NIOI · sword polishing · Leiden
(01) Kongō-dō · removing rust
000

Japanese sword polishing
and records. Leiden, since 2011.

[email protected]
Oude Vest 141, Leiden

Macro view of the polished steel of Sōshū Tsunahiro: Notare mixed with gunome, ara-nie, kinsuji; Large itame, bright chikei.
(c.)Register · Sōshū · 2025

TSUNAHIRO

Sōshū Tsunahiro. Tenshō era, 1573-1592. 66.7 cm, Hadori finish.

Move the pointer over the steel
to see the nie catch the lamp

(a.)The record

Measuredand noted

Received: Rust spots on both sides, scratches from a cleaning attempt.

8 weeks on the bench, Hadori finish. Before the first stone we photographed both sides, measured the blade and noted every flaw, so the owner can see exactly what changed.

  • (a.)Mei · Sōshū jū Tsunahiro
  • (b.)SchoolSōshū
  • (c.)PeriodTenshō era, 1573-1592
  • (d.)TypeKatana
  • (e.)Nagasa66.7 cm (22.0 sun)
  • (f.)Sori1.7 cm
  • (g.)Motohaba3.18 cm
  • (h.)Sakihaba2.36 cm
  • (i.)Kasane0.74 cm
  • (j.)HadaLarge itame, bright chikei
  • (k.)HamonNotare mixed with gunome, ara-nie, kinsuji
  • (l.)BōshiNotare-komi, deep return
  • (m.)Nakago20.1 cm, sujikai file marks, 1 hole
  • (n.)ReceivedRust spots on both sides, scratches from a cleaning attempt
  • (o.)FinishHadori, 8 weeks on the bench
The whole blade of Sōshū Tsunahiro with its tang, after polishing.
(b.)Before and after

The samefew centimetres

Before: the steel as received, grey with rust and scratches. After: the same section polished, hamon and grain visible. As receivedAfter polish
‹ ›
(c.)Oshigata

The rubbing

Oshigata of Sōshū Tsunahiro: outline and ridges in graphite, the tang rubbed whole, the hamon drawn by hand.
(i.)Hamon. Notare mixed with gunome, ara-nie, kinsuji.
(ii.)Bōshi. Notare-komi, deep return.
(iii.)Grain. Large itame, bright chikei. The grain is not drawn on an oshigata; it is in the written record.
(iv.)Tang. The signature (Sōshū jū Tsunahiro) is cut into the tang; incised strokes take no graphite, so they show white.

Rubbing on washi, graphite and pencil, 1:1