Osafune Morikage (nioi-gire?)

[Sukaira]

Was looking at this and wanted input from others that might be more familiar: https://world-seiyudo.com/product/ka-070125/ 

 

Is this nioi-gire? If it is, I imagine it is because of age and use and repeated polish, not an intentional flaw. I know such a flaw would not pass NBTHK usually so I am not sure if this really is that at all. It just seems that the actual hamon runs off the edge in places and the hadori just kind of makes things up in those areas.

 

Thoughts?

Edited October 11, 2025 by Sukaira

[jeremy]

I'm trying to see what part of the blade you're talking about but unable to see it myself . Would a blade get Tokubetsu Hozon with a flaw like that? 

[Sukaira]

Check this image. Take a look at the upper part of the image where you'll see the darker gray part of the hamon. The white hadori work closely follows it, but then the gray completely disappears off the edge and the white hadori work just kind of starts to make up the shape with uniform humps because there is nothing to follow. If you look at the rest of the sword you'll see the same thing.

Edited October 11, 2025 by Sukaira