Alex A

I feel something has to be said. I think there is more to this than meets the eye. I dont get involved in Rays threads usually because i dont like the way he has been with people in the past with his opinions, condescending from his soapbox. I see enough of that in general life, people on the news etc thinking its only their opinion that matters and if you dont agree, then well. Ive seen Ray over recent years state publicly that a well known and reliable dealer here sells junk, even though they have done business in the past. Ive seen him ruin a thread where a well respected and knowledgeable collector bought a sword that does not meet his criteria. Ive seen him call another experienced collector a ****. I could go on, but wont. Several months ago he was being his usual self and i stated that i wasnt so impressed with his collection (being honest) I listed the Uda, then low and behold a few days later Ray starts this thread (?) At that time i thought thats a bit strange and wouldnt have got involved in this thread but felt i had to. I made my point about sword transisitions at the beginning of the thread. Personally, i think its idiotic and again condescending to state that that folk should not collect suriage Muromachi swords Its an expensive hobby and not all of us have the luxury to shop for valuable swords Saying that though, i have owned and do own some very good quality swords by some great smiths and have been collecting long enough to know what i like without someone dictating what i should buy. The Uda for the money is actually a very great sword to own, see what else that gets you in the UK. Every sword i buy (should i buy another), no doubt will eventually be sold, no one should have to put up with this kind of Trolling. Ray is simply a troll.

Apologies to the 99.9 % for my loss of temper. Im sure most will understand, selling swords is seldomly easy, even without all this. Best.

Is it?, have you ever tried to sell a wakizashi?, even from a great smith?, i guess not, idiot

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE ELSE CAN YOU GET A KOTO KATANA WITH NBTHK FOR THAT PRICE. Im out

A class TROLL, hopefully Brian will see the damage you are doing to this site.

Jeez, cant get over this For the record you thick **$$$%%. I said Muromachi Uda with attributions are rare!!!. This site has reached a level where i no longer want anything to do with swords or people like the muppet above A disgrace ruining genuine sales, especially when im out of a job, you%%%%

Hi Michael, I was referring to any expensive sword, i find them too much of a concern, from handling to shipping. If i win lottery, sure that will change though, just too much responsibility at present. Cheers

I would not like so much money invested in a sword. Contrary to what some folk may think, they actually do mark quite easily, warped saya just one example. Imagine having an expensive katana and seeing such a mark one day ?. If you live next door to a top polisher in Japan and your best buddies then thats ok, but if you live in the UK then the only option is to send it abroad whilst it sits in a queue for god knows how long and is to be honest risky as most know for one reason or another. Leave it alone, de-valued. Some folk want perfection when it comes to purchases and wont accept any blemish. Thats swords.

Sigh. and less of the "tool", i dont take kindly to insults.

Arrogance ? You started a thread and i gave a response regarding the experiences i have had with shipping, thats all. All folk that collect swords must be aware of the risks, hence for some people (as a generality) it may be too much hassle, and understandable. Over and out.

Ok, probably best to stop collecting. That is unless you plan to keep items for the rest of your life or ship yourself. I was threatened a good while ago with destruction, but that was customs, they wanted to see proof of payment. Another concern. Anyways, all good fun this hobby haha

Im not stating you are making it up Adam, the thing with parcelforce or any other big organization is that its who you speak to/deal with on the day. (i have found) Wouldnt advise anyone to state umbrella, cricket bat etc, thats asking for bother. Ive had "antique" " Japanese antique" "antique Japanese art" , for a modern sword "Japanese metalwork art". I would add for "collector" Its always a concern, as employees knowledge is inconsistant and hit and miss, but issues can be worked out. Before they destroy an item they will certainly contact you before hand, or maybe return to sender. The fact is, sometimes we have to ship swords abroad and when any item has not left the country, then obviously i take full responsibility. Best

Well Adam, i can only state how things turn out with my own experiences with shipping. Posted and recieved many arms over recent years, from swords to guns, without issue. Antique works for me, as its an antique and as it has not been held for any reason then i guess they must have been ok with it ? Well packed, with no danger to employees. If you feel it too risky then i would follow the advice above and just deliver yourself. Bst.

Posted a sword yesterday and no issues whatsoever, already has left the country. I would suggest to anyone posting a sword, even within the UK To state clearly "antique, over 100 years old" and the customs tariff which is "9706.00.00.00" Then add a note for customs/parcelforce in the box, should they want to look further, with additional info. All been said before, best to not have delivey companies doing guess work.

Hate to sound like the master from kung fu lol, but for me, talking of a fantasy collection is linked to the long road to disappointment. If you cant be happy with what you can afford, then whats the point of being in this hobby? (as a sword owning collector and not the striver that will never be happy) One must be at peace with what one can afford haha

As "antiques", the dealer did a deal with UPS and UPS will ship to the UK. Seems he spoke and they listened (which makes for a pleasent change) Apparently they have their own planes so no airline issues either. As for destruction this end. Certainly if an item is shipped without the necessary paperwork and labelled incorrectly.

For me, this is more of a "goods in" to the country, rather than a "goods out", which i seldom have an issue with. Not so long ago i was speaking to antique gun dealer in the US, they will ONLY ship weapons using a service that DOES NOT end with parccelforce this side due to the fact they had a number of shipments returned by parcelforce because of their inept ability to deal with weapons/antique weapons. UPS is the only firm they will now use as its UPS from start to finish. Must say, it was bliss. Arrived in no time at all and UPS contacted me to fill a few forms in online whilst at customs with UPS, no hassles whatsoever, and that was an antique firearm!! Just wish it was always so easy. All i can add is be careful when it comes to the wording, well, as best you can.

SOLD, once buyer acknowledges its received, donation to upkeep, as usual

No, il leave, cant be doing with this, good luck with your future write-ups. And as for the d--- business, always meant with a laugh behind it 🤥 🤣

Aye, probably for best Just for the record, Ray not so long ago referred to another member as a c---, but nothing got said

Ok, il look for the none elite department in future, cheers Brian. Or at least a department where elitist views by one individual are not forced upon us, as it seems to be lately Guess times change But hey ho

Hello Ray, to quote "That is a valid point but as I said, to judge anything in terms of its quality you must have experienced great swords" For me, thats utter elite bull---- Ive been sucked in again lol. Ive come to the conclusion you are not worth the time to reply. Ive read 2 of your recent threads and both look like they are intended to wind folk up. This one starts with "If it offends anyone, you are free not to read it, and the other goes on about something we have been over already I actually agree with most of what you stated above, but your so "elite" you cant see the wood for the trees. Take note, not every "expert" comes here. I know guys that will never own a "juyo", but when it comes to knowing what is what, they are way ahead. To coin a phrase, they wouldnt want to get caught up in "bun fights", like this Good luck with your Juyo collecting, keep the guys in business.

Hi Ray, just to be clearer with my reply. You stated Heian to Nanbokucho – OK Muromachi onward – Not OK Cant remember the dates so these are off google Nanbokucho 1336-1392 Muromachi 1336-1573 (lets just say 1392 onwards) Most people forget (me included) that early Muromachi is EARLY. As mentioned above, there wasnt a time when all smiths got on the phone to one another and agreed from that date on, all blades from now on will be the same length. You will see swords dating well into the 1400,s that resemble those of the Nanbokucho period, o-suriage mumei. I would be interested to read your views with regards early swords that are Ubu, but mumei. Again, horses for courses. If you can afford the top swords with all the bells and whistles then thats great. Saying that though, a lot of us are happy at the cheaper end. There is something in accepting what you can afford and being happy with it, mumei, flaws etc, they dont seem to bother me as much, which is good.

Will do Adam, thanks