Boshi confusion

[jason_mazzy]

Ok on my new nihonto blade the boshi is well defined, and continues the gunome from the hamon. But it then looks almost Identical to jizo and the temper runs down about 2cm past the yokote. Also the mune and shinogi at yokote is thicker by about 2 mm then at the end of the temper line on the mune 2 cm closer to the nakago, giving a slight flare or v shape. Trying really hard to get an appropriate name for it. Best I can come up with is:

 

midare komi-jizo karei fukai. The fukai i am not even sure about because it could be karei katai if 2cm is not long enough to be considered fukai.

 

Not sure what to call the boshi so i just threw the jizo behind the midare komi. Unless of course it is jizo since there are similarities to gunome pattern.

 

 

I will try and get pictures soon.

 

edit was gramatical

edit part 2 added info

[sanjuro]

Hi Jason.

 

You arent getting much action on this inquiry of yours and I think I know why.

What you are trying to do is describe the boshi on your sword by lumping together a whole load of terms that basically confuse the crap out of both you and everyone else.

It takes years of practice and a lot of knowledge of the meaning of the terms in order to do what you are trying to do. I guess what I'm saying here is that you are trying to run before you can walk. I love your enthusiasm, and it should be encouraged, but there is a big learning curve before you can throw these terms around with any authority.

 

Try this...... What is the single most salient feature of the boshi? the term for that feature is how it should be described. Dont add other terms to it in order to describe it, because you will be creating a description that may read as nonsense. Now, having categorised the boshi as this or that, add a desciption of the other less prominent features. For instance if the boshi is described as Jizo then leave it at that. There are probably fifty different jizo boshi types (big, small etc.) Now without adding to the jizo part, pick out the other features and describe them as a qualifying feature of the boshi. The end product will be more understandable. It may also be wrong, and you will find as you learn more, that your description may become more refined.

There is no substitute for looking at as many swords as possible at shows, museums, whatever. The knowledge comes slowly and hand in hand with experience.

 

Best

[jason_mazzy]

Thank you for the help. i am looking directly in connoisseurs and the Japanese sword, and that is why i was using the terms that in the book look mostl like this boshi. Trying to compile my facts so when I post pictures of the sword, I can give all the right measurements and description along with my best guess on school and era.

[sanjuro]

If you get it half right you are doing well. Remember, a true connoisseur has handled hundreds of blades.

[jason_mazzy]

well i posted the sword in question. you can see the boshi real well in one. it looks jizo to me, but i am barely experianced.

[sanjuro]

It looks Jizo to me too. I have two swords with jizo boshi similar (But not quite the same) as this. Take it further from there and look for the other features. Length of turnback etc. You'll get there.

[jason_mazzy]

the turnback was unfortunately burnished out. but in just the right light u can see it, and on the mune you see it extends about 1.5-2cm past the yokote.