Hey, an example...

[Veli]

Well well, the time of miracles is not over

 

On our beloved Ebay, a signed shinogi-zukuri wakizashi with a strong saki-zori, wide mihaba, yakidashi at the hamachi... from the Heian period, or maybe early Kamakura

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Japanese-SWORD-KATANA-Wakizashi-Ko-To-/310215507820?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item483a48ff6c

 

BR,

Veli

[Jean]

One intereresting thing in this item :

 

Shinogi zukuri wakizashi appeared several hundred years later ....

[Curgan]

If only it didn't have so many dents.. but on the other thand it's only 100$...

[Jean]

John,

 

It is not the numerous dents which are important

 

This sword is ruined : 6th picture, one of the dents reaches the habuchi ....

[Curgan]

My point, but didn't wanna write much...

[Veli]

Yes, just as Jean said! Actually, one may find shinogi-zukuri wakizashi that originate from early times http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/wakizashi/08701.html, but they have been shortened from damaged tachi. In this case, this is not possible, not even if we'd assume that the signature has been added later.

 

BR,

Veli

[Curgan]

I was wondering whether a retempering and new polish would bring it back to an acceptable condition for the buck. They would sure ruin it's collectible value, but maybe it could come cheaper than a newly made wakizashi.

[John A Stuart]

This sword has a fatal flaw. Like Jean mentioned. John

[Veli]

John C,

 

Just to make sure, are you aware that polish cost is approximately USD 100 for each inch of the blade length? Retempering would probably also cost thousands. Polish might be justified - despite the fatal flaws - if this blade really was from the Heian period. But there are about five independent reasons why it is not - that was why I started this topic.

 

BR,

Veli

[Curgan]

John C,

 

Just to make sure, are you aware that polish cost is approximately USD 100 for each inch of the blade length? Retempering would probably also cost thousands. Polish might be justified - despite the fatal flaws - if this blade really was from the Heian period. But there are about five independent reasons why it is not - that was why I started this topic.

 

BR,

Veli

 

A cheap polish will cost 10-15$ per inch, but I don't know about retempering. The blade has (at least) one fatal flaw and many other and it is not a national treasure. However,it would be nice if it survived anyhow. At the bottom line it costs less than a family dinner. Enough nihonto are lost already...

[moss]

A cheap polish :?

And another will be lost.

It would be better if you like it, to buy it,maintain it and just to leave it as it is. IMHO

 

 

Cheers Moss

[jason_mazzy]

LOL, i was the original bidder when it came out. I noticed all the nicks, and just wanted it as art. Then I realized the shipping was $110.00. Way more than his other items. I was panicked as i didn't want to spend over $120 for the blade. Then I was out bid

[moss]

Jason,

 

The first bidder is not the important one ,it is the final bidder

The bargain bin is called that for a reason ,with the emphasis on Bin.

You're keen for sure but need to slow down ,particularily if you bid then sweat it out ,hoping you lose

 

I would really sweat when you are the only bidder,considering EBAY is an acronym for 'Every Bloke And You'

 

Cheers Moss

[jason_mazzy]

lol no i was only sweating becausethe shipping was much higher. I read it as $11 and went on my way. Then a few hours later i realized it wasn't 11 lol. I wouldn't sweat on something i bid on. just caught myself by surprise

[Curgan]

It would be better if you like it, to buy it,maintain it and just to leave it as it is. IMHO

 

No, I don't like it, but I 'd like to see it (and all nihonto in bad shape) restored somehow...

Even if a nihonto is virtually worthless and without any significant artistic value, you can't have a new one today. Luckily you can have a "similar" by modern smiths. Maybe better in all aspects but not nihonto

[Tsugio Kawakami]

$10 an inch is a polish I would avoid... *Shudder*

 

As far as owning a new nihonto, they still make them, ya know.

[Curgan]

$10 an inch is a polish I would avoid... *Shudder*

 

As far as owning a new nihonto, they still make them, ya know.

 

I would avoid a cheap polish too, but in a "decent" condition sword. This one is a 100$ piece of metal that was once a sword. Whoever get's it won't spent much on it's restoration, since there are blades in better condition and cheaper to choose from.

 

As far as a new nihonto you are right, but the antique items can not be made anew. They are a piece of the world cultural heritage and a great many deal of them is already destroyed. If this -or any other item regardless it's condition- survives in any way, it's a success.

[sanjuro]

can I ask a silly question?

 

Why would a Japanese sword made using traditional methods and materials by a Japanese smith in Japan not be called a nihonto regardless of when it was made? Is there something lacking in a modern sword? Is it not equally sharp? is it not equally able to fulfill a practical role (theoretically)? does it in some way fall short of the definition of a nihonto? The term I may remind you, only means 'Japanese sword' and is interpreted to mean one made by traditional methods. In what way does a shinsakuto not comply with this description?

 

They may be 'art swords' now, but they are no less swords for the appellation of art that has been given to them merely to avoid offending the sensibilities of our politically correct world.

[Curgan]

You 've got a point there and I couldn't say I totaly disagree.

 

As for my use of the term nihonto; I use it contrary to gendai, shinsakuto or other terms in order to point out the fact that it reffers to an antique sword. Theoretically the Aphrodite of Melos -or any other art object- can be reconstructed today, whole and without the wear of time. Will the modern recontruction be of the same value with the copy? It might be more beautiful, but not more valuable. I think it is time -and what time brings along- that give value to an antique item.

 

Why would a Japanese sword made using traditional methods and materials by a Japanese smith in Japan not be called a nihonto regardless of when it was made? Is there something lacking in a modern sword? Is it not equally sharp? is it not equally able to fulfill a practical role (theoretically)? does it in some way fall short of the definition of a nihonto? The term I may remind you, only means 'Japanese sword' and is interpreted to mean one made by traditional methods. In what way does a shinsakuto not comply with this description?

 

They may be 'art swords' now, but they are no less swords for the appellation of art that has been given to them merely to avoid offending the sensibilities of our politically correct world.