cluckdaddy76

I would also like to mention this blade did not come with this koshirae, it is just stored inside it according to the limited notes I have which came with the collection.

They had nothing else; I am in Massachusetts and over the last few weeks have stopped into a handful of stores asking about swords or sword parts. I had high hopes they also had a blade tucked away somewhere, but this was all they had. I thought it was worth a shot for the money.

Oil from my hands? Or is this overkill?

I am a newer collector who came into possession of a mixed bag of fittings and blades, just posted my first tanto in the other discussion thread. The last couple weeks all I have done is read, watch videos and look at every dealer I could find online, many in Japan. I had not planned on buying anything as I know you need to learn a bit first and auction sites are full of dangers. With that being said, last weekend I was at a local antique shop and saw a tsuba. I liked the weight; the small gold marks and it looked like it had some age to it. I expected them to ask for a ridiculous price, they then asked me. I offered $20, we ended up at $25 and I went home with this piece. Did I stumble on a real nihonto piece or is this a replica? If real, just curious on any information. Also, if there is a trick to rotating photos on this site, please let me know. I am trying to get them in the direction I want but am not having any luck.

Greetings, I joined here a couple weeks ago as I am the proud new owner of a mixed collection of blades and fittings. I have done a bunch of reading and video watching to start with and have a couple of books on order. Already I have fallen in love with the art. I will be posting my pieces to learn about exactly what I have right now and to share with other collectors. I do plan on trading, purchasing, and possibly selling at some point down the road. My biggest concern is that the last person who had the pieces treated them poorly, so I have done the basic cleaning and have at least stored them better than they were in the hands of the last owner. My first pic is of a smaller tanto in a metal saya with aikuchi style fittings unless I have some terminology incorrect. Someone mentioned due to size it may be a bridal piece. My first question is on photography as I know I can do better blade pics, so any advice here would be great. My blade definitely looks much better in person. Other than that, I know nothing about this blade, so I look forward to hopefully gaining some insight from knowledgeable members. Last question is this, I am trying to post my blade pics tip up, but no matter what I do they go back to sideways. They are saved tip up on my computer, but no matter how I load here, I cannot get them to come out correctly. I will thank you for any and all help given. Jay

Thanks for the quick response! I have been poking and found the beginner and intermediate book suggestions, looks like I have another decision to make. Jason

Greetings, I am a newer collector in the US looking to purchase a book or two to get started. A collection has come into my possession, and I love the art and it looks like I now have another hobby. I was given more of a coffee table book about a month ago but am looking for something different. I will be posting some pics of fittings and blades in a bit as I learn to use this site. I look forward to meeting other collectors and getting some help so I can learn and really start collecting. I am curious to know what I have now as well, so let the fun begin!