Alex A

Seems weird that someone would remove a special order inscription. To me it makes a sword more interesting. Doing so, obviously becomes a negative for some. Interesting though.

Just finished watching those vids on the website. The second vid about the history of the swordsmith school, at the end, it kind of hits home about the need to carry on a swordsmith lineage. Hence, now a bit more understanding why the likes of Hiroshi Kojima may have to look outside of Japan for apprentices. Cheers for that, fascinating, probably makes some of us here wished we would have had the chance to visit Japan when young.

Great story Lewis, so good in fact i took a look online. A few good vids on his website. Gallery | Carter Cutlery

Spoke with Sumie Kashima yesterday about this. she replied. "He is an apprentice but he works in Israel, his smith name is Sugi Naohiro" Like i said, i dont know how that works, the modern age of communication could certainly play a part. I assume he must travel over there for some training but what do i know. Who knows, he may get licensed in Japan one day. Some would say that's a basic necessity to be taken seriously.

I thought Yoroi-doshi too. Long nakago, straight and slender looking, then i saw the shape of the blade through the habaki, which also made me think the same. Obviously seen some polish

Another interesting point and ive never seen this before, Hector "Sugi Naohiro", Israel, not sure i could be swayed, with respect.

Thanks Gents, appreciated

Hi Hector, if you know the lineage then would be useful for some of us here that don't know, like me. Ps, that looks a nice wak

You using choji oil? Aoi recommends you dont. Just in case you are.

Jon, £2000. If your lucky you may find a Katana in koshirae at an arms show for that price. You wont find one with papers and you will be lucky if the polish is good. Koshirae can be hit and miss, often with parts missing, worn or modern cheap parts added to it. You probably will have more chance of finding one in ww2 fittings, though usually they need polish. Why dont you just look for a decent wak.

That looks like someone with not so good carving skills carved it from memory

Dont know much about this kind of thing. Though will always pass on anything that does not seem to have age. I know that would eliminate a lot of genuine items but when they get so good at copying. It is what it is.

The deal is. £80 and free shipping.

Well, its positive we can come up with something. Was just looking online for folks in the UK that can do Japanese Calligraphy on wood and it seems there are quite a few. Some seem stupidly expensive and others i dont know I just feel the box would need something on it. I do have a box that came with the Sadahito letter opener gift which is really nicely marked, he liked to do the calligraphy and it makes it feel special. Have enquired with the tanto maker to see if anything possible their end, which was kind of an after thought. Point is, if its special and its going to your son one day, it needs more than just a box, it has to have something on it lol. If anyone knows anyone in UK, let me know.

Good idea Rohan. Can those stabilizers be moved or are they glued to the ends or something?

That looks ideal, Mark, nice job. I'm not one for woodwork, not since school.

It could work Jean, would like to know what wood it is. Also they do say sizes vary. Who knows, this guy could be inundated with orders

Kind of inspired by a recent sales page, a tanto for sale that came with a storage box which i thought would be very nice for that special tanto you hope to keep with the family long term. I know the correct term is "dansu", though don't remember seeing many at all for tanto. Anyone else keep a tanto stored in a box specifically for tanto? Was just looking online, sifting through suitable boxes on ebay etc that could be suitable, obviously would have to add something to the inside to keep the blade stable. This is by no way a recommendation, just what came up first as something that comes across as suitable, though would have to put my own fittings on it. Probably not even the correct length, but sure there will be something out there that suits. Wooden Box with Hinged Lid, Rectangular Keepsake Box, Container, Wooden Storage | eBay UK

Congrats to you and the new owner. Proof good pics can help sell a sword, your last 4 pics cleared it up for me.

Something about this tsuba, would describe it as cute. It would look amazing mounted on a tanto with fittings of the same excellent patina that it has acquired over many years. Feels heavy for its size, i guess its made of yamagane/copper. Wouldn't be surprised if it was something like Bronze. Difficult to date for me, seen similar tsuba with dates around 1600. The nakago-ana has the aged look where it appears to have been altered a few times. The carving of the 24 petals is deep and the design really stands out. Size approximately 57mm x 54mm x 4mm thick, feels chunky for its size. Weight 74g Plenty of threads and info about Kiku tsuba. The only reason im selling is i have a tanto to pay for in September, though if it dont sell il be happy to keep. Pictures taken outside in daylight Tanto tsuba can make good purchases, imagine the price this would be if it was large. £95 Shipping, ask.

One mentioned here, Russ. Smith having a go at one, though will be a mix by the looks of it https://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/ns2.html

I could have listed it better, Piers. Took the lazy route. Live and learn.

Never heard them called that before, but i get it SOLD, thanks

On hold.

Will make a significant discount which is well under what i paid. It seems we used to have a lot more folks interested in such tsuba than we do now. So £150 No offers, will pull it from the sales list soon.