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Skans . . . I'm seriously considering buying this one . . .
14 Jun 2022 8:18 am
Now, that sounds a lot like what I'd expect for a genuine hand-made Katana by an artisan. This is quite an interesting read, Jinn. How I wish I was there with you to even experience the possibility of you purchasing such a sword - this is exciting. I know what good Katanas sell for - the price is not unexpected. I also know there are many different levels and grades of hand-made Katanas. The artisan's name and reputation I believe is a very important factor. It would take me years, maybe decades of study to fully understand Japanese swordsmithing, and it could probably only be done in Japan - not something I could ever expect to do remotely. It is a fascinating craft.JinnMartini » 14 Jun 2022, 4:31 am » wrote: ↑ No, it's not the one.
In this swordsshop + swordsmithing lab they don't allow anyone to take pictures.
Most serious ones don't.
They're all very secretive about how they forge their stuff.
And their forms . . . which vary greately !
In fact in this kind of places there are not TWO katanas that are the same
They don't need to publicize their stuff either.
Serious potential buyers find their way for sure.
Not many customers . . . but they sure come from far & wide !
Mostly older, affluent Japanese . . . not your average 9 to 5 guys.
And they look with suspicion to a foreigner entering the premises.
I know this joint through my wife's father, during my first travel to Japan, to introduce me to her parents, prior to our marriage, who introduced me to them so I'm kind of accepted.
Especially after I flash out the visiting card they offered me with the handwritten name on it of one of their dynasty's swordsmiths . . . that is no more.
That happened over 40 years ago.
That is when all the ****-shimasu starts . . . long and deep bowing with the face . . . well . . . facing the tatami floor.
Before I buy it, though, I'll look some more to find out where the hell my wife's father kept his two . . . they were two of the finest.
Wife said after his demise her mom threw all his belongings in a garbage dump.
But I find it hard to believe she would do this with his katanas !
Plus she kept all his Kimonos and Hakamas (official uniform for Kendo competitions, where he was very skilled in) . . .
So the extensive search is still on !
LoL
Shops selling the worthless ones to tourists do allow pictures to be taken.
If you purchase the sword, part of me really would like to see photos of it. But, another part of me wouldn't want you to post photos of such a sword on the internet - there are reasons these artisans don't allow photos of their creations to be taken.
I do hope you find your wife's father's two lost swords.