Cool sword/tanto week

Wow. It looks like we had an unofficial weapons week. The tanto arrived in the post to get us all excited and earlier in the week this wandered through the door. What a fun treat.

Now we get a lot of cool 'show and tell' at the shop, but this was one of the best. On Saturday afternoon this gentleman walked into the shop with a distinctive looking parcel. Out of the silk bag he drew a katana that his father picked up in the 1920's. It was old at that time. Now I am no sword expert, but I can tell you that the folded steel had that sexy look that old swords have, their was a small bit of tarnish including a very clear finger print and the hamon had a subtle, but poetic wave. All of the handle hardware was intact, but in fair condition. The saya was particularily good. All in all it was a special treat to see a very nice blade with all of the original hardware attached. It felt a bit like I was on Antiques Road Show and I was the specialist who was woefully under qualified.

I feel foolish that I didn't get his name. Thank you if you reading this.