Possible to call NBTHK to ask if a kicho papered blade has failed to be recertified as hozon?

[intenex]

Hi all! Had a quick question that popped in mind - I know green tokubetsu kicho papers are super sketch, especially these days after most authentic valuable ones have already been recertified as hozon, but something just came to mind - presumably if something already has kicho papers, the NBTHK should have a record of that blade, correct?

I'm specifically interested in trying to ascertain if old blades with kicho papers made by somewhat lower reputation smiths were just never resubmitted for certification because it wasn't worth the cost and effort or if they were and failed recertification. Does anyone know of any way to do this?

My wife is Japanese so contacting or speaking to anyone in Japanese won't be a problem - thank you so much! If anyone else has any better thoughts on how to verify if a green paper is worth anything at all, I'm all ears too!

[Mark S.]

I’m sure there are many reasons blades were not re-submitted and they have been discussed here many times.  While not every green paper is ‘bad’, they are however not ‘recognized’ by the NBTHK.  I do not believe they will give you any advice or information based on the old papers, because in their eyes those papers no longer ‘exist’.  The only process I am aware of is a fresh submittal for brand new papers.  You are basically starting over.

 

Now… my personal opinion is that if you have white or green papers confirming a mei of a lower profile smith, or a mumei blade attributed to a lower ranked school/smith, I would be pretty comfortable trusting it as a good place to start my study to see if the blade fits characteristics of the smith/school.  Any ‘big name’ attributions should be looked at with a skeptical eye.

 

My recommendation is to study more so you don’t have to rely solely on papers for your judgements… or to at least have some more knowledge if you’re going to gamble.  

[Mark S.]

Just another bit of advice that you can take or leave… 

 

In January, there will be a sword show in Las Vegas and I see by your profile that you live in Vegas.  Maybe hold off on purchases until then, go to the show, and get a good look at a large number and wide variety of blades in person and in hand.  You will also be able to ask questions and learn a lot.  You will also get a good feel for what your $$$ can get you.  
 

Go to the Show / Event section of the NMB to get more info on that show.

[Brian]

The short answer to your question above is no.
 

[Bugyotsuji]

There is a high probability that unless (or even if) you go through someone high up in the NBTHK, the long process and the final answer will still be no. (An ordinary non/specialized Japanese person would not make much leeway in there.) 

 

Dealers tend to keep old paperwork with a blade, just on the off-chance, i.e. better for some customers than no papers. Resubmitting is generally too much trouble for them, especially if there is any possibility it might fail.