fjohns

Brian and Forum/MB, The rapid response by the Forum/MB was much appreciated, providing enough info for what I required in a short period of time. Regards, Fred

In all, thank you for the assistance. I required/wanted those terms exclusively to the blade and its tang. Franco provided sufficient information for the purpose with: http://world.choshuya.co.jp/explanation/index.htm#blade The numerical value of terms alone in reference to the blade itself is indicative of the depth and appreciative esteem in which Nihonto is held. Now I require, in a brief period of time, those flaws that can be found, in visual representation; those flaws that can be corrected and those that are incorrigible when it comes to correction-- decreasing sword value. Again, thank you, Fred

Is there an online total glossary of terms, here or another site, that lists the different parts of the blade? I cannot seem to find one. Thank you in advance. I did see one at one time but cannot seem to relocate. Fred

Sebastien, Thank you. Yes, that is the same that I got on the kanji. and as I said also, I knew the smith's name had been cut. I was hoping there was some kind of reading unique to Mei that might have some hidden clue. The sword was buried in a Japanese garden at the end of the war to escape the fate of those in the picture below. It's a shame that I don't know more because the sword has some historical merit. A sensei at Japan Sword [Tokyo] looked at it and placed it with a group working in Yamashiro around 1576-1613. If it was crafted in these years, it missed the Sword Hunt of 1588 as well as the collection in 1945. So you were not too far off on your guess. Wouldn't we love to go through the rows and piles depicted below. Fred

Hello all, When I would bare the sword to reflect, I would be content in the appreciation of what I thought I was seeing. Until, finally, I had to check. I got out the dividers and a mm rule. The more I measured, the more I appreciated the dynamics and balance that I thought was there. I was certain I was seeing repetitions, recurring dimensions, an equilibrium. The mune is not included in the measurements. Below are my discoveries. As for pictures, more later. The third image is of the blade mid-way. The shading, values, change due to a canopy above to mask a confusing ceiling. The mune is in shadow. I would like to know more about the sword, if possible. Some of the dots I understand are common with a point and shoot digital camera. Any thoughts, off hand, on the sword? Again, measurements are in mm. If anyone can give an interpretation on the Mei, I would appreciate it. I know what the kanji are but not a reading. I don't know the smith and the tang has been cut right at the last kanji, which may have had the smith's name. Appreciative. Fred J.

To all who responded, many thanks. I have checked the Kap's book and find it is available at the library. Milt, I tried to find Nat. Geo, online but found many articles other than those with confiscated swords. Any date or article title would help if you know. "Zeit und Raum. . . ." Gel! fj Mark, Getting the books from the library. Thanks. I saw pictures thirty years ago and thought I might be able to use the same images. Carlo, You are about four hours from a lovely area. The Dolomites. Enjoyed the landscape so many years ago for about three weeks. You are right, the sword pics are sad. The pictures I saw did not have idiots in them, only stacks of confiscated and very interesting looking swords. Families in the outlying areas buried their swords for quite a period of time so as not to lose them. But, I am sure you know this. Seeing these pics brings to mind a few more questions, rather insignificant I imagine. But I'll ask under a new query. Thanks again, fj

Anyone have a source, or pictures of, the piles of Japanese swords that were collected for destruction at the beginning of the occupation? An online source would be great. Thank you, fj

Ichi, Thanks for the welcoming, always appreciated. Golf club? That threw me. You must have made it to Karuizawa at one time or another. Fred

Hello, My name is Fred and I have just joined Nihonto. I live in the So. Cal area and have lived and traveled abroad a bit. I don't know if they will do it now but years ago I had a sword hand carried to the plane by a representative of the airline, locked in their 'values' cubicle or whatever they call it, and hand delivered to me once I arrived at my destination. I felt good about it and quite at ease- after luggage stories I had/have heard. I crafted a wooden box and after customs was finished I taped it tamper-proof. It worked great. They even made me feel special and who will reject that? Fred