chinaski

Komonjo has a bunch of new listings. This one has my curiosity peaked...I'm not buying it, just a curiosity question. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135297889956 This one is Hozon papered and attributed to "Kanenobu" I used Google Translate on the papers and it appears it the papers are alluding to this being Gimei? Something along the lines of "Identify and prove this" I seem to recall reading something that NBTHK will paper Gimei swords or am I wrong here?

It says it's an unsigned Wakizashi and states the length along with the date of appraisal. NBTHK papers don't really say too much.

Oh wow, I have watched their videos before, but I had no idea he was working as a Blacksmith. I found some of their videos when I was looking up Akiya houses in Japan.

Yeah, I found out one squirt is all that's needed. Kind of looks "streaky" if you do more than that. One squirt, wipe, then wipe off again with a Microfiber towel. That seems to be working for me so far.

You can buy Camelia Oil in a Spray Bottle. https://www.amazon.c...ca314019cb3e807&th=1

Thanks for sharing! How cool!

I have posted the Mei and Papers on this sword before, but I have never posted images of the sword itself (I don't think I have?) That being said, it's a bit of an anomaly. It was suggested that the Mei was poorly cut and the Kanji was written by someone that is unfamiliar with Japanese writing. However, this sword is accompanied by NTHK papers with KANTEISHO (72). The worksheet indicates late Edo period and Meikan More. I posted images on Ray Singer's Facebook group and Mike Yamasaki responded with the following: Anyway, I like this sword very much and it definitely has some unique qualities.

I get it...his listings are definitely very obtuse. Maybe the term I should have used instead is Caveat Emptor. The listings I have seen have never even mentioned the word Nihonto, maybe in the past they do? All of his descriptions are very vague that's for sure. I bought one of his swords before I even knew who the guy was, but I do know I did purchase a real Nihonto, albeit with "issues" - but as I am learning, I know now to never drop real coin on something without verification and study. I would buy from him again, but I would tread very carefully.

I don't necessarily think Komonjo is being deceitful or trying to rip people off, it's just that knowing what you are buying is completely on you....I think the same can most likely be said for any lower priced Nihonto sellers on eBay. I have read here on the NMB forums of people that have purchased quality blades from him and they have papered. I own a Komonjo sword that I purchased recently. It's an Edo Mumei Wakizashi with old NBTHK papers. It has condition issues, but I didn't give a lot for it and I don't really care. I wanted it as an inexpensive display piece. I'm happy with it for what it is, and I knew I wasn't getting some diamond in the rough or anything special. I just wanted something for my fireplace mantle that I don't have to worry about. I would buy from him again, but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on his swords.

Higher resolution pic of the Tanobe Sayagaki from my TH papered Hidemitsu Tachi (Kozori Group, Nanbokucho)

Bruce is that flat Mune indicative of Arsenal produced swords? You seem to be the resident expert here on these.

No signature (Mumei) There appears to be a glue like substance on the Nakago (tang), it also has an odd shape. The Habaki is very crude The Kissaki isn't very well defined. This could be a mass produced WW2 era blade, but I am not knowledgable enough to determine and I am still learning myself.