Alex A

Thats is something that is likely to happen only once John. I have managed to re-straighten it, dont ask me how i went about it, lets just say its back to normal, very nearly anyway Alex.

Hi Thomas, the tip is fine, probably too fine for my liking. I understand now why there is a need for an iaido polish. Alex.

Cheers guys, its a strange one. Hopefully just something ive missed. Alex.

I am aware that when sheathing a katana its mune side down. Is there anyone out there who has ever damaged the very end of the kissaki whilst doing this. Im talking about the very fine point on a sharp kissaki. A while ago i noticed the very tip of one of my swords had a slight bend, hardly visable, im talking minute, but it is there. Ive never bumped it, im always careful. It was either there and ive never noticed it or ive done it when sheathing the blade, is this possible? Alex

HaHa, will do

Hi Thomas, that nakago sure tells a story!.Weird really, some freinds who come to my home think having such items in the home is unlucky, i cant say my luck as changed since starting this hobby but i do think about what these items have been through during the years. Cutting tests, war, etc etc...They do say the soul of the samurai is in the blade!, sorry, this would be a better post on halloween. I remember the night i got my first real sword, worst nightmare ever, weird, actually sent that sword back, not for that reason, but maybe it just needed to leave...spooky Alex

Aoi art is the only Japanese dealer that i have dealt with. Im sure someone else will comment. Alex

Hi Stu, the letter you get from the postal service is vague to say the least, ive never recieved one of these letters with a full discription on how the customs came to the figure that you owe.The item isnt that expensive but i am going away on hol friday and the misses will kill me if im hit too hard . The last time i spent £2k on a sword from Japan, the total fees where £160, so not too bad. Its just that i know that mistakes can be made and its a pain in the ass sorting them out. Maybe im worrying too much, hopefully. Alex.

The one thing that bothers me are mistakes by customs, it can obviously add up to a lot. I wouldnt want to wait 6 months to get my money back..I have an item coming in this week, im dreading the letter, and praying its correct. Alex

Hi Stu, its 5% on import duty if the item is over 100 years old. Alex

Ok, ok Adrian, it was your initiative. . well done Alex

Agreed Mariusz, ps its not all crap, i recently bought 10 pair of socks for £3 :lol: Alex

Adrian, isnt this the sword i told you to take a look at when you where on the lookout? Alex

Eh? Adrian, i sell items for what there worth, nothing more, nothing less. Alex

Agreed Adrian, the reserved price is now more expensive..The problem with putting a reserved price on an item is that it actually puts people off. People think of ebay as a place to find bargains. When they see a reserved price it turns the bargain hunter mode in people off. Ive never sold any item with a reserve on it. Alex

HaHa, Mariusz, lets just say il stick to the rules when everyone else does.. Alex.

In my experience, shill bidding is rife on ebay, if i see something of interest with bids on it i always check the bidders history with that seller. 7 times out of 10 they have an history. You cant blame the sellers, ebay and paypal fees can mount up to a ridiculous amount. Sellers need good prices for there items, otherwise theres no point. Alex

Dont think to bad of the sellers who up the price, ive done it myself, so has half the UK. Sometimes you can have an item on there for months on end. To get people interested you need a ridiculously low starting price, a price that you could never let an item go for,a reserved price costs too much. If an item you are selling is near the end of an auction with a price that you cant let it go for then simply get a pal to bid a fair price on it.This can back fire and your item can be left unsold, but at least you have not given your item away.Im not talking about bidding stupidly high prices on items, just fair prices. People should know what there bidding on and stick to there limits. Alex.

I have an item coming in to the UK this week, praying it goes smoothly. Sometimes i think you just need a bit of luck with the old customs folk, depends who deals with it and what kind of mood there in Alex.

I looked at this sword a short while ago, i thought it was good value for a flawless, signed blade in koshirae with a hozen guarentee, i do like the cucumber style tsuba. I hope you get the higher papers but if not then even with the hozen papers then i think you have made a good purchase. Alex.

It does seem unfair that Bungo blades have this reputation, are we talking about blades that where made during the waring period?. Bizen smiths, amongst others also made lower quality blades during this period to supply the lower ranks. I suspect a samurai of that era would be looking for a strong and reliable blade, if artistic value mattered so much on the battlefield then i suspect that a warrior may have taken a paintbrush and pallet instead :D. . Alex.

Where better place to pick up a katana with nice fittings, such as this. Alex.

Hi,i couldnt tell you much about the signature, sorry, but i have shown my misses this post Alex..

I think you done well Adrian, especially if you came in on budget. Alex.

Thats what i thought Jean, looks like someone as used KRUST or similar on the nakago and maybe on the blade...also the habaki looks like its got some black sludge on it. I know you shouldnt clean nikago, but is there a choice here? Alex.