Utsuri or not Utsuri whats the question

[Foletta]

I have be cleaning this sword with uchiko and now has what looks like Utsuri however it is very strong could it be tempered instead? The last few photographs some of the blade looks a bit pink the Nie reflects this colour depending the angle . Any idea what school it could be? Bizen? and age ? Thanks Geoff

[16k]

I doubt that a blade in such a state of polish could still show utsuri, but I’ll let others judge that. An utsuri is subtil and this looks a bit too prominent for my taste, maybe acid etched or cleaned with an abrasive product.

[paulb]

Geoff,

I am sorry to throw a negative in but to try and assess school period or anything else from a sword in this state of polish is not realistic. Also the chance of identifying utsuri on this blade is nil. It is hard enough to identify it on some blades in excellent polish.

The only thing you can determine is the sugata and that might give you an idea of age but to try and identify anything else is guesswork and wishful thinking.

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Geoff,

of course a Japanese blade is tempered. Have a little read on UTSURI:  https://markussesko.com/2013/08/22/some-thoughts-on-utsuri/

[Brian]

Jean, I think what he means is whether that is utsuri or hardened areas....hitatsura.
As per Paul, nothing can be deduced from the current state.

[DoTanuki yokai]

The thing you think it is utsuri is just some kind of oxidation in my opinion.

To the other question about age i would say its old but a better picture of the nakago would help with the current picture im not even sure if i see 3 or 4 mekugiana.

[Jacques]

No utsuri on this blade, Utsuri can be seen only on blade in perfect state of polish and if the polisher did the required job.

 

That sword has a nice one. 

 

 

 

[Foletta]

Some more photographs Thanks

[Lance]

Dark area in between  whitish area is likely just  from thumb pressure and abrasive  qualities of uchiko. 

Regards,

Lance