bigjohnshea

Honestly, if it backfires on me, I don't really care. I'm not really a merchant so if people end up disliking me because I spoke the truth about what a merchant did to another collector, that's fine. As for another venue where this type of grievance should be aired, I'm open to suggestions. I don't know of any other where the Nihonto community actually cares about one another, than this place. There is no HR department for individual merchants and their businesses (meant with sarcasm) so forums like this are the place where people like Tsuruta need to be called out. This is not directed at any one person, but I feel certain this has happened before with Tsuruta, and it will happen again. People responding to this type of post with blatant skepticism, does not promote an environment where collectors feel confident in reporting more events of similar bad behavior by merchants.

Thank you to everyone for your help, and particularly to Ray for such an extensive and enlightening post.

I've been selling things from my collection on this board for years. Never had an unhappy customer. Never mis-represented an item or myself. I've been posting and reading on this board for years and scarcely ever had a bad word to say about anyone. People are free to take from this post what they like, but I have given you actual facts about what happened. You do not need additional details because the facts are already here. I have provided additional details to Brian and if, based on that, he wants to delete this thread, I will not complain. I never have before when any of my posts were deleted or locked. You can choose to deal with that scumbag if you want, but I recommend you use paypal or some similar service that provides you protection from him. Hope you are all doing great otherwise.

Mike, Those details don't really matter. If the buyer elected to abandon the deal, I could see how the seller might feel justified in keeping at least part of the deposit. But the seller deciding to abandon the deal, and still try to keep the deposit, well that is just pure theft...

The slightly longer version of this, adding to the above: Tsuruta backed out of the deal of his own volition and then tried to keep that buyer's deposit. Paypal forced him to return the deposit though, otherwise it would have been stolen. This raises the question of whether Tsuruta intended to sell the sword to the buyer at all, or if he was just using this blade as an attempt to steal that buyer's deposit. I'm sure many people have had good transactions with him in the past. I have as well, but that doesn't mean that people don't change, or that they don't make many other bad decisions that never get aired publicly in the same way that the good decisions do.

I sent you a PM with the details Brian.

Fred at Nihonto.com Highest caliber seller in the USA.

This will undoubtedly be a post that gets yanked by one of the moderators, but I strongly recommend against doing business with Mr. Tsuruta at Aoi. The short version of the story is he purposefully backed out of a deal and then tried to steal 620,000yen from a customer recently. Absolutely true story. If anyone wants the longer version please PM me. He is a dishonorable thief of the highest caliber. Thanks!

Hope everyone is doing good! Does anyone have any actual dates for when the extended kissaki that is typical of Nanbokucho tachi and nodachi first appeared? In other words, are there known and dated examples from the end of Kamakura, or is this feature strictly an invention of the Nanbokucho era? Cheers!

This is what's left: Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 150$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade.

Also sold The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio Kusanagi no Ya Oshigata

Updated Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 150$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio (Founder of Japanese Sword Society of Canada) 150$ These are three binders, nearly full of xerox copies of oshigata from famous and studied swords, as well as xerox copies of articles in English regarding the history of the Japanese sword. A lifetime of knowledge collected over decades by a scholar of the sword. Kusanagi no Ya Oshigata 100$ Oshigata of phenomenal blades prepared by Dr. Sato, presumably in the collection of a former sword shop called Kusanagi no Ya in Kyoto. A very enjoyable book for scholars of nihonto

SOLD Kotetsu and Kiyomaro: Special Exhibition of The Sano Art Museum Lineage of the Treasure Swords: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Futarasan-Jinja Shrine Ise Jingu Hoto Zufu Japanese Swordsmiths, Commemorative Centenary Edition by Hawley

Dropped prices on some of the books, updated the list with two more. Time to move them. Shipping will always be extra. Paypal friends family preferred. Japanese Swordsmiths, Commemorative Centenary Edition by Hawley 250$ Two volumes in one slipcase. Condition overall very good. Limited edition (300 copies) printed with correction of errors in the original. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious collectors. Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 150$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords 25$ Often the first book a Nihonto collector will pick up. The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio (Founder of Japanese Sword Society of Canada) 150$ These are three binders, nearly full of xerox copies of oshigata from famous and studied swords, as well as xerox copies of articles in English regarding the history of the Japanese sword. A lifetime of knowledge collected over decades by a scholar of the sword. Kotetsu and Kiyomaro: Special Exhibition of The Sano Art Museum 90$ Oshigata and photos of dozens of Kotetsu and Kiyomaru swords. Hardbound in slipcase. An excellent book for fans of these schools or Nihonto in general. Lineage of the Treasure Swords: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Futarasan-Jinja Shrine 40$ Paperback, great condition, some captions in English, otherwise Japanese with an appreciable selection of the finest blades in the collection of a legendary shrine, including O-dachi and Tachi of unparalleled lengths. Ise Jingu Hoto Zufu 75$ Book of masterpiece blades in the collection of the Ise shrine. An awesome book in good condition. Kusanagi no Ya Oshigata 100$ Oshigata of phenomenal blades prepared by Dr. Sato, presumably in the collection of a former sword shop called Kusanagi no Ya in Kyoto. A very enjoyable book for scholars of nihonto.

An updated list, as requested. ???? Japanese Swordsmiths, Commemorative Centenary Edition by Hawley 400$ Two volumes in one slipcase. Condition overall very good. Limited edition (300 copies) printed with correction of errors in the original. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious collectors. Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 225$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. Gyobutsu Tohaku Meito Oshigata by Sato and Numata 200$ Large format book, no slipcase, bruised but good readable condition. Collected oshigata of the swords in the Imperial Household Collection. Some of the finest most historic blades in Japanese history. Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords 25$ Often the first book a Nihonto collector will pick up. One Hundred Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton 50$ A well known book of exceptional masterworks, presented by Christies. Excellent condition. The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio (Founder of Japanese Sword Society of Canada) 250$ These are three binders, nearly full of xerox copies of oshigata from famous and studied swords, as well as xerox copies of articles in English regarding the history of the Japanese sword. A lifetime of knowledge collected over decades by a scholar of the sword. Kotetsu and Kiyomaro: Special Exhibition of The Sano Art Museum 150$ Oshigata and photos of dozens of Kotetsu and Kiyomaru swords. Hardbound in slipcase. An excellent book for fans of these schools or Nihonto in general. Lineage of the Treasure Swords: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Futarasan-Jinja Shrine 50$ Paperback, great condition, some captions in English, otherwise Japanese with an appreciable selection of the finest blades in the collection of a legendary shrine, including O-dachi and Tachi of unparalleled lengths. Yushuto Zuroku Vol. 1, 2, 3 (by the NTHK) Vol 4 (by the NTHK-NPO) 450$ (On Hold) The swords that were awarded Yushu level papers by the NTHK (and NTHK-NPO) are presented in crisp oshigata and photos. Kiya Oshigata by Dr. Homma 700$ (On Hold) Only 300 copies made. Essentially two enormous folding pages of 173 full length oshigata for famous blades in the Tokugawa collection. Oshigata by Dr. Homma facilitated by the Kiya polishing family who worked for the Tokugawa. Soshu Den Meisaku Shu by Dr. Homma 375$ (On Hold) A large format text with an absolutely stunning collection of Soshu blades shown.

Bump Any day is a good day to buy a book.

SOLD Showa Dai-Meito Zufu Offers always welcomed.

Had some people make me unrealistic lowball offers. If you do that, I'll send you a realistic counter offer. I'm motivated, but I'm not desperate... Bump!

SOLD Tokubetsu Jouyo Token books Please make offers. The Tanobe book sold at roughly 3/4 of its original price. Motivated seller...

SOLD Meihin Katanaezu Shusei by Tanobe Sensei

I thought I had read online that he was deceased, but if that is incorrect I apologize. Certainly was not making it up, but may have been mistaken. Until I figure that out, please consider those binders withdrawn from sale.

Thanks. Learned a lot from them. ????

Dear Fellow Collectors, Another installment of my book sales. Nearly all the books in my collection were dedicated to oshigata of blades, so nearly all these books have extensive oshigata printed in them, the exceptions are a few that we are largely aware of as beginners books. The value of most of these are not conducive to incrementally dropping prices, so I will rely on people to make offers if they are keen on books. Photos of most of most of these books are available online, so it felt silly to generate more photos. They are all in very good/excellent condition. Otherwise as noted below. Additional photos available if desired. Shipping can be discussed on a case by case basis. Cheers! John Meihin Katanaezu Shusei by Tanobe Sensei 750$ One of the grande large format books. The book itself in excellent condition, slipcase bump and dented in places. A collection of some of the greatest masterworks with an English index, compiled by one of greatest minds in Japanese sword study. Japanese Swordsmiths, Commemorative Centenary Edition by Hawley 400$ Two volumes in one slipcase. Condition overall very good. Limited edition (300 copies) printed with correction of errors in the original. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious collectors. Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 225$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. Gyobutsu Tohaku Meito Oshigata by Sato and Numata 200$ Large format book, no slipcase, bruised but good readable condition. Collected oshigata of the swords in the Imperial Household Collection. Some of the finest most historic blades in Japanese history. Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 7 75$ Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 10 75$ As expected. The blades of that ranking from the years covered by that volume. Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords 25$ Often the first book a Nihonto collector will pick up. One Hundred Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton 50$ A well known book of exceptional masterworks, presented by Christies. Excellent condition. The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio (deceased, founder of Japanese Sword Society of Canada) 250$ These are three binders, nearly full of xerox copies of oshigata from famous and studied swords, as well as xerox copies of articles in English regarding the history of the Japanese sword. A lifetime of knowledge collected over decades by a scholar of the sword in his own time. Japanese Sword Mounts in the Collection of the Field Museum 25$ A hardbound small format book with many images of koshirae from the Field collection. Showa Dai-Meito Zufu (Showa Edition, Great Masterpieces of Japanese Art Swords) by NBTHK and Homma 325$ Three volumes, in slipcases, two volumes of oshigata and one volume of translation to English. Excellent condition. Large format. An easy to use set of books of Showa era masterpieces. Worth every penny and more. Kotetsu and Kiyomaro: Special Exhibition of The Sano Art Museum 150$ Oshigata and photos of dozens of Kotetsu and Kiyomaru swords. Hardbound in slipcase. An excellent book for fans of these schools or Nihonto in general. Lineage of the Treasure Swords: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Futarasan-Jinja Shrine 50$ Paperback, great condition, some captions in English, otherwise Japanese with an appreciable selection of the finest blades in the collection of a legendary shrine, including O-dachi and Tachi of unparalleled lengths. Yushuto Zuroku Vol. 1, 2, 3 (by the NTHK) Vol 4 (by the NTHK-NPO) 450$ (On Hold) The swords that were awarded Yushu level papers by the NTHK (and NTHK-NPO) are presented in crisp oshigata and photos. Kiya Oshigata by Dr. Homma 700$ (On Hold) Only 300 copies made. Essentially two enormous folding pages of 173 full length oshigata for famous blades in the Tokugawa collection. Oshigata by Dr. Homma facilitated by the Kiya polishing family who worked for the Tokugawa. Soshu Den Meisaku Shu by Dr. Homma 375$ (On Hold) A large format text with an absolutely stunning collection of Soshu blades shown.

Gassan books sold Kiya Oshigata sold Soshu Den sold Yushuto Zuroku sold Others still available unless mentioned as sold above. Motivated for sale. Please make offers as you like. ????

Gassan book on hold. I have two actually so if anyone wants a copy still let me know.