Just learning, need some direction.

[Spyrochiro]

Now that our Nihonto has been identified as Fujiwara sadayuki, We're trying to figure out where to go next. I would like to find some detailed information about it, like (age, period, school, etc). Can any of you recommend a reference book that has worked well for you in the past?

 

Also, the sword has not been well maintained over the past 70 years. We have no desire to sell it, but it should be better kept. I would like to get a hands-on assessment of its condition and the details concerning its restoration. I live in the Houston area, does anyone here know someone in the area who can give me an accurate assessment and maybe even do the the restoration work? If not, do you know a good place/website to start looking for someone?

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi there, er... SP (Do you have a first name?)

 

Welcome to the site and congratulations on reading the Mei. Have you posted some pictures yet, with overall measurements?

 

First piece of advice. Don't expect much, and move slowly! You may never find out any more than you know now, or you may discover one vital fact, and then maybe another. The real reading and discoveries will be within the steel itself, but that is a whole new world and takes years to read.

 

Your question about books has been asked and answered a hundred times around the site. Please browse first.

 

Are there any sword societies in your area? A quick visit there should open some doors to advice on restoration. No need to rush into anything. Don't attempt any kind of cleaning. Assume your sword is not a masterpiece, and then you will never be disappointed. Restoration can be very expensive. Be 100% sure of what the sword is before making any decision on spending suitable money on it. If it's a good sword, don't take the cheap restoration option...

 

Just some general stuff to get you an answer. Hoping others will join in. And hoping that you will enjoy the learning process!

[Grey Doffin]

About restoration: A proper restoration (polishing of the blade) is expensive, at least $2,000. I would recommend against a polish unless and until you decide you're going to get serious about Japanese swords and learn proper care and handling. Every polish, which is done with stones, removes some of the steel and eventually, after one too many polishes, some of the core steel of the blade shows through the diminished skin steel (we call this tired; it decreases value and artistic merit). Beginners have a tendency to muck up new polishes with scratches, dings, and fingerprints, and when the blade passes on to its next owner he wants it in polish and the blade has to suffer through another one.

A polish isn't necessary for preservation; a very light coating of oil is all that is needed. Here is a link to a sword care and etiquette brochure that explains all: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Grey

[Mark Green]

Hi Spyro,

Another board member has a new Sadayuki as well. I posted a few oshi for him from the Bungo To. viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5524

There were a few Sadayuki in Shinto period Bungo prov. Most were very good sword makers. I would love to see more pics of your sword.

 

mark G