Novel ‘oddity’ or painful to the eyes?

[Mark S.]

While going through some dealers, I came across a blade.  Of course this will come down to personal preference.  Is it just too awkward to look at or do you appreciate the method to ‘save’ a damaged blade?  This just happens to be a blade from one of my favorite schools so I am torn on my feelings about it.  
 

[John C]

Personally, I think shortening a broken blade to allow its continued use as a weapon is both warranted and necessary. Aesthetically, I like the shape for its new intended purpose - slashing or stabbing. Within the context of battle, needs must.

 

John C.

[Scogg]

Suriage and osuriage has never really bothered me. I'm sure my collecting budget has something to do with that.

Of course, I wish all swords were ubu. I also wish that I was taller  

I think it's interesting for what it is.
That said, I'm not sure I would ever shop for, or buy something like this.
-Sam

[Cola]

Looks a bit too much like a kitchen knife for my taste. 

[Hokke]

I can appreciate it, looks like something perfectly fit for a fish market, taking down tuna and other large fish. 

[eternal_newbie]

20 minutes ago, Hokke said:

I can appreciate it, looks like something perfectly fit for a fish market, taking down tuna and other large fish. 

 

It'd pair nicely with a Hocho Masamune for all your kitchen needs 

[Brian]

Have to wonder though. If the kissaki takes damage, and you lose the boshi, it's considered a fatal flaw. The sword cannot perform as designed, right?
But Katana and tachi are cutting weapons. How often where they used to stab? Surely most of the work is done in the monouchi area? Which may well be completely intact. 98% of what the sword would required to do, can still be done. Even if a katana is shortened from the front to wakizashi size, you wouldn't use the kissaki in most cases. Cutting edge remains.
I think this is more about the art aspect and completeness than actual functionality.

[Matsunoki]

First glance it’s not a million miles from shobu-zukuri (iris leaf) and it is rather elegant.

As a stabbing weapon it looks extremely efficient and having watched several Samurai films etc  recently there seems to be a fair bit of stabbing involved when there is no room for swinging a longer blade or as coup de grace after battles.

Creative way to aesthetically save a (probably) ugly damaged blade. 
Maybe not one for purists.

[ROKUJURO]

As mentioned above, it could go as a long SASHIMI HÔCHÔ.

[Nazar]

Encountered something similar at the local internet auction. Was curious about it, yet my curiosity ran away as soon as a picture of nakago was posted....

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Finding myself agreeing with much of what has been written above.

[Michaelr]

I think that I could like it if it is Tanto size and I think as a Tanto it would make sense. Really shows some ingenuity, maybe out of necessity or just using what you have available at the time. I think sometimes it is nice to have a conversation piece like this amongst your collection and sometimes the funny thing is it will sometimes bring more interest than your best blade. Of course it would have to be priced very reasonable for just a conversation piece.    
  MikeR

[Geraint]

Dear All.

 

I think I have posted this before but just out of interest here is another variation.

 

All the best.

[Toki]

Regarding the orginal blade that was posted, it would depend on a lot of things for me.

If it was from my favorite school, with all the features there to enjoy that I was looking for (minus the boshi), and the price was right, I would probably get it.

I think as odd as it is, it could be a fun piece for a collection because of its unusual shape. If you can get it for a fair price, I guess

[O koumori]

Not collectable for me.

[Mark S.]

I wanted to hear opinions before I gave mine… but I asked the question so it’s only fair I give my opinion.  At first I was ‘interested’ as some of my collection includes items that may be considered ‘on the fringe’.  But I have this habit of taking the pictures of items and printing them out to full scale.  When both sides of the picture are placed back to back (as in the first photo), the shape doesn’t seem too odd.  However, when printed to scale and only one side is viewed, the blade has a distinct ‘humpback whale’ shape that did not appeal to me.  The boshi also feels wrong, but is understandable based on how the blade attained its current shape.  Also, the price was a bit high for a discussion piece.  This piece is wakizashi length of 34.9cm.  On the plus side, it did receive NBTHK Hozon.