worksheets, points

[John A Stuart]

Hi All, I'm sure at sometime this has been discussed, but, for those of us that missed it I wonder if those involved in the Kantei process or are around it can explain it. When you buy an item, in most cases you do not get the worksheet with the papers. It seems that there are more NTHK worksheets around than the NBTHK. Nonetheless, sometimes a sword or fitting for sale will have the points on the worksheet as part of the description. Now if, say, a Hozon paper's worksheet says 74/100, does this mean that it meets a certain requirement but has some problem? Now, 74/100 is considered pretty good, so, at what point value should one try for Juyo? or if it should go that direction would the score show that, like 98/100? Also the lower the score really means what, indecision? John

[Pete Klein]

Well, first of all the NBTHK does not issue worksheets, only the NTHK and then only with their US shinsas. Try this link:

http://nihonto.ca/ratings.html

Darcy did a great job describing all of the main rating systems and it should answer your questions.

[John A Stuart]

Hi Pete, Thanks. Didn't know Darcy had that brief. So the difference between 70 and 80 would be quality and condition then? and the rarity would give a boost within limits? Also, this system means no resubmitting is necessary since the point system indicates the highest achievable level already? John

[Pete Klein]

Pretty much it. They request you submit to Japan for Yushu as they will not give that outside of Japan so that would be the only need to re-submit. That doesn't happen too often. You're pretty lucky if you ever get in the low eighties actually.