Can polisher know the lamination method of a sword?

[pleasemx]

This is the question I'm concerning a lot.

 

a friend told me that he knew a Japanese sword polisher who can tell you much information about your sword if he had a chance to look at it.

I believe most of his words(year, maker, etc.). however, I'm doubting if he can tell you correctly the lamination method used, for instance whether it's Maru or Kobuse.

 

I thought we needed extra equipments to know that...

 

 

btw, I'm wondering if the Maru method is truely "the poorest" as commented here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/laminate.htm

because I found in a book another name of Maru method:"無垢鍛" or say "no contamination/contaminant forge", which sounds literally very high-end.

 

thx!

[Ken-Hawaii]

Yes, no contaminants, but also no sword flexibility.

 

Extremely hard ha & extremely flexible mune - the best way to make a katana. Yes, I know I've oversimplified....

 

Ken

[cabowen]

You can infer the method of construction in some cases if you know what to look for...

[nagamaki - Franco]

however, I'm doubting if he can tell you correctly the lamination method used, for instance whether it's Maru or Kobuse.

 

hmmm, what makes you think not? Personally I wouldn't allow a polisher who didn't know what he was dealing with touch a stone to a sword. Kantei, kantei, kantei!

 

 

"the poorest"

 

be careful until understanding in what sense of the word "poorest" is being applied, it's not always as straight forward as it may seem.