Koto Sword I am considering purchasing

[VIPER]

Hi Guys....Have a chance too pick up this sword. Any information at all would help me make up my mind............Thanks as always Jimmy

[Brian]

Jimmy,

A couple of things please. If this is from an online auction such as eBay, please rather just post the link to the auction, or upload the pics to a free host, as we are just using my bandwidth lately to host their pics. I don't mind a few, but have been seeing this happen way too often lately. Also, post in the eBay section if it is an online sale.

Also..it is virtually impossible for us to tell anyone if they should buy something or not. That depends on your personal taste, budget and price. Without those, it is anyone's guess. All we can do is point out any flaws or problems. If this was $500, then yes. If it is $3000, then no. If it is papered and in polish, then yes. Without exact details of every inch of the blade, no-one is going to tell you to buy something. They don't know what hidden flaws or problems it has.

Posting and looking for the reasons why you shouldn't buy it is the only real outcome of these, and isn't really very educational.

As for this blade, it doesn't look very old to me. That regular hamon and condition suggest Gendaito or Showato to me, but I could be wrong. It's too regular and precise to be a Koto imho. More like a Mino tradition Showato to me.

We do advise people to ask us before buying to prevent expensive mistakes, but this is to avoid fakes, frauds and to educate a bit. However at a certain point people need to look at good swords wherever they may be, and start deciding if they like a sword or not. Otherwise we should just charge eBay and write a review of all the listed swords :lol:

 

Hope you take this in the spirit it is intended. Not clamping down, just trying to steer this in a suitable direction. If this isn't an eBay/online sale...the advice still applies to the recent requests. We have plenty of webspace, but since I don't prune old posts like other forums do (to keep this forum like a vast Nihonto encyclopedia) the space isn't going to last forever.

 

Thanks,

Brian

[VIPER]

My apologys Brian, as I have seen many such inquests on this as well as other forums, I presumed it was ok......The sword is a private owner purchase. And believe it or not your reply helped confirm my feelings on this particular blade as you were very close too the actual asking price on this sword. I have been leaning away from it but it always helps to have validation too your thinking. It is alot like Buckfever sometimes you get blinded by your desire too purchase other examples ounce you make that first purchase. Thanks again Jimmy............................

[Brian]

Jimmy,

Bear in mind I could be wrong. Depends on who the seller is and how good is his knowledge and reputation. I don't see this as a Koto..but if Shinto or even Shinshinto then $3K possibly wouldn't be bad. If Showato, then not ok. It has a tassel ($250) and has a mon which makes it more valuable as militaria. Blade looks in nice condition. Is there hada showing? To me, that hamon is boring and contrived, and too often seen on WW2 swords. So a lot depends on further info.

The main thing always is not to rush. Take your time, and you will do better. There will always be more swords, and likely a better budget.

Not discouraging people asking at all..just asking everyone to remember how it seems to others viewing, and asking people to at least elaborate on where it is coming from, and to bear in mind the circumstances when uploading pics here. They need to remain as educational material for later years.

 

Good luck,

 

Brian

[stekemest]

The rust on the nakago looks a bit strange. Do you have a better picture of it?