it, it’s good. If you don’t, it’s not for you. Distinguishing the subtle notes within a fine wine is for connoisseurs. The rest of us can drink the same wine and appreciate it too—we just don’t use the same fancy words to describe the flavors. Aside from personal taste, there are some standard criteria and classifications for swords that come as a result of their being assessed by experts.
The thing to remember when purchasing Japanese swords is that they have the same quality standards as all art objects. Of primary importance is the artist himself. For example, a painting by Picasso will have value simply because he painted it. The second consideration is the quality and condition of the blade—even a scribble by Picasso will be worth something, but not as much as his masterworks. Worthy of consideration in determining the value of a sword is its historical importance. Was the smith a student of someone famous? Did he distinguish himself or his work in some way? Did he make blades exclusively for a famous warlord? Did he inspire many famous students? Was the sword held in a famous collection? All these things factor into determining value for a sword.
Removing the retaining pin allows the handle, spacers, hand guard, and retaining collar to be removed. Then, the blade and its fittings can be carefully separated and removed for cleaning.
Sword appraisal is a highly specialized field of study. The best thing anyone can do is contact reputable organizations and people, learn as much as one can, and make use of expert guidance. See the Valuations section below for specific information regarding sword classifications.
Swords can have many different types of negative attributes. Some flaws, called kizu, are referred to as “fatal,” and virtually destroy the value of a sword. Other flaws can be overlooked. Generally the flaws that can be removed by a polisher are considered acceptable, while those that cannot be fixed by the polisher render the sword valueless to collectors. Nevertheless, swords with kizu may hold some value as study pieces. For example, the photos of the blade shown to the right are of a sword that I cherish very much, despite its flaws. It was a gift from an iaidō teacher of mine. It was his sword and he offered it to me when he retired.
Cracks and chips in sword’s edges can sometimes be seen. Those that run completely through the hamon, called hagiri, are generally considered fatal. Some blades are polished too many times and, as a result, their hamon runs off the edge of the blade. This, called nioi-guri, is also a fatal flaw.
When the tip of the sword is broken off and the hamon has been interrupted, the polisher cannot fix the damage. In such cases the flaw is considered fatal. On the other hand, of the tip is broken is such a way that the hamon remains, the polisher might reshape the kissaki so that the sword retains a functional hardened cutting edge. This flaw, then, is not considered fatal.
There are many types of non-fatal flaws. When the sword is folded, the smith takes care to create a seamless weld. However, when inserting the core-steel, small air or carbon pockets may be created. They generally do not show up until the sword has been polished many times. The air pocket itself is called fukure. The term shintetsu describes exposed core steel and often looks like a patch of grainless steel. A fukure with shintetsu is shown in the middle image to the right.
Cracks in the folds of the steel, which run along the grain lines, are called ware.
Sometimes swords lose their ha-machi, or edge-notches, denoting the beginning of the nakago. This can be an indicator that a blade is tired, but is not necessarily a fatal flaw.
Valuations
The process of screening and evaluating a sword is called shinsa. The main goal of shinsa is to determine several important characteristics. As the judges review a sword, several remarks and scores will be noted. The general information is noted on official paperwork called origami.
The value of a sword is created by the expert’s opinion that the sword is not a fake, quality of the craftsmanship, the condition, and the ranking of the swordsmith. Other factors also contribute to the value of a sword, however, these basic traits are of paramount importance. Consequently, several organizations offer valuation services, which are important when appraising a sword.
There are different organizations, all of which have different systems of ranking swords. For example, the origami from the Nihon Token Hōzōn Kai, or NTHK (one of the official organizations that perform shinsa) can include:
1. The school of craftsmanship (den)
2. Date of the appraisal
3. The Organization who is performing the Kantai (the NTHK)
4. The registration number of the sword being evaluated
5. Classification (katana, tantō, and so on)
6. The historical era in which the sword was produced.
7. Sword’s signature (if present) and whether it is a fake or not. Genuine, “shōshin” blades receive the designation as such.
8. Blade measurements
9. Remarks: includes discussion of additional information such as the province in which the sword was made. This section of the origami is where the rating of the sword is noted. Also, signature-seals of the judges are noted in this section.
The NTHK uses the above criteria to determine the score for a blade. A blade’s score determines its designation. Score and designation, then, become important factors in determining a sword’s value. As noted above, there are other factors that could impact a sword’s value. Nevertheless, these scores and resultant designations are critical considerations whenever purchasing a sword. NTHK sword designations currently include:
60–69 points: Genuine—Shinteishi
70–84 points: Fine Quality—Kanteisho
85–94 points: Superior and Excellence Rank—Yūshū-Saku
95–100 points: Highest, Superior, Excellent Rank—Sai Yūshū Saku
As noted above, the NTHK is only one of the organizations that perform valuation studies. More commonly known outside of Japan are the designations set by the NBTHK, another well-respected sword preservation organization. Using similar judging standards, the NBTHK offers the following designations for swords:
Worthy of Preserving: Hozon
Worthy of Special Preservation: Tokubetsu Hozon Important Sword: Jūyō Tōken
Particularly Important Sword: Tokubetsu Jūyō Tōken
Many non-Japanese have heard of the “National Treasure” designation, given by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education has created its own classification system for swords that are important cultural assets. As such, blades with this distinction are not allowed to leave Japan and are very heavily regulated. These blades are only considered for these designations if they are of particular historical importance or made by a very famous smith. Swords in this category may have one of the following two Ministry of Education designations:
Important Cultural Item: Jūyō Bunkazai (formerly Jūyō Bijutsuhin)
National Treasure: Kokūhō
Shown here are multiple small kitae-ware.
