Fatal Flaw?

[Ilovekatana]

I have an old muromachi period sword that has a crack or split,parallel to the edge, that partially goes through the hamon. Is it anything that a restoration can fix?

[Alex A]

Hi, not a fatal flaw, https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/kizu.htm

[Ilovekatana]

Oh that's great. I was worried it might be impossible to fix.

[Alex A]

You would need speak to a polisher about improving it, although im ASSUMING a polisher will tell you that all the blade must be polished too, which wont be cheap.

 

Id leave it.

[Peter Bleed]

Dear ilovekatanas

Fatal schmatal. This is a serious flaw!  I see no way it could be "fixed". This sword may have had some life as a weapon, but I see no way that this katana could be loved.

I am not trying to be critical or negative, simply encouraging you to move toward quality

Peter

[Stephen]

Listen to above advice. Pass on low mediocre blades, save for quality.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

Adding to what has already been said, keep in mind that a ware like this might just as easily open up even more when put to polishing stones. If you must, consult an experienced polisher before and not after.

[Ilovekatana]

Hello,

 

Adding to what has already been said, keep in mind that a ware like this might just as easily open up even more when put to polishing stones. If you must, consult an experienced polisher before and not after.

Would rice cracker.com's restoration service have experienced polishers?

[Alex A]

Would rice cracker.com's restoration service have experienced polishers?

 

Hi ?

 

If you read Rice crackers restoration info it says they use a variety of levels of polishers. Whether or not they use polishers from the US, I don't know. Someone else will hopefully chime in, but from memory there are only a few, the name Bob Benson springs up occasionally. 

 

Japan route can take a long time and be expensive, I suppose that goes for the experienced and few US guys too.

 

On a few occasions ive been surprised at what an experienced polisher can IMPROVE, be interesting to hear what they have to say

 

Remember, there are long waiting times for the top guys and they don't come cheap.

 

No doubt you will eventually ask yourself, is it worth it?, or perhaps that's what the polisher will point out to you, as regards risk.

 

Ps, is this the blade from the other thread?, just to make sure https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-bizen-koku-osafune-kiyomitsueiroku-jyuni-nen-hachigatsuhi/

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

 

Would rice cracker.com's restoration service have experienced polishers?

 

 

While I have made a number of purchases from Mike Yamasaki at RiceCracker, all excellent A+ transactions, I have not had the occasion of using his polishing services yet. I do know that Mike offers Juyo level work. Suggest contacting him directly with your questions. 

 

If you're next step is to seek out additional advice, sword shows offer a great opportunity. In many cases you'll find dealers like Mike Yamasaki there along with sword polishers. One of the best shows will be coming up in San Francisco in August.

[Ilovekatana]

Hi ?

 

If you read Rice crackers restoration info it says they use a variety of levels of polishers. Whether or not they use polishers from the US, I don't know. Someone else will hopefully chime in, but from memory there are only a few, the name Bob Benson springs up occasionally.

 

Japan route can take a long time and be expensive, I suppose that goes for the experienced and few US guys too.

 

On a few occasions ive been surprised at what an experienced polisher can IMPROVE, be interesting to hear what they have to say

 

Remember, there are long waiting times for the top guys and they don't come cheap.

Thank you for the response and yes it is the same sword as I currently only have the one.

 

No doubt you will eventually ask yourself, is it worth it?, or perhaps that's what the polisher will point out to you, as regards risk.

 

Ps, is this the blade from the other thread?, just to make sure https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-bizen-koku-osafune-kiyomitsueiroku-jyuni-nen-hachigatsuhi/

Thank you for the response and yes it is the same sword as I currently only own the one.

[Alex A]

Briefly looked at the Aoi sales page, the flaw does not stand out like it does in your pic, sunlight maybe?

 

Signed and dated, Tokubetsu Hozen.

 

Id leave alone, but see what the polisher has to say.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Leave it, no need to keep hauling off on polishes for these old swords at the drop of a hat.

[SAS]

Dear ilovekatanas

Fatal schmatal. This is a serious flaw!  I see no way it could be "fixed". This sword may have had some life as a weapon, but I see no way that this katana could be loved.

I am not trying to be critical or negative, simply encouraging you to move toward quality

Peter

 

When 400 years old you are, look as good you will not...

[Kanenaga]

Someone told me that Yoshikawa Koen sensei, the respected former head of the NTHK, was quoted as saying, in effect "If you want to collect sue-koto swords, you must be willing to accept some ware."  So d___ the naysayers!  This is an ubu, one-hole, signed and dated, tokubetsu hozon, koto katana from a respected group of makers.  So it has a (definitely non-fatal) flaw -- big deal.  A single forging flaw does not make it low quality.  Enjoy it, study it, and don't mess with it. The last polisher already did what could be done.

[vajo]

I have a su-koto suriage mumei wakimono katana with countless flaws. But when you look at it you will notice the beauty.