Where to begin . . .

[WillFalstaff]

Hi all,

 

New to nihonto.

 

Where do you start when it comes to identifying a mumei blade?

Starting from, well, limited knowledge of anything related to kentai, but having books like The Connoisseur’s Book of Japanese Swords and The Samurai Sword by Yumoto (and nothing else yet!), what is the first step? The overall shape is a start, but it’s very open to interpretation and ubiquitous (maybe not to practiced . . . practitioners). Tsukurikomi? Or maybe Sori? Kissaki and Mune? Or does one start with jihada or hamon? 

 

If you are catching on, it is pretty difficult for a FNG to really know where to start, sans training. I don’t have access to experienced kentai peeps face-to-face. I only have books, internet, and time.

 

Is there an FAQ? I’ve searched. 

If this is out of the reach of FNGs with no resources, aside from may be a cheap blade they bought and the aforementioned data, then why bother? 

 

Asking for a friend.

 

 

[NewB]

Welcome,

 

Tell your friend to Google the two words - 'kantei nihonto'. Lots of great websites will pop up. I personally enjoyed Markus Sesko's works and honestly, I follow them diligently. 

 

😉

 

John

[Fuuten]

2 hours ago, WillFalstaff said:

The overall shape is a start, but it’s very open to interpretation and ubiquitous (maybe not to practiced . . . practitioners).

Especially considering the large number of altered blades - as in shortened. I find envisioning the original form is one of the most difficult things.

[WillFalstaff]

I did peruse Sesko’s website, but being new to interpreting nihonto, I wasn’t sure if there was another place I should start. 

 

Anywho.

Today, as a FNG (F*^%ing New Guy) I should start with markussesko.com>Kantei Series>Kantei - Introduction. 

 

I shall report back once I get through Kantei 4.