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SF Japanese Sword Society

San Francisco Japanese Sword Society
SF Nipponto Society
S F N S

SF Japanese Sword Education Center
SF Japanese Sword Restoration Center
P.O. Box 12235, San Francisco, California 94112
Tel. & Fax. ( 4 1 5 ) 3 3 4 - 7 2 6 0
E-mail: Sfkatana@aol.com.
SFShinken@aol.com

We thank you for visiting us. If you do not have enough time to go through our Japanese sword information, we suggest that you download our entire Web Page & read it at your earliest convenience.
Our Sensei’s recent Japanese sword-related article has been released to the general public in the October issue of Blackbelt magazine, the oldest and biggest martial art magazine in the US since 1961.

About the SF Japanese Sword Society
Our Sensei ( Teacher ) & Shisho ( Master )
Brief history about the SF Japanese Sword Society
Who best comprehend the Japanese sword ?
The 3 qualifications to be the authentic Japanese swordsmith !
There are 2 kinds of Japanese swords in the US !
Consumer guide to the Japanese sword buyers !
What is the Oshigata-Kantei ?
The basic appraisal points ( Over 30 points ) !
What is the Kanteisho ( Sword certificate ) ?
The contents of an invalid certificate
The altered version of an invalid certificate
Dr. Kazuo Tokuno & his 100 % trustworthy Kanteisho.
The Kokuritsu Token Hakubutsukan ( National Sword Museum ) in Ueno
Preliminary examination prior to submitting sword for Dr. Toukuno’s Kanteisho
A sample copy of Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho
Dr. Kazuo Tokuno visited on East Coast city in 1985
What is the Togi ( Polish ) ?
The price of polish in the SF Japanese Sword Society !
Hantanto-Gunto ( 1/2 machine-made millitary sword ) restoration
Incredible story about our master polisher # 1
More information about the polisher !
Incredible story about master cord-wrapper # 1
Incredible story about the master swordsmith # 1 & # 2
Incredible story about the master sword appraiser # 7
A happy student’s successful sword purchasing story # 18
A few visctims of Japanese sword purchase
Our Shisho ( Master ) & Sensei ( Teacher ) travelled various cities in the US ( 8 cases )
Public Notice # 1 ( Some books & references for sword enthusiasts )
The Knife Show held in South San Francisco on May 31st & June 1st, 1997
Our Sensei’s Japanese sword display contents
Our Sensei’s personal opinion about the Japanese swords & study
The truth about reading Mei ( Sword inscription )
Free sword appraisals & inscription reading
The SF Japanese Sword Society membership information

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More Japanese sword & sword related information available:
http://members.aol.com/SFShinken
http://members.aol.com/SwordBasic

Kotowaza ( Old saying ) # 1, 2, 6 & 7
Master Swordsmith Nobuyoshi ( Mr. Keith Austin )
Our Sensei ( Teacher ) visited the Arms Fair in London, England in 1995
Our Sensei visited H.M. London Tower in 1996
Our Sensei’s “ Sword Collecting Tip “ # 7
Fraudulent sword appraisers in Japan ( 30 years ago ) ! !
List of Japanese sword shops in Japan

Much much more information on Japanese swords ! ! !

Copyright of the SF Japanese Sword Society.
Written permission is required for reproducing materials contained herein.
( http://members.aol.com/Sfkatana )

About the San Francisco Japanese Sword Society

Our SF Japanese Sword Society was definitely established for the true Japanese sword enthusiasts & collectors who appreciate the proud tradition & culture of Japan, the birthplace of Japanese swords. Our intention is to teach the proper understanding of Japanese history, language, philosophy, etc. to anyone who has a strong committment, desire and seriousness.

Our Sensei ( Teacher ) has his Shisho ( Masters ) to update & upgrade his Japanese sword information. He often goes to visit Japan to buy, sell, restore abd appraise Japanese swords. He also visits Japanese sword museums while his stay in Japan.

We offer unlimited & complete Japanese sword information to our members exclusively.

We teach the proper sword maintenance.
We offer local members ongoing monthly Japanese sword seminar.
We offer members a prevention class against collecting junk swords.
We also offer various Japanese sword restoration workshops & seminars.
We demonstrate how to recognize the cover-up work on the swords with flaws.

The lifetime membership fee for the local Japanese sword enthusiast is $ 350. The annual membership fee is $ 75. You will be studying about Japanese swords & attending monthly Japanese sword seminar for the next 40 to 50 years.

Brief history about the SF Japanese Sword Society & our Sensei

Our Sensei ( Teacher ) was born in the West Kanda section of Tokyo Japan. He became a Bujitsu-ka ( Martial art skill practitioner ) 42 years ago. He studied many Japanese martial art and his desire was always to become a personal disciple of the Grandmaster or master instructors of that Ryu ( Traditional system ) rather than going to a student instructor.

In August, 1971, he came to San Francisco with a small collections of Japanese swords. The majority of them were his martial art training weapons. In 1970’s, most of the Japanese bladed weapons could have been purchased for more or less $ 10. Sometimes, the Tachi, Gassanto & other rare antique artifacts became his possessions for $ 100 or less in the early 1970’s.

In 1973, he formally began to study how to appraise Japanese swords from books, magazines & professional journals.

In 1980, he started recruiting many students & sharing his Japanese sword knowledge with many sword enthusiasts & collectors in the San Francisco Bay area.

In 1990, he married one of his students, a Caucasion woman from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Their 1st baby was born in March, 1991.

He became a US citizen in May, 1995.

The 2nd baby was born in March, 1998.

In August, 1994, our Sensei met a senior citizen gentleman from Japan in a local sword show. After seriously talking with him about 30 seconds in his native language, he realized that this was a person who could change his fate. Our Sensei was waiting for a person like him for 20 years, and immediately became a personal disciple of that elite senior sitizen. Through his Shisho ( Master ), our Sensei was introduced to many master polishers, cord wrappers, metal workers, appraisers etc. in Japan. One of the master Japanese sword appraisers is Dr. Kazuo Tokuno.

Our Shisho ( 7 Masters ) in Japan were approached by many Americans, Europeans & Aisians who wanted to become their disciples in Japan. Our Shisho always turned down their request except on a few occasions. Simply they could not understand Japanese. Our Shisho set up the requirement for their disciples: Be able to speak, read & write Japanese, the official language of ancient Samurai.

In March, 1995, our Shisho accepted our Sensei as an official US representative of his Sword Restoration Group. Through our Sensei’s biligual ability, the unlimited & complete Japanese sword information became ours exclusively.

One of our 7 Shisho is currently teaching Togi skills to an Australian ( Born in the UK ), who teaches English at the famous Japanese University in Tokyo. This Seito ( Student ) speaks Japanese very well when he receives the Togi instruction.

In 1988, our Shisho taught a student from Taiwan how to appraise Japanese swords. This person now lives in Texas.

There are too many one-sided storytellers everwhere !

Before our Sensei ( Teacher ) came to the US, he was studying about the other countries including the US from books & magazines. There were always one-sided stories in the Japanese books. A good example is that native American Indians started war and usually attacked people. They were the first people to scalp their enemies. As portrayed by the Hollywood movie industry, the Indians were the trouble makers. Such movies were viewed in the theaters in Japan.

Do not believe everthing written in books or said by someone. You always need a 2nd or 3rd opinion from other sources and an objective point of view in the Japanese sword study. We must completely separate the facts & fallacies in the study of Japanese swords.
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Who best comprehend the Japanese sword ?

Of course, as the creator, the Katana-kaji ( Swordsmith ) ! ! !

The 3 qualifications to be the authentic Japanese swordsmith:

Must be certified by the Japanese Government.

Must be registered and carry the swordsmith license number.

Must use the material officially called Tamahagane ( Iron-bearing sand ).

Our happy SF Japanese Sword Society member # 11

This African-American man became our Seito ( Student ) on September 3rd, 1992. He has been studying Kenjutsu & Nihonto-no-Kantei ( Japanese sword appraisals ) since his enrollment. His wife and & 2 young daughters became good friends to our Sensei’s family. He appeared in the several martial art magazines as a photo model along with our Sensei. In 1995, our Sensei & he appeared in the cover story of martial art magazine. In October, 1996, he & our Sensei left San Francisco to conduct the 5-day martial art seminar in England. He has been constantly presenting our Sensei’s Japanese Sword Society, working our exhibition booth as an assistant in the past 9 years. He demonstrated seriousness & consistency towards his life-long study & training in the Japanese swords.

He became a fond of Tonbo ( Dragon fly ) Kanagu ( Metal ornaments ) through the study of books because our Sensei explained about the true meaning of Tonbo & how they were used in the ancient Samurai Era in Japan.

On June 7th, 1997, during the Vallejo Gun show, our Sensei located a 350-year-old Wakizashi, fully equipped with a lot of Tonbo items, such as Menuki, Fuchi-Kashira, Saya-Guchi & Kojiri. Our Sensei purchased the Wakizashi from a Southern California sword dealer . Our Sensei gave this Seito 1/2 of the money to purchase the Wakizashi. One of our other Seito gave him a Katana-Bukuro ( Sword case ) as a congratulation gift.

This 23-inch long Wakizashi has received Dr. Kazuo Tokuno’s Kanteisho in 1999. Our Shisho will be performing the complete restoration in the near future.

Mr. C is currently learning how to polish Japanese swords & how to construct Shira-saya & Habaki ( metal sleeve ) from our Sensei.

Our happy SF Japanese Sword Society members # 17 & # 18

There were a wonderful couple, a Caucasion man & Hispanic woman, who stopped by one of the Japanese sword dealer’s table during the Cow Palace Gun show in 1993. Our Sensei ( Teacher ) suggested that they purchase a Gunso ( Military mount ) Katana among several displayed swords because it was a bargain price. They surely took our Sensei’s advise and purchased it from a Northern California sword dealer.

Our Sensei was asked why he knew so much about the Japanese swords, and the conversation went on for a long time. They eventually became our SF Japanese Sword Society members. Both now own many swords & daggers. Among them, there are Wakizashi ( Mid-size swords ) fully equipped and restored by our Shisho ( Masters ) in Japan with Dr. Kazuo Tokuno’s Kanteisho ( Sword certificates ).

Shinto-Wakizashi / Kanetane ( Issued date: August 24th, 1996 )
Shinshinto-Wakizashi / Iwano-Michitoshi ( April 5th, 1997 )

Mr. M is currently learning how to polish Japanese swords, how to construct Shirasaya & how to perform Tsuka-maki from our Sensei.

Our happy SF Japanese Sword Society members # 22 & # 23

There was a Caucasion couple walking with a Katana in the Cow Palace Gun show on May 21st, 1995. They needed the restoration work on their Japanese sword. Our Sensei casually introduced himself and invited to his monthly Japanese sword seminar in his Dojo ( School ). Oue Sensei appraised their Katana and also told them about its real value.

Their big Katana was produced by Keimusho-Nagamitsu during WWII in the Okayama-Ken ( Prefecture ). The Shirasaya with Sayagaki ( Written Kanji characters on the scabbard primarily used for identification ) was written “ Gift to the warden of Okayama Prison “. The Katana blade had a few bents and twists.

After the most reasonable restoration was completed, the couple was astounded. A lot of Hataraki were visible. Our Shisho repaired the bents and twists at no charge. The couple asked our Sensei how our Shisho in Japan performed the repair. Our Sensei explianed about the repair detail by detail.

The wonderful couple joined the monthly Japanese sword seminar on June 23rd, 1995. The husband joined the Togi class conducted by our Sensei on February 18th, 1996. He actually improved the Hataraki activities by using the Hazuya & Kizuya stones on the Keimusho-Nagamitsu Katana. They were again astounded that the pure amateurs can learn how to polish Japanese sword with the proper method in a short period.

While the husband was in France for 2 weeks, he located a Shinshinto Wakizashi with the full Koshirae intact in the clothing store. The blade had no Hagire, Fukure or Hakobore. Although the Hamon was hard to see due to the application of sandpaper, he decided to purchase it at the price of $ 400. He shipped it to San Francisco by express mail, therefore, he had to spend an additional $ 100. After he came back to San Francisco, he contacted our Sensei for appraisal. The Koshirae alone is worth more or less $ 750. The signature of the blade was genuine. So he decided to order our Shisho’s complete restoration work & Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho. Our Sensei sent his Wakizashi to Japan on September 12th, 1997. His Shinshinto Wakizashi came back safely in January, 1998.

They now own about 20 swords. One of them was a Wakizashi purchased at $ 400 from a Southern Califoirnia Japanese sword dealer based on our Sensei’s recommendation. The Wakizashi was sent to Japan for full restoration and came back with Dr. Kazuo Tokuno’s Kanteisho. The Wakizashi was produced in the Genna Era ( 1615 - 1624 ) by Tashiro-Kanenobu ( Noshu Shimizu Group Swordsmith ). The Tokyo registration number: 276558, issued on March 18th, 1997. The Kanteisho was issued by Dr. Tokuno on April 5th, 1997.

On August 8th, 1997, this wonderful couple purchased a 27 & 1/2 inches long signed Katana from a local gun show. This Katana is possibly qualified to receive Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho in the near future. Mr. & Mrs. B are increasing their investment in Japanese swords as their knowledge & experience expands through study in the SF Japanese Sword Society supervised by our Sensei.

Mr. B is currently leaning how to polish Japanese swords, how to construct Shirasaya & how to perform Tsuka-maki from our Sensei.

Our happy SF Japanese Sword Society members # 24

This Asian fellow became our member in October, 1995. He came to our Japanese sword information booth in the San Mateo Gun show. He told our Sensei that he was interested in purchasing Japanese swords, however, he did not know what to do or where to go to seek knowledge. Our Sensei offered him lifetime membership in our SF Japanese Sword Society, including ongoing monthly Japanese sword seminar & restoration classes for the next 40 or 50 years. He joined our Sword Society and purchased many Japanese swords from a Southern California Japanese sword dealer. He now owns over 10 Japanese swords. Among them, there are 3 swords & one dagger, fully restored by our Shisho & with Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho.

Koto-Tanto / Odawara-Soshu-Masatsugu ( Issued date: march 27th, 1996 )
Shinto-Katana / Mumei-Echizen-Seki ( June 9th, 1996 )
Koto-Katana / Sukesada ( August 3rd, 1996 )
Shinto-Wakizashi / Kashu-Kiyomitsu ( June 22nd , 1997 )

3 months after he joined our Sword Society, he felt very comfortable with Japanese swords. Within 6 months, he became very picky about the Japanese swords. He demonstrated a few things: Respect, strong committment, seriousness & how to get along with other Society members.

Mr. D is currently leaning how to polish Japanese swords from our Shisho & Sensei. He is also leaning how to construct Shirasaya & how to perform Tsuka-maki from our Sensei.

Our happy SF Japanese Sword Society members # 25

There was an elderly medical doctor who visited our Japanese sword information booth in the San Mateo Gun show. He wanted our Sensei ( Teacher ) to appraise some of his Japanese sword collection. Our Sensei made an arrangement to see his swords in our SF Japanese Sword Education Center a few days later. He and his wife showed up on time. They brought several Japanese swords for free appraisals. He told our Sensei that some swords were the gift from his patients. Among them were 2 better than average swords. One Mumeito ( Sword without inscription ) was recommended for having our Shisho perform the complete restoration. The sword came back from Japan safely as usual 2 & 1/2 months later with Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho issued ( Shinto-Edo-Senjuin ). The Kanteisho was issued on August 31st, 1996. .

Dr. S had owned this Katana over 50 years without knowing the true identity & value. He was very happy to receive a completely restored Katana with Dr. Tokuno’s Kanteisho.

Why Japanese swords are different from other knives ?

This is a question that we often hear from many people. An answer to this question is very lengthy, however, you can convince them by explaining the following facts. As a weapon, Rambo knife or machete is fine. However, no Rambo knife or machete is worth over $ 5,000. Many Japanese daggers are worth over $ 100,000 or even more. Many Kamakura Era ( 1182 - 1333 ) Tachi swords & Tanto ( Daggers ) became the National Treasures in Japan.

No other weapons became the National Treasure class in any other country anywhere in the world.

In Japan, the Japanese swords are called “ Kurogane no Bi “, which is translated as “ A beauty of black iron “. The sword construction was completed in the 7th Century by the Yamato-kanuchu ( Japanese swordsmiths ). Some Japanese swords are well over 1,000 years old and they look like they have just been produced a few dyas ago.

There are 2 kinds of Japanese swords in the US !

The 6 superior swords ( Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto, Gendaito, Kindaito & Shinsakuto )
The 3 inferior swords:

Kikai-zukuri ( Totally machine-made ) Gunto / More or less $ 75
Hantanto ( 1 / 2 hand forged swords ) Gunto / More or less $ 350
Manshuto ( Manchurian swords ) Gunto / More or less $ 450

These 2 inferiors swords ( Hantanto & Manshuto ) are good for Kenjitsu ( Sword fighting skills ) training. They are really ideal for Tameshi-Giri ( Test cutting ) training. However, the outside mount of military swords must be changed to the Buke-zukuri ( Samurai warrior type ) for better grip in the Kenjitsu or Tameshi-Giri training. As you know by now, the military mounts are 60 years old and the wooden foundation of the Tsuka ( handle ) may be weak or broken inside. We must replace them for Kenjitsu training.

The estimated restoration work are the following:

Wooden foundation construction ( Tsuka ) / $ 50
Tsuka-maki ( Cord wrapping ) / $ 175
Modern-day Koshirae-Kanagu ( Metal ornaments ) $ 165 to $ 200

Inexpensive Japanese sword restoration 1
( The most reasonable restoration )

Togi ( Polish ) $ 55 per inch - both sides / Nami-Togi ( Basic polish )
New storage scabbard $ 300 / Shirasaya for Katana / Wakizashi $ 275 / Tanto $ 250
New metal sleeve ( Pure silver ) $ 250 if missing / Habaki-gane or Habaki / Copper $ 200
Habaki repair $ 175 if necessary
Registration & Postage fees $ 130 / Touroku-sho & over night express mail

Inexpensive Japanese sword restoration 2
( The complete restoration )

Nami-Togi ( Basic polish ) $ 55 per inch
Jo-Togi ( High class polish ) $ 65 per inch
Saijo-Togi ( Superior polish ) $ 75 per inch
Labor for newly painted scabbard & new Tsuka with stingray skin/cord wrapping Tanto $ 450 / Wakizashi $ 550 / Katana $ 600 / Tachi $ 650
Antique Kanagu ( 5 pieces of metal ornaments ) $ 500 more or less / A set of Tsuba, Fuchi, Kashira & 2 Menuki / The Tsuba ( Guard ) can be upgraded !
Registration & Postage fees $ 130

Inexpensive Japanese swords restoration 3
The custom restoration work is also available !
Any size, color & style ! Have it your way !

Yaki-naoshi ( Restoring Hamon, the tempering line ) $ 600
Hi-ire ( Adding groove ) $ 200 one side / $ 400 both sides
Kizu-naoshi ( Repairing flaws ) $ 120 to $ 600
Umegane ( Metal implant ) $ 120 to $ 600
Horimono ( Engraving ) $ 600 to $ 1,200
Sori-naoshi ( Repairing curvature )
Magari-naoshi ( Repairing bent )
Hineri-naoshi ( Repairing twist )

Absolutely no commission fee paid to anyone in our Sword Society.

No middleman is profiting ! Absolutely no mark up price !
Our Sensei ( Teacher ) is providing the fair opportunity for all to receive custom-restoration service both in Japan & the US.

All the restoration materials are the proud products of Japan.
We import sword restoration materials from Japan.

Horidashi-mono in Japan

The word Horidashi-mono literally means dig-out & mono means item. The proper translation for this word is “ Treasure-item “.

The discovery of the Horidashi-mono is almost impossible in Japan. 99 % of the Japanese swords & sword related items are registered in Japan. The new discovery must be located & brought from the foreign countries. These items have the special names, Sato-gaeri-hin, which literally means village-returned-items.

All the Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto, Gendaito, Kindaito & Shinsakuto must registered in Japan, the birthplace of Samurai swords.

The ideal Japanese sword purchase # 1

Toward the end of World War II, when Japanese soldiers surrendered after fighting long hours in Iojima, sevarl Japanese soldiers came out from a cave. They surrendered to Americans by raising their arms in the air. One of them was a 6-foot tall Lieutenant in rank, who was hiding his Gunto Samurai sword behind his back. The sword was not visible to the Americans who came in front of them, because it was tightly back-placed. When one of the American GIs came within 4 feet of him, the tall Japanese soldier pulled his Katana upward & sliced his enemy from clavicle to embilicus. The American GI’s body was split in half, and blood squirted out in many directions. The tall Japanese soldier was shot on the spot by the other American soldiers.

His Katana was kept by the American who stood 15 feet behind his comrade’s split body from April, 1945 to 1987. Our Sensei purchased this Shinshinto from that GI in 1987.

Masatsugu sometimes signed his blades as “ Tohi-Masatsugu “ or “ Higo ju Doudanuki Masatsugu “. Masatsugu was a disciple of Suishinshi-Masahide. Masatsugu died in 1833.

The Omote Mei: Higo-ju Mastsugu
The Ura Mei: Kansei Juninen Hachigatsubi ( Produced in August, 1800 )

The ideal Japanese sword purchase # 2

Our Sensei purchased a Tanto in the spring of 1994. He took it to Dr. Kazuo Tokuno for offical Kantei ( Appraisal ) in Japan, Dr. Tokuno issued his Kanteisho ( Sword certificate ) to his Tanto in October, 1994. This custom-ordered Tanto has 3 Mei-furi ( Sword inscriptions ).

Hokuetsu Nagaoka Asomi Fujiwara no Kanemune
Ansei Sannen Kugatsubi ( September, 1856 )
Uesugishi no Motome ni Ouzuru

This Tanto was produced by Kanemune in the Northen part of Japan in September, 1856 by the order of Uesugi Clan. Dr, Tokuno decided to publish that Tanto;s Oshigata and information in his book. Dr. Tokuno stated that the Tanto is considered “ very rare item “.

Consumer guide to the Japanese sword buyers !

Since most of us are not millionares, our money must be used wisely when we invest into Japanese swords. We must know that Japanese swords are purely luxury items, which cannot be eaten, worn or slept with. 99 % of us do not need to own the Japanese swords & related items. Collecting Japanese swords is a very expensive hobby. Therefore, you must be very cautious before purchasing them.

Study well to comprehend the Japanese sword.
Attend local sword club or society meeting to obtain some information.
Find good advisers, consultants, a mentor or a teacher whom you can trust.
Find out who is presenting the truth about Japanese swords & related subjects.

What is the Oshigata-Kantei ?

The Oshigata-Kantei is translated as an appraisal based on the inscription rubbing from the Tang. The Oshigata can provide us with only one thing; A reading of the Mei ( Inscription or signature of the swordsmith ). Therefore, we cannot guarantee appraisal of the sword’s authenticity, production year, condition of the Tang and blade from the Oshigata-Kantei.

Furthermore, if the authentic Mei Nakago is skillfully welded to another sword, the Oshigata-Kanatei will always be invalid !

The basic Kantei ( Appraisal ) points !

Gaiso / Koshirae ( Gunso, Buke, Aikuchi, Toppai/Toppei, Higo, Tensho, etc. )
Taihai ( Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Yari, Tsurugi, etc. )
Sugata / Katachi ( Hon-dachi, Han-dachi, No-dachi, O-dachi, etc. )
Tsukuri-komi ( Shinogi-zukuri, Hira-zukuri, Shobu-zukuri, etc. )
Nagasa ( Sun-zumari, Jo-sun, Sun-Nobi / actual length )
Hamon / Yakiba ( Suguha. Notare, Midare, Doran, Juzu, etc. )
Habuchi / Hazakai ( Border line )
Kizu ( Hagire, Fukure, Fukure-yabure, Nioi-gire, Boshi-nuke, etc. )
Yakidashi ( Kyo, Osaka, etc. )
Hataraki ( Nioi, Nie, Kinsuji, Sunagashi, Shima-yaki, Tobi-yaki, etc. )
Kissaki / Kirisaki ( Dai, Chu, Sho, Kamasu, Ikubi, etc. )
Boshi ( Komaru, Ohmaru, Zizo, Yakizume, etc. )
Sori ( Torii, Kyo, Bizen. Naka, Koshi, takenoko, Uchi, etc. )
Jimon / Jigane / Jihada / Hada ( Itame, Mokume, Masame, Ayasugi, etc )
Jigane-no-iro ( Kuro, Shiro, Ao, etc. )
Motohaba / Sakihaba
Hi ( Koshi, Naginata, Soebi, etc. )
Hi-no Shurui ( Niju, Sanju, etc. )
Hi-no Tomekata ( Maru-dome, Kaku-dome, Nagashi, etc. )
Horimono ( Kurikara, Bonji, Suken, Rendai, etc. )
Mine / Mune ( Maru, Kaku, Mitsu, etc. )
Nakago-no-Jotai ( Ubu, Suriage, Oh-suriage, Machi-okuri, etc. )
Nakago-no-Katachi ( Soshu, Hankei, Yagen, Kurijiri, Kengyo, etc. )
Nakago-mine ( Yasuri-me, special marking, etc. )
Yasurime ( Kiri, takanoha, Shida, Gyaku-takanoha, Kesho, etc. )
Mekugi-ana / Hikae-ana ( 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 )
Nakago-jiri ( Kiri, Kengyo, Iriyama, Gohei, etc. )
Omote-Mei ( Niji-mei, Sanji-mei, Naga-mei, Chumon-mei, etc )
Ura-Mei ( Shoji-Mei, Tame-uchi, Nenki, Nengo, etc. )
Kakushi-tagane ( Performed by Shisho, Deshi, Dai-saku, Kage-uchi, etc. )
Kokuin ( Shinshinto only ) if any on the Nakago
Kao ( Normally swordsmith’s identification ) if any

What is Kanteisho ?

Kanteisho is the “ Sword certificate “ that proves our Japanese sword is authentic or a genuine artifact. There a few organizations & individuals issuing the certificates in Japan. All the certificates are written in Japanese, therefore, the people without proper education in Japanese language will be unable to read & understand the contents.

There is only one word which indicates the sword certificate:

Kanteisho means appraised-decision written materials

There are 4 words which have the totally different meaning of sword certificate:

Origami literally means folded-papers
Ninteisho means approved-decision written materials
Shiteisho means appointed-decision written materials
Danteisho means conjectured-decision written materials

Dr. Kazuo Tokuno & his Kanteisho ( Sword certificate ) !

Dr. Kazuo Tokuno’s Kanteisho is 100 % trustworthy. Dr. Tokuno is an independent sword appraisaer which all of our SF Japanese Sword Socety members appreciate because he is not influenced by money or politics when he issues his genuine Kanteisho.

He uses the 3 important words for the serious Japanese sword collectors in his Kanteisho ( Signed by him personally with Inkan or red seal ).

Kanteisho ( Both inside content & outside envelope )
Sho-suru ( He guarantees that )
Shoshin ( Authentic )

Dr. Tokuno is one of the 4 directors in the Ueno National Sword Museum, located in the central part of Tokyo, Japan. He is a leading authority of several Japanese sword books. One of them is “ Minoto-Taikan “, which literally means “ Mino traditional sword school big dictionary “.

One of the paragraph states the following; there are many Kaneuji swords in the sword market, however, none of them resemble those that we had photographed. It is dreadful that previously sword appraisers & collectors got such erroneous information on Kaneuji’s swords.

Shizu-Saburo Kaneuji is known as a founder of Minoden, which is one of the Gokaden ( The 5 traditional swordsmithing schools ). Minoden was established by Kaneuji & his disciple, Kaneshige.

What is the Togi ?

The word Togi means polish. The Togi related words in the Japanese language:

Togi-shiru ( Polishing juice, Shiru literally means soup )
Togi-tate ( Just completed or finished )
Togi-mono ( Thing, object or item )
Togi-tatsu ( Sharp, point or stand )
Togi-chin ( Fee or price )
Togi-dashi ( Beginning )
Togi-dasu ( Starting )
Togi-mizu ( Water )
Togi-jiru ( Juice )

There are only 3 words, which translated as polisher or polishers:

Togi-mono-shi ( item person )
Togi-shi or Togishi ( Person )
Togi-ya ( House or place )

There are only 3 homonyms of Togi. There are 162 homonyms of shi, however, only a few of the word “ shi “ literally mean person or persons.

The price of Togi ( Polish ) in the SF Japanese Sword Society !

Our Shisho ( Masters ) in Japan are providing a reasonable Togi fee to anyone who places the polishing order. First, we must inspect the blade to determine the quality.

Then one of the 4 kinds of Togi will be selected.

Nami-Togi ( Basic polish ) $ 55 per inch

Jo-Togi ( High class polish ) $ 65 per inch

Saijo-Togi ( Superior polish ) $ 75 per inch

Sashikomi-Togi ( Special finger stone polish ) $ 65 per inch

Hantanto-Gunto ( 1/2 machine-made millitary sword ) restoration

Since the Hantanto-Gunto are illegal in Japan, therefore, the restoration must be performed in the US. We can change the outside mout from the militray style to Buke-zukuri ( Samurai warrior ) style.

The following are the details & fees of our Gunto restoration:

Togi ( Polish ) per blade $ 450
Habaki ( Metal sleeve ) construction $ 200 ( Copper ) if needed / Pure silver $ 250
Saya ( Scabbard ) construction $ 125
Saya paint with real Urushi ( Japanese lacquer paint ) $ 35
Tsuka ( Wooden foundation ) construction $ 50
Tsuka-maki ( Cord wrapping ) $ 175 / This fee includes new wooden foundatiuon, stingray skins & cord wrapping material ( Tsuka-ito )
Tsuka-maki only $ 125
5 modern-day metal ornaments ( Tsuba, 2 Menuki, Fuchi & Kashira ) $ 165
Koiguchi ( Saya entrance ring ) $ 45
Kurikata ( Knob ) with gold-plated Shi-to-dome $ 55
Sageo cord $ 20 / matching color with Tsuka-ito
Kaeri-zuno ( Water buffalo horn ) / $ 45
Kojiri ( Scabbard ending metal ) $ 45

Since the above mentioned restoration service is a custom-made, you can choose the color of Sageo cord, Tsuka-ito & color of Saya.

If you provide the 5-piece metal ornaments ( Tsuba, 2 Menuki, Fuchi & Kashira ), we can use your furniture to construct the Saya and Tsuka.

Incredible story about our master swordsmith ( Katana-kaji ) # 1

One of our master swordsmiths purchased an old Tachi in 1979. The Koshirae was superior, however, the blade was an inferiorly produced Gendaito. Therefore, he produced a Tachi blade that fits the old Koshirae.

Normally most of the Koshirae craftsmen in Japan construct the Koshirae according to the blade, not the other way around !

Fallacy of the Japanese sword !

Fallacy # 1 ) It is okay to touch the blade with your hand and leave the fingerprints on the blade, as long as they are wiped off within an hour. The application of Choji-yu & Uchigumori powder with the cotton ball will remove 90 % of minor rust. The worst enemy of the Japanese sword is saliva, which contains an acid.

Our SF Japanese Sword Society offers the following levels of sword study group:

Shoshinsha ( Novice )

Chukyusha ( Advanced students )

Shikisha ( Scholar )

Mekiki ( Expert )

Sensei ( Teacher or instructor )

Waka-Shisho ( Young Master )

Shisho ( Master )

A few visctims of Japanese sword purchase

1. A young man brought a Katana for apparaisal. He was told that his sword was produced in the mid-Edo Era ( 1624 - 1867 ) at the time of purchase. However, the Mei ( Inscription ) on the Nakago clearly shows the year & month: August 1943 !

2. A 40 year-old man purchased a Daito from a gun show in 1987. He brought it for appraisal. He had paid $ 2,000 for that nicely signed Shinshinto blade 29 inches long. He did not know that there were 3 Hagire ( Cracks ) on the blade.

Samurai refused to own the swords with Hagire in the past. Hagire can cause breakage during the fight in the battlefields. According to the Okite ( Unspoken rules & regulations ), we should not sell the blades with Hagire. The purchaser has the right to bring the Hagire blade back to seller for a full refund in Japan. Hagire is the worst kind of Kizu among others. The sword with Hagire has no artifact value !

Our Sensei can read 99 % of Mei ( Sword inscription ) at first glance

Our Sensei was visited by a local sword dealer during a gun show held in San Francisco on August 9th, 1997. He brought a very thin Wakizashi for appraisal. This was approximately 10th time for this local sword dealer to visit our Sensei’s educational Japanese sword displaying table. The blade was signed on the both sides of the Nakago: Swordsmith’s residence, title, last name, first name and the production date & year. He had previously shown this Wakizashi to many local sword dealers & collectors, however none of them could give him a reading of Mei. Our Sensei was the only & first person who could read the Mei. Our Sensei kindly translated the entire Mei reading for him at no charge.

Our Sensei can read 99 % of Mei ( Sword inscription ) at first glance.

The Japanese sword infromation for English ( American-English ) speaking people:

There are a few English books & study materials that are good for serious Japanese sword collectors & enthusiasts. Recently, our Sensei reviewed some books & references.

1. A book written by Mr. Leon Kapp / Title: The Craft of Japanese swords / In fact, this highly recommended book is one of the mandatory books that our Sensei requires every member of the SF Japanese Sword Society to study. In October, 1988, our Sensei visited Mr. & Mrs. Kapp’s residence in San Rafael, California. Given 108 points out of 100.

2. A book written by Gordon Warner & Donn F. Draeger / Title: Japanese Swordmanship / Excellent for Kenjutsu practitioner / Katana Fusa Musubi is correct & photos show step by step ( Mandatory skill by the true sword collectors ). Given 97 points out of 100.

3. Afu Research Enterprises, Inc. / P.O. Box 630, Cisco, TX 76432 Tel. 817-442-2349 Fax. 817-442-2380 The President of this company, Mr. Harry Watson, was very polite & honest when our Sensei met him in 1995. He complimented our Sensei’s English as being better than his Japanese. When he does not understand the word, he will not fake it up, instead, many similar words are used to describe the Japanese sword language. His books are very well written. Given 100 points out of 100.

Visit his Web Site too ! Very very informative !
http://www.afuresearch.com/glossary.htm

A message from our Sensei to Mr. Watson: ( Watoson San-e Ya-kaji to iu kotoba-wa Nihongo ni Arimasen. Tadashii kotoba-wa No-kaji desu. Sorekara Yaki-zome matawa Yaki-zime ga tadashi Hatsuon desu. Sorekara-mata Nebai wa Nebari no houga hiroku Nihon-dewa tsukawarete imasu. Imi-wa daitai onaji desu. ) / Esu-efu no Seigi-no Mikata Yori. Kongotomo Yoroshiku Onegai-shimasu. Mata ne.

4. Harakiri article written by our Sensei appeared in the World of Martial Arts / It is a cover story ! Our Sensei as Kaishakunin ( Decapitator ) & his Seito ( Harakiri performer ) appeared in many color or B & W photos taken on location in Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California. The contents are amazing ! History, meanings, modern Harakiri, Harakiri related Japanese terminology, ceremony, etc. Given 120 points out of 100.

5. Our Sensei’s Japanese sword article in October issue of Black Belt magazine has been released for the general public in the early September, 2001.

Our Sensei’s Japanese sword display contents

There are approximately 60 items, both superior & inferior swords for comparison in his Japanese sword display.

Approximately 25 superior quality swords produced in the Heian, Kamakura, Nanbokucho, Muromachi & Edo Eras.
A 400-year old sword with Hagire ( Cracks ); This Katana was brought from Japan. Formerly staying under our Shisho’s house for over 20 years. The customer abandoned after the 7 locations of Hagire were discovered by our master polisher.
A 250-year old Wakizashi genuinely signed by Sukesada; This blade has 2 Hagire right in the middle.
Several Gunto blades; These blades clearly show the Abura-Yaki ( Oil-treated rather than emersion in the water ).
Several Saya ( Both painted & not painted ) and the materials ( Ho-no-ki, the Japanese magnolia ).
Several Habaki-gane
Two Gunto handles with Kamon ( Family crest ).
A 400-year old Wakizashi with a few Fukure ( Blisters )
A 350-year old partially polished blade
A 600-year old Nanbokucho Wakizashi polished by the 2 students. The proper application of Nugui, Kanahada & Ibotaro was performed by the 2 students. This blade was very rusty, and no special effects could be seen. Now, many Hataraki ( Sunagashi, Kinsuji, Inazuma, etc. ) are visible.
Many charts & diagrams of Japanese sword related items.

Our Sensei’s personal opinion about the Japanese sword study !

You can be very knowledgeable when you have a proper education on the Japanese sword. Newsletters, books & magazines are not a good source of Japanese sword information. They cannot teach you how & why. Only usual things repeatedly appear in the books, magazines or newsletters. This kind of scholarly information is definitely limited.

Suppose you even remember everything written in the books or magazines, you have no place to read & learn further.

Free sword appraisals & inscription reading

Any respectable, serious Japanese sword enthusiast & collector can contact us for free sword appraisals & Mei reading. Do not send any Japanese sword to us. Instead, the clearly prepared Oshigata ( Rubbing trace of Tang ) or clearly taken photos must be sent to us. When you take the photos, we have some suggestions and tips. More information can be obtained by inquiring through E-mail or regular mail.

Since our Sensei can read 99 % of Mei-Furi ( Sword inscription ) on the Nakago ( Tang ) area, we would like to share the wealth of information with respectable sword enthusiasts & collectors in the US.

Since 1975, our Sensei has been helping countless Japanese sword collectors by providing the free Mei reading. In October, 1996, we were contacted by a Japanese sword collector in Wisconsin. He was unable to to obtain the reading of Mei from anyone from his area. After the Oshigata was sent to us, our Sensei read it instantly and sent back to him. The collector had many Japanese friends, however, none of them could provide him a reading of Mei ( Sword inscription ).

In order to receive this absolutely free of charge service, you must includes the following information:

Do you belong to the local Japanese Sword Society, organization or club ?
The origin of your sword ( Where & how you obtained )
How long you have been collecting Japanese swords ?
Who you have contacted previously for references ?
Other infomation you think maybe important.

Do not forget to include your name, address, phone number & E-mail address ( Optional ).

If you would like to find the truth about the Japanese swords, you can join our SF Japanese Sword Society ( SFNS or San Francisco Nipponto Society ).

Upon receipt of annual membership fee ( $ 75 ), we will send you some basic information on Japanese swords & sword-related subjects.
Sword information:

Many sword related information ( Essays, charts, diagrams, maps, etc. )
Free sword appraisal as you learn to collect Japanese swords wisely.
Private consultation on how to collect Japanese swords.
Special Mei ( sword inscription ) reading class.
Membership benefits ( Annual or Lifetime ).
Sword restoration workshops & seminars.

San Francisco Japanese Sword Society SF Nipponto Society S F N S

SF Japanese Sword Education Center SF Japanese Sword Restoration Center P.O. Box 12235, San Francisco, California 94112 Tel. & Fax. ( 4 1 5 ) 3 3 4 - 7 2 6 0 E-mail: Sfkatana@aol.com. SFShinken@aol.com

More Japanese sword & sword related information available: http://members.aol.com/SFShinken http://members.aol.com/SwordBasic

Copyright of the SF Japanese Sword Society. Written permission is required for reproducing materials contained herein. ( http://members.aol.com/Sfkatana )