Is this wakizashi a good deal?

[Yavuzii]

Hello,

 

I am new to collecting genuine Japanese swords. I have just received my wakizashi I ordered straight from Japan. I spent approx $800 USD I was wondering if this is a good deal as the condition is not perfect but the sword is authentic.

 

Sincerely

Alex  

[Tanto54]

Hi Alex, we will need to see better pictures and pictures of the Nakago (tang) to confirm whether the sword is authentic or not.  Some of the parts (e.g., the tsuba or blade guard) are not authentic (i.e., the tsuba is a modern fake).  Can't give a price until we see more of the sword.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Alex,

Can't tell much about the blade from your pictures.  I see nothing that makes me suspect it isn't real but, at the price you paid, it probably isn't real good.  The mounts are decidedly mediocre except for the tsuba, which I think is a modern fake.

I think you would do better to work with a dealer here in the west, in The States.  Communication is easier and, given your current knowledge level, you need lots of help and advice, something you can't expect from a Japanese dealer with an $800 sword.

Grey

[Yavuzii]

Ok thanks for the information:)

here is a photos of the tang

[Yavuzii]

[Ken-Hawaii]

The very first thing to look at on any blade is the sugata (shape). So a photo of the completely-bare blade should be your next post.

[Geraint]

Dear Alex.

 

Forgive me if you know all this already.  There is a saying that you pay for knowledge and this is a good example.  You already know that the tsuba is a repro/fake, you will look at lots of tsuba with a different eye from now on.  The fuchi, collar at the base of the hilt, is pretty average quality but genuine, the kashira, cap at the end of the hilt, is missing  and the hilt wrap is Japanese.  So what you have is an unsigned or mumei wakizashi, probably Shinto period.  It's genuine but it is representative of the commonest form of Japanese sword so not a great collectable.  That's fine, it is a good place to learn how to care for the sword, what to look for and what you can see.  I don't think you bought a bargain at todays market but you have a Japanese sword which may well be the start of something for you.  You are probably doomed at this point, once the fascination takes hold there is no escape.

 

At some point you  are  going to need to spend some money on a book or two to help you with the terminology, ask for some recommendations when you are ready.  Meanwhile enjoy the sword and the journey.

 

All the best.

[vajo]

Tsuba is fake. The Tsuka is authentic but the Kashira is missing. Blade looks authentic and mumei. I think shin shinto with suguha-ba hamon. Saya is total damaged.