Mark

could be gimei I guess, it seemed to look natural. Anyway it would be nice to know what the first 2 kanji say

here are a couple, blade is dated 1533, sorry the overall picture is out of focus but at least gives an idea of shape If anyone has any other ideas about the place of kanji at the beginning of the mei please let me know

Ed & Robert Thanks, I will get some pictures tomorrow, blade is not in polish. I think the "town" name coming before the Province threw me off, I had seen Shu written that way before but would have expected BuShu XXX Ju so thought maybe it was something else

I have a daito, I read the makers name as Chikashige (please correct me if wrong), but I am having trouble with the rest of the mei, can anyone offer some help Thank you

My thanks to Mike Yamasaki and the NBTHK (American Branch).. What a lecture and exhibition! About a dozen high end tanto laid out for hands on examination, everything from Koto Hasabe, Nobukuni through high end Shinto, toped off with a Kiyomaro. Having the chance to actual handle and examine these treasures was a treat and my hats off to the owners who generously allowed them to be used. Where else can you walk up to a table and pick up a real Kiyomaro and spend time learning from it. Mike's lectures are always educational, he walks the attendees through the kantei process so you learn how to determine quality "hands on"

I submitted 5 blades. 4 signed 1 mumei, I was sure 2 of the signed blades were good, I was pretty sure one was gimei but wanted to verify, the mumei blade seemed to have the quality to pass and the last signed blade I was not sure either way. 4 passed, the one I thought was gimei failed. I took some blades for others and, not to share anyone's business, I think the pass rate was over 50% and although I did not spend much time looking at the swords I did notice a couple that clearly looks gimei. Overall the "mood" or buzz of those who submitted seemed satisfied. I remember shinsa and this time there was a marked difference for the better. As Tom mentions in his thread it seems collectors are learning and submitting better quality and the results reflect that.

sunday at noon, still going strong

some of the tables and people

Show over. I can get some sleep. I took pictures but did not have time to add them here are a couple from the front door

I think sword and fittings prices are soft, but maybe it is a function of supply/demand. Some years ago it was hard to find decent swords and fittings. Now, with the internet, it seems dealers in other countries can easily market their items and the prices reflect the supply. It seems really top end items do well and low end "starter" items do move but medium priced items are stagnant. Only my opinion.

paint is assembly numbers, the close up of the temper looks like oil temper so nice Showato

Carl if the pictures are clear I am sure some of us can offer opinions

Sharpen your kantei skills! Each year the NBTHK (AB) provides a great educational exhibition at the show. In the past there has been in hand blade and fittings kantei. I am sure this year Mike Yamasaki and the NBTHK (AB) has something great planned. But additionally I hear there will be something extra special. In addition to the usual program Mr. Bob Benson is bringing a "mystery blade". At present it does not have any paper. Mr. Benson discussed it with Mr. Tanobe and plans to submit it for shinsa later this summer but it was decided to bring it to Chicago. It will be displayed for any who wish to submit their opinion. When the blade is submitted the person who is the closest will receive a nice prize generously donated by Mr. Tanobe. Make sure you plan to attend the NBTHK program, it is usually Saturday afternoon.

page 181 of John Sloughs Oshigata book has a blade that shape made by Murata dated 1888

vary a lot but you can get some in the $250 range

David thanks, I will check out Shigekiyo and see if any sign like mine, not sure I can make the kanji after Shige to be Kiyo but maybe that is because of the script If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know Thanks!

I have a fuchi kashira. The mei is hard for me to make out as it is a script style. I think maybe Shige____? but I may be wrong and the rest I can't figure out Any help appreciated. Thanks!!

In case anyone is making very late plans to attend please note: the show rate at the hotel should have expired 3/30. I was able to get them to extend the show discount a little longer but you can no longer book on line the link has expired. If you want to try and book a room you can do it by phone, call 402-593-5130 and tell them you are with the "Token Kai" group. There are only a few King rooms left and they may fill up or discontinue the show rate at any time but it is worth a try if you are making last minute plans. See you there!

Ko-Mihara ?

Brandon mailed it again, passed through US customs ok this time

The show is now less than a month away. There will be buyers from Japan and Europe at the show (as well as all our North American collectors and dealers looking for treasures). There will be a number of dealers set up for this show who have not been at the show before so new merchandise and a couple or dealers from the "olden days" who have not set up at any shows in years are coming so maybe some neat items new to the market. If you are on the fence about coming I hope you will join us.

i had the same happen a month ago. They held it for a week or so and sent it back because there was same' on the handle and I could not export it. They also did not repack the box very well and I think decided to kick it around for a couple of days, it was beat up

I know the seller, Matt is a great guy to deal with. Not sure if he is a member here.

looks like chikei or similar activity

I think fake