Moley

What would be interesting is to post first sword purchased (for me about 30 years ago, when I was relatively poor and knew nothing) and peoples latest purchase. My first and my latest shown here.

Hi Everybody, Went to see this sword today. Thanks to John for the heads up about the Chinese Character alarm bells were already ringing. At first glance the sword looked pretty decent. Looked like a Gunto with a leather combat cover. The leather cover was very well made and of good quality leather. The Tsuba was well casted and chunky, Fuchi Kashira and sarute looked good, but the Ito and the Menuki went "Uhhh Ohh". Something not quite right. Then of course as soon as the blade came out of the saya... FAKE ! screamed out as I saw the "damascus" type hada. Not as "in your face" as most, but there nevertheless. The balance was awful and the wood used inside the well made leather cover was absolute rubbish and rough. The gent who owned it was a nice man and I didn't ask how much he had paid for it. I broke the news to him as gently as I could pointing out what to look for in future. I showed him a good example of the "real thing" that I had taken along for comparison and left it at that. Thank you all for your input. Regards Gwyn

Hi John, Thank you very much for your help. Alarm bells ringing as no smiths named Yamamoto and a Chinese Kanji !!!! Will be going over to see the blade in the flesh soon and will report back. Domo Gwyn

Dear Friends, I have not as yet travelled to see this blade so I know nothing about it except that the owner sent me a very poor image of the mei. Nothing can be seen hardly of the nakago and I have tried my very best to try and copy the kanji. Bearing in mind that the photo is very poor quality and I might have added or omitted strokes is it possible that anyone here can tell me if the kanji is legit or just made up? Thanking you all for your time. Kind Regards from Wales. Gwyn

Suitable for iai = bo hi for loud tachi kaze, + a don’t care if i damage the tip during chiburi, don’t care about handling it with sweaty hands. Best thing is iaito. Never nihonto. Suitable for tameshigiri = no bo hi, +a dont care if I scuff it and scrTch it maybe even God forbid bend it. Best thing Chinese shinken ofgood quality. Never nihonto. All nihonto for study and appreciation.

Photo to follo w

Hi everyone, thanks for your help. I have “customised” a modern tsuba for now by inserting a silver tonbo menuki on it. Will use that one until the right one comes along.

WONDERFUL... :clap:

Wanted to Buy. Small (ish) round Tsuba with "Tonbo" (Dragonfly) themed Tsuba. regards Gwyn

Hi everyone, My niece just sent me these photo's of a tsuba her husband found. I would be very grateful if anyone here could tell me anything about it? Opinions on whether genuine or not / style / school etc. Thanks Guys Gwyn

Interesting, I wonder what the "Tachi Kaze" would be like ?

PLEASE post image of MOON Themed Tsuba. Thanks (STILL searching) Gwyn

Stephen C. "Ohhhhh I say!"

Moon behind clouds. Still searching. Anybody got one for sale ????

Here in the UK there are chains of Pet shops who sell bits of antler in all shapes and sizes as "Dog chews". They are very very cheap and you can pick a shape/size that would be most suitable for your use.

Hi John, Nice to hear from you again, hope you are well. Pickle jar tsuba still with me. Will start bumping the "Want to trade" thread in the New Year, hoping to move it on. Perhaps I'll just sell it off cheap for about £100? Take care and have a nice Christmas Regards Gwyn

Thanks to KojiroSan (Lukas) for a really good bargain. Good communication and smooth transaction. Regards Gwyn

This was the very first Nihonto I bought, almost 30 years ago. Although not "very special" , it was "very special" to me. It was an antique Koto Chisai Katana in Gunto mounts. The name on the leather scabbard was "Hiroda". So I called it "Hiroda". When the leather scabbard was removed, it had a beautiful Yanone (arrowhead) Kojiiri. The Fuchi was also Yanone but the rest of the Tsuka apart from the Same was "LOST". over the years I have searched and searched for complimentary replacement parts. Grev's Tsuba was the Cherry on the top. Small enough to fit a Chiisai Katana perfectly. I am so happy. Now looking for an Yanone Kozuka. Thanks Grev Thanks Joel. (P.S. Joel - hope you also "Love" your purchase from Grev?)

Perfect - Thanks Grev

Hi Grev, (Joel) Tsuba arrived safely. It's ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC Thanks Gwyn

Sent e-mail

Hi Grev, Sent you and e-mail re T252 Yanone Gwyn

Congratulations Kevin, Beautiful work. I can see an influence there.

OK ...Well done Ford. Nice job... But They are........ RATS ! Yeaugh Please explain... Why are they a feature on tsuba ??

Light blue paper and retire.