New Sword

[Gyakuto128 137]

The blade’s shape style is known as ‘hira zukuri’ or flat. This is the usual form for tantō and some wakizashi. You can see the grain on the blade and it is different to Sōhō’s.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

The tsuka is wrapped with ray skin and you can see the large ‘emperor node’ (oyatsubu) and gradually dimidhing one’s. They are highly prized with only one per ray.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

The hilt ornaments are antique depicting a maple leaf.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

The grain here is ‘straight wood grain’ (masame)…

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

The hama on is a gentle wave (notare)

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

The habaki that wedges the tantō in the scabbard, is copper with a thick gold foil overlaid.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

My friend, from who I bought the two swords (even a dagger is genetically known as a ‘sword’ in Japan) took both swords along to a ‘shinsa’ (inspection/examination/review). Surprisingly, the experts were particularly enamored by the tantō. They suggested it’s subdued elegance and perfect steel we’re very special. It is lovely and feels substantial and well balanced in the hand. The ray king gives it a lot of grip; it’s like rough sandpaper!

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

Yes.

I used to vacuum seal my swords but was advised against it since damp pockets of any remaining air can cause corrosion. So circulating air is better. In Japan they store them in paulownia boxes which are porous. I use a sealed gun case and silica gel packets- the opposite of what long term storage requires.

They are always oiled to prevent oxygen getting to the steel. Surpringly, Japsnese sword steel doesn’t corrode easily. They really have to be abused to to that. So a smear of mineral oil once every few week after wiping the old stuff off and it’s fine.

I wish I could continuously pipe dry aron into the case…

I use a plug in “ golden rod” in my gun safes to continually keep warm dry air circulating. Obviously, my guns are oiled and lubed ready for use. I am meticulous about cleaning and maintenance. I use them often and regularly admonish my wife for steaming up the bath and then leaving the room open. I live in a very cool humid area so maintaining metal requires some extra diligence.

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

This is the accompanying kowakizashi (short short sword). I personally would call it a tantō (dagger)
View attachment 34076
View attachment 34077

I love the white ray skin grip!

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

My friend, from who I bought the two swords (even a dagger is genetically known as a ‘sword’ in Japan) took both swords along to a ‘shinsa’ (inspection/examination/review). Surprisingly, the experts were particularly enamored by the tantō. They suggested it’s subdued elegance and perfect steel we’re very special. It is lovely and feels substantial and well balanced in the hand. The ray king gives it a lot of grip; it’s like rough sandpaper!

I bought green rayskin wallet and it has a large emperor node running down the middle. I love how they file down the points to make the leather grippy but not too rough.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

I use a plug in “ golden rod” in my gun safes to continually keep warm dry air circulating.

I’ve never heard of that.

Obviously, my guns are oiled and lubed ready for use.

I do add a squirt of gun oil to my sword oil cloth as it contains a ‘powerful rust inhibitor’. Every little helps!

I am meticulous about cleaning and maintenance.

A man after my own heart

I use them often and regularly admonish my wife for steaming up the bath and then leaving the room open.

<Gasp>

I live in a very cool humid area so maintaining metal requires some extra diligence.

One can never be too diligent when it comes to caring for steel. I love steel. It’s the most amazing alloy in the world.

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

I love the white ray skin grip!

It’s rough on my soft hands. It makes me cry, sometimes.

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

I’ve never heard of that.

I do add a squirt of gun oil to my sword oil cloth as it contains a ‘powerful rust inhibitor’. Every little helps!

A man after my own heart

<Gasp>

One can never be too diligent when it comes to caring for steel. I love steel. It’s the most amazing alloy in the world.

Ah! “The riddle of steel”

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

I’ve never heard of that.

I do add a squirt of gun oil to my sword oil cloth as it contains a ‘powerful rust inhibitor’. Every little helps!

A man after my own heart

<Gasp>

One can never be too diligent when it comes to caring for steel. I love steel. It’s the most amazing alloy in the world.

“Not man, not woman, not beast, but, steel you can trust”. “Steel is strong, but flesh is stronger. What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?”

 

[Wing Woo Gar63 25]

It’s rough on my soft hands. It makes me cry, sometimes.

It’s okay, we all cry sometimes in pursuit of passion.

 

[Same Trick74 25]

My friend, from who I bought the two swords (even a dagger is genetically known as a ‘sword’ in Japan) took both swords along to a ‘shinsa’ (inspection/examination/review). Surprisingly, the experts were particularly enamored by the tantō. They suggested it’s subdued elegance and perfect steel we’re very special. It is lovely and feels substantial and well balanced in the hand. The ray king gives it a lot of grip; it’s like rough sandpaper!

Nihonto - 刀 - knife

 

[Gyakuto128 137]

I’ve had the oshigata for my swords framed and up on my landing hall and they look very cool!