Tired or not?

[FZ1]

In my continuing efforts to educate myself, I've been trying to find examples of tired blades online.  I found some really obvious examples, but still trying to "get my eye in".

 

Brian posted an example way back in 2012 (first image below), but due to lack of experience, I can't work out if the second image is tired or if its just part of the wood grain pattern (itame?)

 

Please can someone put me straight?  Thanks.

 

Jon

 

 

 

 

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Jon,

To my eyes and in my opinion, maybe a tiny bit tired (see the dark spots in the 1st picture) but not much.  Looks to be a very nice sword.

Grey

[FZ1]

Thanks for your help Grey - I'll keep practicing!

 

Jon

 

[Surfson]

Jon, a couple hints are that often the core steel is composed of shingane, which has less carbon in it and is "softer", making it more malleable and ductile and protecting the overall sword from the likelihood of breaking since it isn't brittle like harder steel.  

 

This core steel can often have a slightly darker color, which is what Grey is referring to.  Also, in my experience, the shingane also has less "hada" or grain in it.  It may be that shingane is not folded as many times as skin steel (kawagane) or that since it is softer the polishing stones don't bring out the grain.  I would love to hear from others about this last speculation.  

[ChrisW]

I found this page really helpful too. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/shingane.html

[FZ1]

Thanks gents, very much appreciated.

 

Although I appreciate the art in Nihonto, I've got to admit that I'm fascinated by the metallurgy, construction and engineering that goes into the blades.  The link provided by Chris mentions different methods of construction in different eras (old/new), so that's another on the "list of things to study/research"!

[ChrisW]

Looking at the first picture, I can see what appears to be shingane but it is difficult the tell. The second one looks healthy. Keep in mind, it could be artifacts of lighting and the first one is healthy. I think this is a case of 'must be seen in hand' to make a call.