Alex A

Lol,squirming ( funny cant even spell it) Seriously Dan and wih respect , call it a day. This aint the place for theatrical attention.

Grow up child. Folks come here for honest educated opinions. For that reason you will be ignored. No place here for nonsense, we try to aim for facts, All free, Modern wxxxx alert

Pussy Accept truth or f off

Sad to read this, the Tosogu world has lost its main man, a man that gave his time to help and educate others. His replies here were legendary and straight to the point, we all learned something. He will be missed immensely. RIP Ford.

Dale, appreciate the info. Ok, so the tsuba in the Norton has an unusual and intentional corroded surface, i get that. Obviously not for everyone, as mentioned. Would love to see that tsuba in hand to see what the attraction is and how it would differ from a tsuba that has naturally corroded. I find the topic of Provenance very interesting. Its a slightly dodgy sales gimmick if that's the case, perhaps just the comparison. I have not seen enough tsuba sales to notice. What i have noticed is that if folks list a tsuba that is genuinely listed in a publication then they fly of the shelf fast. Must admit, when i see something as such listed then my interest is far greater. Though obviously the item has to be of interest anyways, not just interesting due to the fact it is published.

Thanks Lewis, i kind of suspected small sori.

Its difficult judging a swords real shape from images, that must be said. Often swords look overly curved in images, i guess for folks that shop online, got to take real note when it comes to checking out the dimensions. The Kamakura sword above does not seem to have a great deal of sori, would be interesting to know what that measurement is. I prefer elegance over robustness with waks.

Kind of agree with Colin, slightly shortened then ok. Quickly looked through sales pages and randomly pulled a wak with the shape that appeals to me. Obviously on later Edo blades there would be more to the blade but it gives an idea.

I can say with certainty ive never bought a crappy tsuba, though one arrived with a sword i bought. Didn't receive one comment here, i later found out that it was late Edo and cut from sheet steel. Did i get upset, no, all part of learning and to be honest, ive never been the type to care what others think. I just learned that the tsuba had no real appeal, to me or anyone else. The "Norton" tsuba you show us in the collection above, picture is unclear and no information as to its "cookie" type corroded appearance?. Is this a shipwreck tsuba?, if so, with evidence then as i mentioned above i would understand the purchase. That would only be from an historical event perspective. I have a few musket balls here that came from a shipwreck, nothing special other than that fact and they were bought directly from the the salvage team. Just because a tsuba sits in a "Norton" collection does not automatically make them appealing or saleable, not to me. To me, its just an ugly looking corroded tsuba and yes, i wouldn't actually pay any money to own it, not even $20, unless there was evidence of it coming from a shipwreck and that would only be the appeal, even then id struggle. Thats my point of view. If someone wants to pay good money for such a tsuba then that's their business. Without evidence, then its a tsuba that will likely sit around in the sales section for an eternity. Did once buy a tsuba in poor condition, it had seen some corrosion (nowhere near that extent above) and someone had wire brushed it clean. The thing is though, it was kind of a rare Muromachi tsuba with no hitsu-ana. Not the type of tsuba that can commonly be bought in fine condition for a modest price. That re-patinated and looked decent. There was something special about it, had an appeal. As said, horses for courses. Not here to bash folks purchases but as always, if you put items on a public forum then expect a varied response as we all like and appreciate different items in obviously different states of preservation and with differing amounts of provenance.

Having a bit more time, finding it hard to pick one, as none really seem to have the sori and taper that i like to see in a wak. For that reason, id go with 3rd down, just because i find it the most interesting. Taper seems to be the issue here. Used to own the perfect shape Wak, deep Sori, nice taper with longer kissaki. This thread brings it to mind. Flicking through sales pages, generally fly past waks where width at the kissaki is close to width at the hamachi. Those above, just not enough difference and sori, for me.

Chill out Dan Folks make points Horses for courses

Ok Dan, no worries

Just helping from a financial point of view. As said before. Don't see point in buying 5 or so crappy tsuba that add up to $400 (with shipping) when that could get you 2 decent tsuba that you can actually re-sell If you like to throw your money away slowly but surely, that's your business. Let the OP make his own mind up, as you point out.

Paul, Wakizashi shape to me has been one of the most under talked subjects in Nihonto. Cheers for bringing it up.

They don't need to be expensive either.

Fair enough Dan. Maybe you could explain why you enjoy these tsuba and spending money on them. Might sway some of us.

Just to add to the OP. No expert but its Edo. Value, maybe $20 to $30, on a good day. Its heavily corroded, as mentioned. I'm surprised the cutlines go all the way through. To me it looks like someone attempted to cut a design but never finished it. It appears it last sat on a Wakizashi, due to small nakago-ana. I'm sure your next tsuba will be better, we all start somewhere. Folks can be picky about tsuba as they are numerous and decent tsuba can be picked up relatively cheap. Id be interested to hear about the shipwreck too, as that would add some appeal, if genuine and not a sales pitch. Disagree with Dan. Dont put all your money into buying tsuba like this, nothing much to learn and no enjoyment to ownership. It doesn't have a story to tell, as its a piece of iron without provenance and known history. I do get why folks will put up with some rusty relics. An example could be a cannon ball from the Mary Rose, bought directly from the salvage team. If you know what I'm saying. Being honest, welcome to the club

Ship wreck tsuba story here Colin ship – Tsuba Kansho

I think antiques are ok, its just that the lady I'm talking to is not up on the situation, so to speak. Was kind of tempted throw "modern traditionally made swords" in the spin but not great timing. lol On a plus note, at least more communication than last time i tried. Ps, No insurance anyways with these guys so i wouldn't use them internally anyways now. Its just for dealers sending from Japan, that's my concern. Though there is still UPS for that. Just thinking, the more options the better.,

Next response below. It says it in black and white about antiques above in the mail. Again, said i cant find that info on a Parcelforce website and asked to speak to a manager. Mentioned they cant be blunted as valuable and need to be preserved, as is. I think Antiques are ok, once we see this on a Parcelforce website Dear Alex , I am not expert ,I think they will as long as it's blade is blunted . I have forward your email onto my manager but I think they will just say what I have already sent on to you and say you will need to look and read the prohibited goods on our website . Do you have an account with Parcelforce ? Kind regards Executive Customer Service Team Parcelforce Worldwide CEO Office

Looking above, they have not updated or we are looking at the wrong site. Just sent her a link and asked, all a bit confusing. Retail Prohibitions and Restrictions | Parcelforce Worldwide

Reply below. Dear Alex , Thank you for your email . Bladed items are still not allowed to be sent but do you normally send the same sort of antique swords and are you sending them inland and internationally . My manager has said if you can send in photograph of the item, full description we can ask someone to double check for you This information should be on our website Prohibited Bladed Items Hunting/combat/survival type knives, daggers, movie knives that promote violence (such as Rambo or Crocodile Dundee style knives), replica fighting knives, throwing knives, machetes, swords, fantasy knives, knives with images or words that suggest use for violence, stiletto knives, battle axes, open razors/folding razors and any similar items are prohibited and cannot be sent. Also see Arms, Ammunition and Weapons. The following are not prohibited and will instead be treated as Restricted Bladed Items, provided the only intended use is one of the permitted uses listed below: Bladed items that are: commonly used for sporting activities; commonly used for religious ceremonial purposes (must be blunted); sgian dubhs (must be blunted and for ornamental purposes); being sent to a recognised museum; commonly used in historical re-enactment (must be blunted); commonly used in theatrical productions (must be blunted); and antiques. Note: in order to avoid your item being treated as prohibited, in the event of any checks it would be helpful to include supporting documentation to enable us to verify the relevant permitted use listed above. Important: Items intended by the person sending or receiving it to cause injury to a person are always prohibited and will be treated/handled as such regardless of whether or not they fall into one of the permitted uses above. In addition, see Arms, Ammunition and Weapons which are also prohibited regardless of whether or not they fall into one of the permitted uses above. For guidance on sending these types of items internationally please see bladed section under restricted Bladed items – “Knives” or “Blades” defined by s141A Criminal Justice Act 1988 or ‘Bladed Products’ as defined by s41 of Offensive Weapons Act 2019. Such items include, but are not limited to, any knife or knife blade, including cutlery knives, bread knives, knives that can be used for hobbies and trades (for instance, utility knives and snap-off cutters, gardening, camping, bushcraft and farming tools with a blade or any other trade tool that could commonly be described as a knife), butcher knives (including meat cleavers), felling axes, razor blades. Sharp or pointed items – (excludes: (i) knives prohibited under UK law - see Arms, Ammunition and Weapons - and (ii) Bladed items.) Includes, but not limited to scissors, mini chopper blades, food processor blades, sewing kits, knitting needles, syringes, chisels, piercing awls, saws, nails, pins, fishing hooks. These items can be sent with packaging guidelines below: • Package appropriately so items present no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients. • Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. • Wrap each item with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Please Note; Broken glass / broken ceramic items are prohibited from being posted. Kind regards Executive Customer Service Team Parcelforce Worldwide CEO Office

Perhaps for old Tosho tsuba, something like "XXL large old industrial washer"

Out of curiosity. Made it easy for myself and just replied to Parcelforces last email regarding the sword ban. Linked the Royal Mail update. Told them this is great news for antique collectors, and asked if they are following with the update?. Will see what comes back.

Got a replica when i was around 12 or 13, when Shogun was on tv. Long wait after that, and it was only thanks to a girlfriend at the time that had a pc, i was miles behind. Discovered the online Lanes Armoury in my 30s and it was like WOW. Bought a Koto blade signed Kanekado, didnt know enough to appreciate it and wish i could look at it again now. Real long nakago/tsuka. Nice old koshirae and from memory the tsuba was a real good one, Yoshiro Mon type. Had a strange nightmare that night. Returned that and got a papered sword, only one in the shop, Edo Kiyomitsu sword. Kanbun shape. Thinking back, shouldn't really buy swords until clued up a bit.