Alex A

Fair Point Jean, but 2 or 3 is better than 0, one must consider other reasons why someone has a (0). Unscrupulous buyers and sellers set up one off accounts for one off scams. Ive even heard of accounts being set up just so sellers can give their competitors bad feedback. Ive just posted a meteorite to a (0), in what i would call, an high risk country, and i cant pretend that it doesnt concern me, mainly because Paypal always sides with the buyer....a tricky situation may incur, but hopefully not..... Alex.

Im always suspicious of sellers with a (0), furthermore, im always suspicious of buyers with a (0). Alex,

Richard, I can do better. Once I had a package turn up that looked like an Alsation had been chewing on it, the contents where not even in the box, they where in a clear plastic bag along with the torn box and an apology from the postal service. Luckily, nothing was missing. Alex.

I want one Alex.

Ouch!, cheers Peter..... Alex.

How safe is it buying online from an auction like this?. Ive always been interested, not just for nihonto but other items aswell, just never got round to it. I notice the condition of the blades is not advertised and that you need to request a report, how accurate are these reports?. I can see how folk may be tempted by some of the lower end priced items. Alex

Never seen so many Kabuto and armour for sale in one place, cool. Alex.

And finger :D . Alex

Joe, perhaps folk could be of more help if you photograph the rest of the sword and maybe give a brief description. Alex.

The sale of imitation nihonto blossomed during the running of that show, i was guilty, still have it. still looks cool :D Alex.

Me too, great series, as a lot to answer for :D Alex

Be careful Joe, sharp sword and bare feet is a bad combo, could really ruin those nearly matching socks of yours . Alex.

Joe, I am curious as to how you would judge a blade "beyond repair".What you may think is junk because of hagire etc may be important work, and worth saving. Alex.

You cant quibble for that price, with the gun included, it makes the sword a freebie!. The patina on the Tsuba looks unusual, has someone had a go at wet and dry?, or is it just the pic?. Alex.

A gent. Stories like this often get me thinking about the famous missing Honjo Masamune blade. Alex.

Now i see, cheers John. Alex.

Probably a silly question, why would someone go to the trouble of putting in silver inlay, only for it to be lacquered?, unless the silver inlay was not lacquered over?, just something that springs to mind when i see a decorated kokinko tsuba. Alex.

Some late muromachi Tensho koshirae have very small tanto sized tsuba. Alex.

Mike, for piece of mind, i would have a new shirasaya made, not too expensive. Alex.

I see the assembly police have arrived, joking Mariusz . I do agree. A koshirae done badly is a waste of money and time, some may say a koshirae done well is still a waste of money and time , keep the original shirasaya!. Parts can be difficult to come by, it can take years. As for pricing, there are traditionally trained craftsman who are reasonable, allthough expect to be in a que for a while. Wanting a blade in koshirae is down to ones own taste, the blade can still be appreciated. If the parts are correct, the rest of the work is traditional and authentic, what harm can it do, besides blow a huge hole in your pocket. Alex.

Agreed Christopher, assembling can be educational and a pain in the ass :D.Im sure the experts in this field will advise you. Alex.

Hi Cristopher, if you dont mind me asking, if you are not a fan of military mounts, then is it really worth the hassle and expense? Alex.

Fully agree Clive, ive been to the smaller arms fairs, hoping to get to the Birmingham arms fair next year. Work gets in the way most on most occasions, including the northern token society meetings. Il have to look into the auction side of things up this end. Alex.

Hi Clive, i could have worded that better, i agree. No names mentioned, but the only other walk in shop in the Uk that i know, i would not buy from, or would not recommend. Thats from personal experience and advice taken from others. "If" there any other shops then i would like to find out more about them. I know there are few reputable dealers who sell online, my comment was not aimed at them, neither the few folk who sell occasionally who we all know. Armsfair purchasing is not for me, the only guy i new of was Bill, and with the misses being a scouser it was just easier for me to nip in town. I suppose with your knowledge Clive, it makes buying at arms fairs that little bit safer . Alex.

Silly bird :D Alex.