JW74 Posted February 16 Report Posted February 16 A buddy of mine gave me this several years ago. I thought it was a sushi knife but after a little research I don’t think it is. I’d like some opinions on it and also whether or not I should have it polished. I honestly don’t know much about it and wanted to hear what the experts think it is. Thanks Quote
Ray Singer Posted February 16 Report Posted February 16 It is not a sushi knife. This is a wakizashi, the photo of the inscription is very unclear but I would take a guess that this is signed __ Kinju saku. The copper habaki has a kamon (family crest). The blade is in shirasaya ( a plain storage scabbard). 2 Quote
JW74 Posted February 16 Author Report Posted February 16 21 minutes ago, Ray Singer said: It is not a Soshu knife. This is a wakizashi, the photo of the inscription is very unclear but I would take a guess that this is signed __ Kinju saku. copper habaki is a kamon (family crest). The blade is in shirasaya ( a plain storage scabbard). Honestly that’s what I was hoping it was. Now I want to try and figure out the history and see if there is somebody who could do a light restoration so all the details can be seen. Thank you so much for the help! Quote
JW74 Posted February 16 Author Report Posted February 16 Just now, JW74 said: Honestly that’s what I was hoping it was. Now I want to try and figure out the history and see if there is somebody who could do a light restoration so all the details can be seen. Thank you so much for the help! I will try and get a better pic of the inscription and post it. Quote
ROKUJURO Posted February 16 Report Posted February 16 I agree, it is not a SUSHI knife nor a SOSHU knife! Joel, some details let me believe this could be an older (400 years +) sword that should be seen by an expert. Perhaps you find an NMB member near you to give you some hands-on advice. In the meantime keep it away from moisture and children. There is no 'light restoration'. Having it polished in Japan or by a traditionally trained polisher will cost about $ 1.500.-- I believe. As you have no rust on the blade, this is not urgent if you can keep it that way. Get informed here on the board about this complex world of Japanese swords! Quote
JW74 Posted February 16 Author Report Posted February 16 1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said: I agree, it is not a SUSHI knife nor a SOSHU knife! Joel, some details let me believe this could be an older (400 years +) sword that should be seen by an expert. Perhaps you find an NMB member near you to give you some hands-on advice. In the meantime keep it away from moisture and children. There is no 'light restoration'. Having it polished in Japan or by a traditionally trained polisher will cost about $ 1.500.-- I believe. As you have no rust on the blade, this is not urgent if you can keep it that way. Get informed here on the board about this complex world of Japanese swords! Wow that’s crazy! Thank you so much for the insight. I’m going to stay on the trail and see where it leads. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. I live in the Florida Panhandle and commute to Jacksonville for work during the week. I’d be glad to drive wherever to meet up with an expert. Quote
ROKUJURO Posted February 16 Report Posted February 16 Well, then you should absolutely get into contact with our Ray Singer (who commented above) as he is located in Florida as far as I know. Quote
JW74 Posted February 16 Author Report Posted February 16 33 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said: Well, then you should absolutely get into contact with our Ray Singer (who commented above) as he is located in Florida as far as I know. Quote
JW74 Posted February 16 Author Report Posted February 16 Just now, Ray Singer said: 菊一文珠金重 Kiku Ichimonju Kinju saku That gives me a great place to carry on this research! Quote
Brian Posted February 17 Report Posted February 17 Ray is your go-to guy that side, and making a plan to meet up with him will be a big benefit to you. 2 Quote
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