Purpose
Consultation is offered to support both preservation and the fullest expression of a blade's character.
The aim is to determine what course of action — if any — is appropriate in light of condition, intention, and feasibility.
Each inquiry is considered individually.
Polishing
Polishing is a permanent intervention.
It may be undertaken to address condition, or to clarify the blade's visible character where appropriate.
Before proceeding, condition and structural integrity are reviewed to determine suitability.
Estimated Cost
- Tantō: ¥150,000 – ¥300,000
- Wakizashi: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000
- Katana / Tachi: ¥350,000 – ¥400,000
Final cost depends on length, current state, and required scope of work.
A formal estimate is provided after inspection.
Estimated Timeframe
- Review response: approximately 1–2 weeks
- If undertaken: generally several months to one year, depending on condition and schedule
Polishing is not performed lightly.
When appropriate, it serves to reveal what is already present within the blade.
Koshirae Commission
Koshirae are commissioned according to the client's preferences.They are not limited to strict period reproduction.
Fittings, motif, lacquer style, and aesthetic overall direction are discussed from multiple possible configurations.
Work is entrusted to specialized craftsmen.For accurate mounting, the blade must be entrusted for measurement and fitting,For purchased through this shop.
Estimated Cost
- Production: from ¥300,000
- Direction fee: 20% of total production cost
Total cost varies depending on fittings, materials, and lacquer work.
A formal estimate is issued prior to confirmation.
Estimated Timeframe
- Approximately 2 years from project confirmation
Each commission is developed individually, balancing intention and feasibility.
Acquisition Advisory
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.
Discernment guides the process.
Third-Party Authentication Submission
Authentication is pursued as one perspective among several.An evaluation issued by a third party represents an informed assessment within a defined framework.
It does not constitute absolute truth.No evaluating body can fully apprehend a blade in the way its maker once did.
Judgment is formed through comparison, precedent, and accumulated scholarship.
Submission may be appropriate for:
- Clarifying attribution where uncertainty remains
- Documenting assessment for future transfer
- Positioning the blade within an established evaluative context
Support is provided only for blades purchased through this shop.
Submission is limited to recognized independent bodies such as:
- NTHK
Submission to NBTHK is not routinely undertaken.
Estimated Costs
- Submission fee: approximately ¥20,000 – ¥30,000
- Handling and coordination: ¥30,000
- Shipping and insurance: charged at cost
Certification cannot be guaranteed.
Estimated Timeframe
- Dependent on the organization's schedule
- Typically several months
Evaluation is a reference, not a conclusion.
Process
- Initial inquiry with photographs and objectives
- Review and clarification
- Formal estimate, if proceeding
- Confirmation and scheduling
Not all consultations proceed to commission.
Required Materials
For blade-related inquiries, please include:
- Full-length photographs (both sides)
- Measurements (nagasa preferred)
- Existing papers or documentation, if any
Additional photographs or short video footage may be requested via email if further clarification is necessary.