xxlotus8xx

2 things. 1) My posts are signed. Not sure why they appear as not. 2) I am not sure what the big deal is? Its a public forum so I asked a question. Perhaps even as a potential customer. As a potential customer I would be curious has to who taught said expert the craft. One more thing... 3) Why is everyone answering except the person who the question was directed too? Kinda weird to me...But sure. I'll leave it alone and take my money somewhere else.

Thank you Curtis but why does it have to be in a private message? Students should be proud of their teachers no?

Interesting thread. I was curious who Mr Koga apprenticed under and for how long?

When it comes to Japanese blades I do not think there is any such thing as experimentation. If you practice what you read in the care guide then everything will be fine. Sword care and maintenance is not complicated what soever. Just be careful when wiping down the blade as you can easily cut yourself if your not paying attention. And blood will corrode a blade quit fast..

So after reading the thread I take it this is a comedy and not fact. Well good thing I like comedies as well.

Wow. No joke. That link is not viewable form the US. To bad. But maybe, just maybe there is a way around this...

What Jean said....

You were a lot nicer than I would have been. Well said.

A very nice story and I'm really glad that you kept it all together as a living testament to one story in the US WW2 Pacific campaign. There is value in this way beyond money. I have a very similar story having inherited several Japanese WW2 flags, headbands, and an extremely ancient Wakizashi along with several other artifacts from my grandfather who was in the Marines and landed several islands including Iwo Jima. He actually came in on the second wave of soldier transport boats and fought through blood and guts and lived! He also witnessed the historic flag raising! I am the only one in my family of whom he told his battle stories. The stories of his friends and comrades whom have fallen. And I know he did this in trust because I would remember and honor him and his memories. But all in all it is the story of the warriors, both Japanese and Allied and their testament that you hold. Please try and keep all these items intact and together as much as you can. And please make sure that whoever ends up with these artifacts know the history behind them.

I thought the Austrian air force was 2 Euro-fighters and a bunch of Bi-planes. . Just kidding. I used to live there and there was always an ongoing joke about the Austrian air force. But if I recall correctly Austria falls within the neutral category like Switzerland. And because of that they are not a member of NATO. But I could be wrong. Regarding the shipping I have shipped many thing back and forth between the US and Austria. Some of the things were probably more dangerous than a sharp pointy object. It's all a matter of what you claim it to be and the value. Somewhere in there the answer resides.

James, These is an excellent DVD out that might provide some insight to some of your questions. Here is the link. http://thejapanesesword.com/DVD

Naw I knew what I typed. It was suppose to be funny... But by no means is German, being high German, Tirol German, Favoritian German or any German is my default language. And actually the proper greeting in Vienna is "Grüße Gott" as learned from the locals and any Weiner can attest to this. Now can we turn the subject back to what it is suppose to be? I did not mean to hijack the thread!!! Really!!

Grüße Gott Verzeihen Sie mir bitte. Mein autospell behob mich. Ich bin faul geworden! Auf weider sehen!

Is he Austrian? If so my apologizes because learning and writing German while I lived there *AS WELL* as trying to understand the dialects of the different Austrian states (Tirol, Styria etc..)was a nightmare. Anyone who has seen "The Pifke Saga" can relate... Although that was about the funniest show I have ever seen. Next to "Der Schuh des Manitu".

Strict discipline and dedication will provide fruitful rewards in many things. Perhaps proper spelling and punctuation would be a good start. People might take you a bit more seriously. My 2.3 cents....

I agree. And actually I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! I lived in NYC for 5 years and Vienna Austria for 2 years and for whatever reason I always end up back in NorCal.... But ya. A lot of laws are stupid. And not just in Calif mind you.

The law baffles me. Because you can got WalMart and buy ammunition for firearms no problem. God forbid you own a sword!

Did I? DOH! I are dork...But you know what I meant. heh

Are you saying I was starstruck? Regardless what I wrote is true. I really enjoyed it and I think anyone who enjoys documentaries would feel the same.

Comrades! This DVD blows the doors off of any documentary previously made on this subject. The investment is well worth it. Here is the review I posted at Amazon... "The Art Of The Japanese Sword I found both informative and completely memorizing. And quite frankly blew the doors off of the documentary I have seen produced by National Geographic. I found the commentary from the artisans and guildsmen very detailed and informational that was explained in layman's terms that every artist can relate to. I also found these men extremely humble. A honorable trait by far. For anyone that appreciates culture, history and tradition as well as a western society glimpse into an otherwise previously veiled world this is a MUST see!" Excellent job Paul.

Ya I thought about the forged vs polishing thing after I posted. Oh well... If you like I'll bring the blade Sunday and you can see. There is no obvious or reminiscence of a yokote. I mean all the other geometry is there...Just not that. And always thanks for the help and insight..

I'll be there. I'm going to see if I can't catch a ride with a East Bay member. And I did see lot's of examples in the midst of my research but I swear that the kissaki looks like it was forged that way because there is no evidence whatsoever of a yokote. But I guess if I was that old I might lose my defined edges as well.

Well....There OK. . Although I must admit that Tom is becoming my "goto guy". Something about a combo of greatness and having an air of being humble makes people that much greater...

Nice metaphor!

OK I admit it. I collect stamps also. Uber geeky but whatever. It's actually kind of addicting. I have learned more about world history researching stamps than I school! I think the interest in Nihonto and practice of tameshigiri balances the geeky thing..