新年快樂2016

Tokubetsu Kicho paper

Tokubetsu Kicho Nintei-sho

The certification was Started in March of 1950 (Showa 25) and were issued up until May of 1982 (Showa 57). Tokubetsu Kicho origami were issued at the main office and local branches. Tokubetsu Kicho means "especially precious". It was the top rank until the Juyo paper was introduced in May of 1958 (Showa 33). 

This type of NBTHK paper is commonly called a "green paper" by the Nihonto collector. The green paper and the round seal bearing the kanji of "Toku" was first used on Tokubetsu Kicho papers starting in July of 1950 (Showa 25) and remained that way until 1982. On September 1st, 1973 (showa 48) the Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho paper (blue paper) was introduced and was issued as a rank above Tokubetsu Kicho but below Juyo.

Below is an example of a 1953 Tokubetsu Kicho paper. It has the name Mr. Hosokawa, the founding chairmen of the NBTHK printed on it to the left of the NBTHK's name.This was the highest level of certification then.

My dream katana

Katana belonging to 山下奉文

Hand forged Type 98 Gunto (gendai or gendaito) signed Teruhiro 照广

This is a Japanese commissioned officer Hand forged Type 98 Gunto (gendai or gendaito)

signed Teruhiro 照广,25 3/4 inches. For those who wants to start collecting Katana but unsure whether he wants to be a serious collector, you can start with these relatively inexpensive Gentaito. The advantages are firstly you can have a traditionally made katana plus the advantage of it in military fitting. There are huge followers of military edge weapons and the Gentaito has the advantage of traditional method of making versus the arsenal made.

Photos showing Nihonto polishing in progress:

1. Stage 1

2. Stage 2

3. Stage 3 polishing