The Bôshi is the hardened portion of the kissaki or tip of the blade. It can provide useful indicators both to the condition of the blade and to the maker/school. It is important that the bôshi is intact for a blade to retain its full value. When the bôshi is absent this could indicate a repaired broken blade with a reground tip, or that the blade is 'tired' from too many polishes. In both these cases the blade will be significantly reduced in value whatever the maker.
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