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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,388 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
You all have seen Echizento's new coins both old and fascinating in the extreme,  I know this is a coin forum but I figured it would be bad etiquette to not post the other side of the trade. The specimen is not coin and not technically ancient, but both old and fascinating. Today we look not at a small piece of metal but a large piece, crafted by a master in secret nearly 800 years ago not for currency or to commemorate in event but to safe guard ones life and ones land. This specimen is thought to embody the soul of its owner. An object that commands special care and holds a certain honor. Having seen combat many times throughout the centuries the specimen was finally surrendered to Allied forces in occupied Japan in 1947. The piece made of Tamahagane steel forged in the Late Kamakura (Koto Period) by a secret ages old technique of folding iron infused with charcoal and worked over a period of months, quenched at temperature similar to the water in February or August.  A secret that was made known to us through the studies of the US State department in 1949 when they dissected and analyzed several swords in order to uncover the secret of the Japanese sword. How could such an old sword maintain such razor sharp cutting edge yet remain flexible? Such a sword can no longer be produced at such a skill level. The art of sword making although being revived in Japan today is available only to selected few extremely wealth clients and many of these smiths have a 20 year waiting list. The attribution and study of these swords is highly opinionated and there is really only about 3 qualified people in the US and a handful in Japan, that can pin a sword's "fingerprint" to a smith with absolute certainty. (and still this is based on opinion.) There are no dies and the study of each sword's characteristics is a life long study. When we talk about buying a coin from a trusted dealer we are telling the truth, but when you buy an Japanese sword, it should certainly be purchased from someone with no less than 40 years of experience. Here you have it folks...manufactured approx. 1278 AD an early Samurai Sword. This ain't no stainless steel wall hanger, it could take heads today just as it did so long ago. The "furniture" is late 16th century copies of the originals and the the sword's mirror polish is 18th century. reference: Hawley SUK #163 and TK #309 http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/SUK163   Look at the HAMON (wavy line along the cutting edge...the real McCoy)  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5155 Posts |
The sword has a name Its name is Kuni-Tsugu....now that's phat!! Kublai-Khan and the Mongol hoards subjugated China but they were not ready for this kind of weapon. and a divine wind called a Kamikaze...  Edited by Ancientnoob
04/17/2014 9:17 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
This sword was in my collection for more than 20 years it was passed on to me by my mentor as the next caretaker. We truly are not the owners of these historical blades only caretakers. It was time that I pass it on to the next caretaker a worthy keeper who will in turn pass it on to his son when the time is right. I know that it has gone to a good home and will be treated with the respect that it deserves. So I say farewell to an old friend.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Lovely way of putting it, Ski-san. ありがと .
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
87 Posts |
 That is the ultimate in quality craftsmanship. I've tried some of the techniques used to make these blades. It takes incredible patience, a steady hand, and unwavering concentration. To perfect the skills needed to make a quality nihonto takes years of practice. You've got something special there. |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1006 Posts |
Great sword and great history. Just pure cool.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
They for all the comments folks, this piece will be cherished and cared for many years to come. I can't even describe what its like to hold this piece. Its like "the sword of power" its kind of scary. There is an overwhelming urge to vanquish evil doers everywhere. It is just absolutely amazing that this thing can be old in the extreme and yet have have a balance that allows the user to wield the blade effortlessly. Its the perfect 2 pound razor blade.
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Pillar of the Community
Netherlands
1204 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4981 Posts |
wow, I was going to request to see the sword..but didn't know if it would be allowed. very glad it was, it's fantastic.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Well, not exactly a coin but coins were involved in the purchase of the sword so I took a leap and let it slide. As long as the other mods or anyone else doesn't have a problem with it hopefully it will be OK.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
For me what makes the specimen special is not just what and when its from but who it came from. It came from a good friend and that for me gives it some extra value. You can always go to a show and spend crazy money for something but you can't always get something special from someone you know. Something like this in the distant future, will not only remind me of when and where it was made but remind of the friendship I had with previous caretaker. Who is now my mentor in the difficult study of ancient swords. (You think ancient coins is has a steep learning curve, you have seen nothing until dabble in Japanese swords) Whoa.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I've been collecting them for more than 40 years and still consider myself a novice. Thanks for the kind words Nate I also consider us very good friends.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,388 |
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Posted 04/17/2014 9:32 pm
