "in the know" with Japanese history, I have two questions: 1)This is very subjective, as it was told to me by my late Nisei Grandmother. (With complete respect, but she was "grain of salt" at times) She stated that in Japan, there was a "family" nihontou, but it had to be relinquished to the Japanese government/authorities to aid in the WW2 efforts (lack of metal)? Is this true? 2)IF indeed we had a family nihontou, she stated it was a naginata. Was that primarily use by Ashigaru, and female warriors? Thank you Henry

Hello everyone. Just a few question on "proper" oiling of the nihontou:1)What type of material do you use to apply the oil? 2)How do you properly remove the excess oil, and how do you know the aforementioned has been accomplished correctly. I have the all of the bells and whistles for nihontou care, just some of the details I need to clear up. Thank you.

First and foremost, I pretty much have no desire to buy a kabuto, but after perusing eBay for pure entertainment purposes, I found this. Did the samurai actually this style of helmet? https://www.ebay.com/itm/355451033514

A pure gold one would cost you a pretty PEONY

Hello everyone. Is it possible someone here can identify the flower on this repro. kashira? Thank you.

About 950 USD. But still not worth it.

Ah, "abysmal". Good description.

Sorry for the extremely substandard photos, but this is the best the seller in Japan can provide. I'd like some rough guesses/opinions on this item. It seems fishy...especially the koshirae. Thank you.

Blacken the teeth? What does that symbolize and for what purpose.

A bit of an introduction: This is a snippet of a picture of my Great-Grandfather Kikutaro. This is part of a larger photo, (post funeral) of my Great-Great Grandfather Sosaburo. There were anywhere from 60 to 70 people in this photo with 3 ministers. I believe this was from the Taisho period from around 1919-ish. That being said, was the kamishimo a fashion thing (during formal ceremonies) as late as 1919 amongst the rural folks? My family lived and still lives in the hills of Hiroshima prefecture.

Maybe if you have the time, visit Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu. My dad's ancestry is from the general area. https://shokyoto.jp/.../sub/kumamoto_yamaga The aforementioned area felt like "home" to me, even though I can't speak Japanese very well. (maybe at a level of a two or three year old. LOL)

Hello everyone. Yesterday I posted a Bizen tanto. This is the koshirae that came with it. Strangest thing I've ever seen. I've seen red "ebi" koshirae and the black with red saya...but all red. Also the slight indentation on one side of the tsuka. Poorly made? Modern "throw together"? This is all a new learning experience for me as far as tantos.