Wakizashi Help

[Kurt A.]

I just acquired this and would like to find out more about it (age and maker). Blade tip to top of tang is 23 1/2 inches. Cutting edge is 19 inches long.
Thanks!

[Kurt A.]

Tsuba

[Kurt A.]

collar and blade tip

[Budo45]

first guess would be Yukimitsu,

a light oiling to the nakago might help bring out the mei

http://www.nihontoantiques.com/g7.htm

[Kurt A.]

first guess would be Yukimitsu,

a light oiling to the nakago might help bring out the mei

http://www.nihontoantiques.com/g7.htm

Thanks very much for the reply and link.
Kurt

[nickn]

never put oil on a nakago

[Brian Robinson]

No..never clean the nakago. A little oil on the fingertips to stabilize rust or remove dirt won't hurt it. Everything in moderation, and it should not be a regular thing. But in this case, it will probably be of benefit.

Brian

[gunto]

No problems with little oil on nakago

[Budo45]

aski a togi if your in doubt

[Bob Coleman]

never put oil on a nakago

In Japan, it is common to oil a nakago with red rust. The oil will not damage the natural patina of the nakago. The red rust can be removed with oil and a piece of deer antler or bone. Built up globs of rust can be slowly knocked down with a brass hammer. It will do no damage to the nakago. When you are finished, rubbing alcohol can be used to remove excess rust and oil. I once had a Hizen Masahiro wakizashi with heavy red rust built up on the nakago and covering part of the mei. At the end of several months work, all of the built up rust was removed and the mei and yasurimei were quite sharp.

[Budo45]

Thank you Bob!!

[Kurt A.]

In Japan, it is common to oil a nakago with red rust. The oil will not damage the natural patina of the nakago. The red rust can be removed with oil and a piece of deer antler or bone. Built up globs of rust can be slowly knocked down with a brass hammer. It will do no damage to the nakago. When you are finished, rubbing alcohol can be used to remove excess rust and oil. I once had a Hizen Masahiro wakizashi with heavy red rust built up on the nakago and covering part of the mei. At the end of several months work, all of the built up rust was removed and the mei and yasurimei were quite sharp.

Thanks, Bob. That's what I'll try doing.
As far as the blade goes, I guess there is nothing "I" should be attempting?
Kurt

[Bob Coleman]

Thanks, Bob. That's what I'll try doing.
As far as the blade goes, I guess there is nothing "I" should be attempting?
Kurt

Kurt-
The method I mentioned is time consuming so patience is required. As to the blade itself, work should only be done by a competent polisher who was prefessionally trained in Japan.

[checkit]

never put oil on a nakago

You have been listening to the BS'ers from Japan. They love to purposely disseminate useless information.