Tanba and Yamato-no-kami Yoshimichi last post on this one

[Scripps]

Pardon the length of post. So I have read the other two post on this sword but I am the new owner now. I picked up cheep from a friend. I got sword and saya was for different sword. Took apart, removed gorilla glue, traced blade, shaped interior, glued with vegetable paste. Now it fits perfect. Added a Tsuba to take up space as needed and now its a solid sword in properly fitting saya that looks good. I did a lot of research on sword mei and see many similar the closest is here. https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tachi&katana_A171217.html

I talked with polisher and sent photos and he thinks it can be reworked and polished. It had been sandpapered by someone in the past not me. Knowing that the only way to go with sword was reshape and polish I used vinager to bring out the Hamon and check for Sudare-ba. It shows on sword side signed Tanba. Keep in mind I am a total newbie when you reply. The Yamato mei side is different. I guess the main question is with the nice looking Hamon should I pay to have reshaped and polished or is that just a waste of money. I really like the sword but dont want to waste money. Does anyone have a sword signed similar? With nice looking hamon/reshaped and polished but fake signature would I then just have a worthless shiny thing? My pictures are low resolution to fit on this site. If anyone wants to see a high resolution please ask. Again, a newbie please try not to rip me a new a$$hole if I am improper in any way. Also if you love Japanese art follow my IG Thebasementjapnesegallery I sell some great stuff. Thank you for any input.

[Scripps]

Sudare-ba in higher resolution

[Ken-Hawaii]

Scott, if you can post a,photo of the entire bare blade, it will provide more information than a few partial shots.

 

I personally don't believe in using acid to bring out details; that's the polisher's job. Also, trying to match the mei, rather than buying the blade for its other features, is seldom worth the effort. Many, many blades are gimei, & there's no way to tell for sure without sending it to shinsa.

 

You indicated that you bought it "cheep," which is good, because with all the surface pitting, ha divots, & general overall condition, I wouldn't recommend sinking any more $$ into the blade.

[Scripps]

Ken, I will post a full res photo of blade in AM. Impossible for me without sunlight. Here are 3 shots from am. So hard to get complete blade.

[SAS]

I won't speak to the veracity of the mei as i do not have time to research it; the blade is heavily pitted and the hakobore require some heavy reshaping....not a job for anyone other than an expert. ($$$$$) It might be salvageable; is it financially worth it....roll the dice.

[Scripps]

I won't speak to the veracity of the mei as i do not have time to research it; the blade is heavily pitted and the hakobore require some heavy reshaping....not a job for anyone other than an expert. ($$$$$) It might be salvageable; is it financially worth it....roll the dice.

Thanks for input Steve. On list (23 months) for polish. He looked and said it can be reshaped, polished. $85/$100 an inch so $1700 to $2000. Im more into saving the blade if is real.

[Grey Doffin]

Who is the polisher?

Grey

[Scripps]

Who is the polisher?

Grey

Dave Hofhine. Hes only seen pictures. I’m sure he would have to see in person to be 100%

[ROKUJURO]

The TSUKA ITO is a real mess.....That is not only a visual drawback, but a technical problem with the safety. Please refrain from swinging the sword, or you might have the 'House of the flying blades'!    

[Jacques D.]

Strongly gimei 

[Grey Doffin]

To know for sure, one way or the other, if this warrants a polish it will have to be seen by a properly trained polisher.

Grey

[Scripps]

The TSUKA ITO is a real mess.....That is not only a visual drawback, but a technical problem with the safety. Please refrain from swinging the sword, or you might have the 'House of the flying blades'!

 

Well that doesnt help much but thanks? Yeah I’m not living in Fuedal Japan so I wont be swing the blade for anything. The Tsuka Ito would be be remade if the sword were polished so dont worry.

[Scripps]

Ok talked to a sword dealer that knows. mishina school for sure. Mei both gimei. Would be nice if polished but cost to reshape, polish and refit far more than Mashina School blade already done with paper. So I will enjoy as is and try not to swing it full force like a 6 year old. Time to patch up with my tig welder and get some sandpaper on this thing. Just joking.

[Scripps]

This is how I carve a chicken????

[SAS]

Looks gimei and amateur polished (just kidding.....or am I  )