Modern shinsakuto with forced patina on nakago.

[Hector]

This is obviously not intended to deceive anyone as it is being sold as a modern blade and is clearly dated 2018.

Kunihisa, the smith, has just decided to patinate the fresh nakago with rust.

 

Personally, I don't like it visually (it doesn't even look old) and I don't see the point of doing It. Part of the beauty of a shinsakuto is that you start with a clean nakago and then the rust accumulates naturally over the following centuries. It's not like a tsuba, where it should have a protective patina applied to the steel from the very beginning.

 

I'd like to hear others' thoughts and opinions on this unusual practice.

 

Best,

Hector

 

 

https://japanesesword.net/collections/modern-fine-art-katana/products/authentic-Japanese-katana-tanto-kunihisa-nbsk-shinsakuto-certificate-tozando?variant=53752214946155

 

Edited August 29 by Hector
Added photo.

[Alex A]

Maybe starting a new trend, though i agree its unnecessary.

 

On the other hand, dont folks patinate modern tsuba?, it is unusual though and dont really like fake patina unless for a reason like restoration.

 

Then it has to be done well, above somehow dont look right, its like a full stop between patina and blade, no blending contrast.

 

Ps, out of curiosity, would you think any modern sword would get patina on the nakago naturally?, as most just live in a nice modern home and never see the conditions that force patina. A lot of folks will add a touch of oil to a modern nakago, i do.

[Matsunoki]

Looks orrible imo🙂

Spoils it visually.

Not necessary.

 

[Scogg]

I don’t like it either, especially how it’s patinated right on top of where the bohi starts. It’s hard not to be reminded of similar practices being done, but for unethical reasons. 
 

Not for me personally. Maybe a special order or request? 
Best,

-Sam

 

[Katsujinken]

No thanks. 

[Hokke]

Just looks……wrong. The uniformity and the color of that oxidation going right up to the machi reminds me of how I feel when I see Chinese blades where the munemachi and hamachi don’t line up. 
All that said, it doesn’t hinder the value or the workmanship IMO…..I rather like the sugata.

[Lewis B]

[Shugyosha]

I think I would have to like the rest of the blade a lot more to tolerate that. 

[sabiji]

Does the Japanese sword, which is a symbol of perfection, embody “wabi-sabi”?

 

Of course! It is the patina of the nakago, which has developed over a very long period of time; the transition from the nakago to the polished blade; the subtle “wear” on the yasurime, the makuri, and the tagane of the mei.

 

It is precisely this contrast—between a well-polished blade and its “root,” which has aged with dignity since the sword’s creation—that is part of the sword’s unique aesthetic.

 

I can understand patinas resulting from restoration work.

 

But I don’t understand this...

[ROKUJURO]

On 8/29/2026 at 3:29 PM, Alex A said:

......don't folks patinate modern tsuba?......

...... would you think any modern sword would get patina on the nakago naturally?.....

Alex,

good questions!

TSUBA are visible parts of a sword, and as such, they are presented with a patina for a WABI/SABI touch, but also to prevent (further) corrosion.

Concerning the build-up of patina on the NAKAGO, you are certainly correct that on recently made swords, we cannot expect a nice natural patina as we do not handle swords any more (the sweat of your hands will no longer contribute to the moisture in the TSUKA), and the climate is mostly not the same as in Japanese houses.