Tanto Nakago Question (Pix)

Blues

Blues

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Some weeks ago I posted a question here about a tanto in shira-saya.

Concensus on the net was that the tanto was from the Shinto or Shinshinto period, that it was shinogi-zukuri and may have been cut down from a larger blade.

The distinct hamon features very prominent choji-gunome in addition to other patterns.

I finally got around to removing the two piece habaki and taking some more pictures of the nakago.

The nagasa is exactly 10" in length.

I cannot make out any particular pattern of file work on the tang and it is unsigned.

New pictures can be seen here:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=123592&a=8905652

The original pictures I had posted are located here:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=123592&a=7924845

I was wondering if the pictures without the habaki shed any more light on this particular piece. (I am not looking for valuation, only to satisfy my own interest and add to my education on these wonderful blades.)

Many thanks for your interest and assistance.

Blues


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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix

[This message has been edited by Blues (edited 09-23-2000).]
 
the habaki gone doesn't give away too much to me, but I do still think it was cut down. It is weird though, because people who cut down generally don't reshape it very well, if at all. Whoever did that must have put some effort into it. Weird.

I suggest you get it appropriately appraised by someone...would definitely quench my curiosity.

Shinryû.
 
Based on the appearance of the rust on the tang, I believe that this blade mas made after 1800, possibly after 1850.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
Also note if it was cut down, the rust gives away fairly little identification except an idea of *when* it was cut down. With pictures it winds down to a lot of guesses, would need to see it in person to assess it more appropriately. Even then, I'm not an expert on kantei so I probably can't help too much beyond the assessments I provided Blues over email some time ago. Best to send it to an expert to evaluate. I hope ya do Blues, if you get the interest, contact me and I can set something up if you like.

Shinryû.
 
The pictures unfortunately do little justice to this piece. Suffice it to say that knowledgeable people (including Sava Damlovac, whom I was fortunate enough to receive it from) have looked it over and made the initial assessments based upon character and condition.

This was not an expensive piece and doesn't warrant much, if any additional cost as it wasn't purchased as an "investment" but as something to be appreciated for what it is and what it represents (to me).

I do however appreciate the thoughts and efforts extended on my behalf.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
The tang doesn't seemed old to me. There seems to be uneven rust.

File marks seems to be Katte-agari on the inner side but sujikai on the outter side??? seems contradicting but still not very clear on the photo. Do you see the filemarks yourself? Is it with different directions?

The area immediate below the habaki is suspecious. The rust on the tang should be very stable dark-brown rust cannot be rubbed off, and from above the mekugiana, changed gradually to a non-rustic polished (or maintained blade.

The appearance reminds me of the what Mr. Kanzan Sato described in his book "The Japanese Sword".Page 179 if you have the book.

Not sure from the pic, so better to have it appraised by an expert. If it is real good, then it will worth the money. We may make wrong judgements that make you worry.

Joe
 
Joe,

I can't really tell much about the file marks. I'm not sure if it's grain I'm looking at or file marks. I've tried, but just don't feel confident to say one way or the other.

As for the authenticity of the blade, Sava is both a collector and great admirer of these blades and will be going for his ABS master smith rating next June. If there were a "problem" with it, he'd have certainly spotted it, so I have no worries on that account. He is a man of very high integrity as well as a friend.

Like I said, I didn't spend very much on this as Sava basically did me a favor so I won't be investing in polishing or any other expert analysis. It's strictly a matter of increasing my education.

I did manage to get a copy of The Japanese Sword as well as The Craft of The Japanese Sword from the local library system.

Thanks for the help.

Blues



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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
Blues,

I am sorry if the post seemed offending, I am sorry for my poor english too. I am not questioning Sava's integrity so I am sorry. I'll sum it up as, it is hard to tell as even if the photo is in high resolution, lighting can make a great difference too.

For your reference, here are some of the samples in my collection.

View

View

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http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=519721&a=8997572

The drawings are from a book so I just post a link.

I am sorry!

Joe
 
Thanks, Joe. No offense was taken.

Great pictures, thanks for sharing them.

You have some wonderful blades.
smile.gif


Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
I still think Joe is posting those pics just to tease me
biggrin.gif


hehehe thanks tho! I needed my Nihonto fix today...ahhhhh.

Shinryû.
 
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