Brian Ayres

It's an interesting tsuba, I am still learning how various tsuba were forged and this one has intersting bones to examine. And, I'd venture to guess this was mounted while it aged. The seppa being non-ferrous didn't digest in the ferrous cats stomach protecting the nakago-ana from corrosion. A different iron content in the rim could have prevented corrosion. Or, maybe a Mimi formed with non-ferrous metal like when San-Mai tsuba are made that came off in cleaning the loose corrosion? Or, maybe the rim was covered in lacquer? I believe that objects made by hand often "feel" like they have a piece of the original artist left in them. Maybe it's this "soul" that refuses to die? Best regards Brian Ayres

As Ford knows I'm already committed to a spot in the 6 day beginners class. I'm beyond enthusiastic!! Kanefusa Smith on site? I'm deleriously happy. Honestly it is to me the opportunity of a lifetime. Thanks Ford! I'll pass along the message to my friends! Brian Ayres

Do you have a side view image as well? The skill of the artist who crafted these humbles me. Thanks for sharing, Brian Ayres

Thanks Henry, Ford, and everyone else. I added Bowie's book with a couple other's yesterday. I can only soak up so much information at once! My brain is saturated. The carving on that last tsuba is superb. I'll print that negative and put it in my shop with your permission Ford? Best Regards, Brian Ayres

I am very thankful for the discussion. Personally I value all the opinions and a special thanks to Brian for allowing it to continue. Ford, I highly value your observations. Please continue to help when your can. :D My reflection for what it's worth. The chisel cuts of the waves are not as well executed as the mei. Also, the water droplets are much larger than most of the water droplets on the other waves I looked up and that are on this thread. They just look a bit off and give the waves a clunky, heavy feeling that seems off compared to the open space of the piece in general. I would love to hear WHY this is a piece worthy of study? As opposed to it's flaws? The patina looks good, possibly better on the Ura side with the mei. Is that just due to sunlight/oxidizing? As always I thankful that Mike takes the time to share Tosogu with us. Best regards Brian Ayres Is it possible this is an earlier work of his that he completed at a later date and signed?

So, Now that this set has been sold to Mike Y is there anymore that people more learned than me cam share about this set? It was one of few sets that appealed to me enough to consider buying it. I'm a new collector and to me I feel the price sold was a great value even without the menuki. If an appropriate set couldn't be found then Ford as stated could be commissioned. In fact, that to me would be a bonus. To me the set was elegant and feminine with ornamentation that was detailed and comprehensive but the more subdued lacquer color balanced it out. Best Regards, Brian Ayres

I apologize as I personally have no idea of value myself, so I have nothing constructive to add.... :D but.... I really like this set. I'm wishing it came along a few months from now when I could add it to my collection. Brian Ayres

Mike, I also thank you for sharing and would love more pictures. I absolutely love all the fine Tosogu you share. Thank you, Brian Ayres

Thanks Mike! It's not just the amazing Tosogu you share, but also the quality of the pictures. Thanks for taking the time to share! Brian Ayres

I like both Tsuba. Thanks for sharing the original Ford!

I'm glad this question came up. Thank you gentlemen for the suggestions. I purchased a couple books and added some to my wish list! Brian Ayres

Looks like an impressive collection to me. But, as I no zero about armor it'd be nice to hear others opinions. Nice to see they have Pierre Nadau doing some forging exhibits too. :D Regards, Brian Ayres

Hello all, My name is Brian Ayres. I am a plumber in Portland Oregon USA. I apologize for posting before a proper introduction. I am a new knifemaker/bladesmith. I have been learning the art of knifemaking for just over two years. I started off forging, and that's what I prefer, but have done a few stock removal blades lately. My last project is what brought me here. It is a "tantoish" knife with a 10.5" blade. I was making the ironwood scabbard and needed to rework the front copper fitting into a tsuba to work properly with the "saya" I was making. Ohhhhh what a slippery slope the world of Nihonto is. I have 100+ hours of research on Nihonto and Tosogu now just to make one little ol tsuba, and I imagine there's many thousands more to come. :D After 40 years of life I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. A bladesmith! :D But now I see that it's going to be Nihonto and Tosogu that hold my heart. I hope to honor the great artists of the past and present with the work I do. As an aspiring artist, I am fascinated with the art of the sword. I have mostly been buying books and reading. Reading a LOT! I honestly have read every single post of all 34 pages of the Tosogu section...Half of the Nihonto, and much ,much more. I am humbled by the amazing knowledge of the members here. Thank you guys for sharing! :D My best regards, Brian Ayres

http://yakiba.com/kat_tadayoshi.htm http://www.nihonto.com.au/html/juyo_token_naoshizu.html http://www.ejapaneseswords.com/swordcat ... sword%2012 Brian, Here's a couple swords to ask about? Enjoy! Brian Ayres

As a smith I can offer one more thought on this blade. The hamon turnback on the kissaki in a simple carbon steel is possible to accomplish without re-hardening the entire blade. Hardening is a matter of time and temperature and with a steel like tamahagane you could lean into a grinder, and get the edge up to 1500 degrees, but not get the thicker part of the blade hot. When you quench it in your dip bucket, the "new" edge would harden and leave a martensite/pearlite "hamon"... About 5cm from the tip, the hamon runs down towards the edge which would occur if the blade was accidentally, or purposefully re-tempered at the tip..... :? Just a guess.... Brian Ayres

Thanks for sharing. One other thing, when taking a picture of tsuba, the Nakago-ana(center hole for the blade) is taken with the narrow part on the top. Best Regards, Brian Ayres

Brian, Nobody is attacking your sword. Anytime a mumei blade is shown with papers and shared here it's likely to get discussion going. I believe that was said pretty clearly. I realize I'm new the the board, but I for one am pleased to see you bought a papered, good polish sword to study from a reputable dealer. Part of the beauty of Nihonto and Tosogu is that they are art pieces and especially when unsigned add to the discussion, the wondering of who made it, not just the why they chose a particular form.... Congrats on the sword. I personally only own one out of polish , mumei Wakizashi and envy you and your new purchase. Best Regards Brian Ayres

Barry, WOW!!! I just looked at all 355 pictures you shared. Fantastic! $490 round trip is seriously being considered..... Thank you for taking the time to share. :D

Welcome John, What I believe Grey was alluding to in asking your name, is the forum has a rule that you must sign your posts with your name. There is a sticky covering this... :D Regards, Brian Ayres