Polishing is a permanent and irreversible intervention.
Each polish removes a microscopic layer of steel.
For this reason, it is never undertaken routinely.
Before any work is considered, the blade is carefully examined to determine whether polishing is appropriate.
Evaluation includes the structural integrity of the steel, the condition of the surface, prior polishing history, and the potential for the blade’s character to be revealed more clearly.

In some cases, polishing may stabilize a blade by removing active corrosion.
In others, the blade may be better preserved in its present state.

Each sword is therefore assessed individually before any decision is made.

Estimated Cost

Tantō: ¥150,000 – ¥300,000
Wakizashi: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000
Katana / Tachi: ¥350,000 – ¥400,000

Final cost depends on blade length, current condition, and the required scope of work.
A formal estimate is provided after inspection.

Estimated Timeframe

Review response: approximately 1–2 weeks
If undertaken: several months to approximately one year, depending on condition, complexity, and current workload.
Polishing is not performed lightly.
When appropriate, it serves to reveal what is already present within the blade.

Submission for third-party authentication can be arranged for blades offered through this shop.

Authentication represents one perspective within the study of Japanese swords.

An evaluation issued by a third-party organization reflects informed judgment within a defined framework, but it does not constitute absolute truth.

Because the blade is already in our possession, submission procedures are handled directly by this shop.

Submissions are arranged through recognized third-party evaluation organizations.

Certificates are issued for submitted blades; however, the specific evaluation or attribution cannot be guaranteed.

Submission to certain organizations, including NBTHK, is not routinely undertaken due to administrative complexity and extended processing timelines.

Deposit

To reserve the blade during the authentication process, a 20% deposit is required.

This deposit secures the blade while the submission and evaluation are in progress.

Estimated Cost

Authentication submission fee: approximately ¥20,000 – ¥30,000

Handling and coordination: ¥30,000

These costs are required to initiate the submission.

Cancellation

Cancellation is possible after the authentication result is issued.

However, the following are non-refundable:

• 20% deposit

• authentication submission fee

• handling and coordination fee

Estimated Timeframe

Dependent on the organization’s schedule.

Typically several months.

Authentication provides scholarly reference but does not constitute absolute certainty.

This consultation is designed to locate a blade based on clearly defined criteria.

Discussion includes:

• Period (Kamakura, Muromachi, Shintō, Shinshintō, Gendaitō)
  
• Budget range
  
• Length and proportions
  
• Classification (tachi, katana, wakizashi, tantō)
  
• School or tradition
  
• Individual smith (if applicable)
  
• Intended purpose
  

Based on these conditions, suitable candidates are sourced and presented.

Availability depends on rarity and prevailing market conditions.

Timeframe may range from several weeks to several months.

Acquisition price varies according to specification and market availability.

Final terms are confirmed prior to any purchase decision.

The process is guided by careful discernment.

Custom sword bags may be commissioned for both koshirae and shirasaya.
Each bag is made according to the exact dimensions of the blade.
This service is also available for swords owned by collectors outside Japan.
Clients provide measurements and select the preferred fabric.

Available materials may include:

• Silk chirimen
• Tsumugi
• Traditional hakama fabric
• Selected obi textiles, depending on availability

All bags are lined and tailored individually.

Estimated Cost

Approximately ¥15,000 – ¥30,000, depending on the fabric.

Estimated Timeframe

Approximately 1–2 months.

Why Use a Sword Bag?

A sword bag protects the mounting, lacquer, and surface of the scabbard.
More importantly, it reflects a cultural attitude toward the sword itself.

In Japan, swords have traditionally never been left exposed.
Even when stored in the home, they are kept carefully within a bag.
This practice expresses respect for the sword and consideration for those around it.
A Japanese sword is not merely a tool.
How it is kept is part of how it is understood.

Koshirae may be commissioned according to the client’s preferences.

They are not limited to strict historical reproduction.

Fittings, motifs, lacquer styles, and overall aesthetic direction are developed through discussion of several possible approaches.

Work is entrusted to specialized craftsmen.

This service is available for blades purchased through this shop.

Koshirae historically served both practical and ceremonial roles.

Their forms also reflect regional traditions, historical schools, and the aesthetic sensibilities of different periods.

Historically, koshirae functioned as the external mounting through which a sword was worn, carried, and used.

They belong to the sphere of equipment rather than preservation.

However, koshirae are not intended for long-term preservation.

Because of their construction and materials, moisture may remain within the scabbard over time.

For this reason, blades intended for preservation are normally kept in shirasaya.

Shirasaya may also be commissioned when appropriate.

Estimated Cost

Koshirae production: from ¥500,000
Shirasaya production: approximately ¥50,000 – ¥150,000
Coordination fee: 20% of the total production cost

Final cost varies depending on fittings, materials, lacquer work, and overall scope.

A formal estimate is provided before confirmation.

Estimated Timeframe

Koshirae: approximately one to two years

Shirasaya: several months

Each project is developed individually, balancing intention and feasibility.

A Japanese sword may be created for an individual collector.
Each commission begins with defining the intention of the blade — its form, proportions, and tradition.
Suitable swordsmiths are recommended based on the client’s preferences, and profiles of the smiths are provided when appropriate.
The blade is forged by a licensed swordsmith using traditional methods.

Polishing is performed by Katsuya Konno, who remains involved throughout the process to help guide the work to its proper completion.

Commission Scope

Commissions may include:

• Katana
• Wakizashi
• Tantō
• Tachi

Commission Process

1. Initial consultation
2. Definition of specifications
3. Selection of the smith
4. Deposit and confirmation
5. Forging and polishing
6. Mounting (optional)
7. Completion and delivery

Mounting

Blades may be delivered in shirasaya or with a commissioned koshirae.Mountings may incorporate newly produced fittings, antique fittings, or fully custom components.

Estimated Timeframe

Shirasaya: two years or longer
With koshirae: three years or longer

Estimated Cost

Shirasaya (with habaki):
From ¥1,000,000

With koshirae:
From ¥1,500,000

Final cost depends on specifications and fittings.
Each commission is priced individually.

For International Collectors

This service is intended primarily for collectors outside Japan.
Export procedures are arranged following completion.