wakizashi...first blade of two I have.

[Kraut783]

All,

I picked this up about 18 years ago...I do not know much about it, but it was my first blade.  Any thoughts or information is appreciated.

 

https://imgur.com/Zeyr0Ro

https://imgur.com/03ZiyQD

https://imgur.com/ukZYw4T

https://imgur.com/5wqcePQ

https://imgur.com/Gm8Z2CO

https://imgur.com/p0BVZxh

https://imgur.com/VZsTmZW

 

Unfortunately, some blade issues...

 

https://imgur.com/MW3wQHj

https://imgur.com/YqEsnWo

 

https://imgur.com/hrQFV2b

https://imgur.com/A7ZzSTh

https://imgur.com/X8UgSFy

 

I common blade that I love....

[Surfson]

Well, Allen.  NMB members are generally kind, and after you stated that you love this sword, it becomes hard to criticize.  I think that most collectors on NMB would find those "issues" to be distracting (to put it kindly).  There are threads about first blades though, and about half of us have held on to our first blade, even though most of those blades have "issues" too.  I hope that you have advanced your collecting.  

[Kraut783]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for you thoughts, I do love the blade....but understand it has probably quite a few flaws and "issues".....I do welcome any comments as I learn more about Nihinto. 

[Surfson]

As you look for swords, condition is very important.  Poor condition can result from abuse by past owners (chips, broken tip, alterations to the sword, bends etc.), by the ravages of time or battle (sword strikes, rust, pitting, loss of steel by many polishes or fire damage) or sometimes by poor forging techniques (ware, fukure, poor finishing of the tang, poor tempering etc.).  It is helpful to recognize these condition issues and try to avoid them in general.

[Kraut783]

Thanks Bob,  this blade and the other I have, a Katana, were found in garage sales....so I was happy to save them and learn from them. Kind of like the first car you bought, it was a POS, but it was yours and you always remember it.

 I will one day buy a quality blade, but for now I will enjoy these and possibly learn more of their history. This website is a wealth of information!

[Surfson]

Hahah Allen.  You got me to thinking.  Without a doubt, the first four cars I bought were all a POS!  Best of luck with your collecting.  Let me know if you need advice when you decide to buy a quality blade.