Gendaito opinion

[Walter]

There's the nice gendaito on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :IT&ih=007

 

I'm not a big fan of gendaito, but the sword is really amazing - just stunning hamon!

What do you think, is the price correct for this piece or it's somehow overpriced?

What would be the right price for this sword?

[Brian]

Walter,

 

With current auctions, I would prefer we concentrate on discussing the swords and the work, rather than the value. I don't want to influence current auction prices unless there is something dramatically wrong with it. Since there is no price guide, and it is worth whatever someone pays for it, the best is to use dealer's listings and experience to get an idea. To me is seems fair, but to someone else it might be expensive or a bargain.

I have dealt with the seller before, and he is decent. I would ask a few questions and make sure there are no flaws before contemplating any purchase from anyone.

 

Brian

[Guest Simon Rowson]

Great strobe-light effect on the blade - where did he photograph it - a disco?

 

I'd definitely ask him for more detailed pictures of the "nice itame mix" hada he mentions as over 90% of Mino/Seki Showa blades are machine-made. Don't forget, you can get a wild looking hamon with oil-tempering as well - it just depends on how you apply the clay.

 

Simon

[Brian]

Simon, I've dealt with him before, and am pretty sure it is a Gendaito. I also don't usually associate "kitau kore" with machine made blades, indicating something at least a step up from that. With the activity he mentions and what I can see, I am pretty sure it is at least handmade.

You don't see much choji in oil tempered blades either. Not saying it doesn't occur, but it isn't typical. I am more used to seeing suguha or a regular sanbon-sugi.

 

Brian