Uechi

I easily found the NBTHK Shinsa Standards. I have not been able to find the Shinsa Standards for NTHK and NTHK NPO. I would appreciate some guidance on where I may find them.Thanks JDromm

I am not naming names but there was one individual that I know personally having had dinner with him and his wife on several occasions back in the 80's. Provided him with money to purchase me a decent sword ( I was a brand new collector ). I was assured that he could find me something I would be satisified with and would not be the usual type of junk you now see on E-Bay. He took my money and basically used it for a year returning it after that year without a sword or even an adequate explanation. He had an interest free loan for a year. I have also talked to several prominent dealers who confidentially told me to watch out for certain sellers. Enough said. Used car salesmen would be refreshing but down right lies amd deception is another matter. Fortunately as in most professions/businesses the majority of people you come across are helpful and honest. They are smart enough to know the Nihonto group is small and word gets out.The key words remain " Caveat Emptor" JDromm

Let me ask you a question if you were selling an expensive item would you rather have cash in hand or a check?There are advantages to cash and you know what they involve on a state and federal level.

Good show with a nice selection of items and of course over priced nice items and junk. Many high quality, honest dealers and the usual crooks. The sword etiquette talk and the tameshigiri were excellent. All in all a good show, but basically kept my money in my pocket. Everything I liked was beyond my means.Saving my pennies for next year. J Dromm

The key word is lens cloth. Yes the the small square cloths. J Dromm

I have read and been told that microfibre lens cloths are just as good as the cleaning paper provided in qualith nihonto cleaning kits. Interested in experiences with the cloth and any recommendations on brands. Thanks J Dromm

Leather works great for taking up the slack when another sepa won't fit or is extremely tight. I have used it with great results and not difficult to shape.

Sounds like damage from super glue used to cement the felt. Cyanoacrylates can be corrosive. The solution is wash the felt first then use a non corrosive glue or forget the felt inserts altogether. I have never had a problem with felt for swords or firearms. Remember that felt is absorbent. If you handle it with sweaty or oily fingers you are going to transfer that to the felt.

A Katana from the Nambokucho period with a wonderful O-Kissaki of course made by one of many outstanding smiths. 2nd an Yoshioka Ichimonji. Either one in Juyo.

Got minimal start back in the late 1980's with Florida Token Kai. At the time not much interest in older more knowledgeable collectors helping newbies. Can't remember ever having a meeting. It was all about selling swords. At the time,I neither had the money or the time to pursue and interest that I never lost. Retired now and 67. Lots of time and a little more money. Love the whole topic. It is an enormous challenge just to not be a complete ignoramus. Great fun learning. J Dromm

Thanks John J Dromm

Chris. I can do most plumbing and electrical till the cows come home, but wood work is not my forte. Hope to meet you at the Tampa Sword Show are you coming? JDromm

I can certainly make a stand and probably a good one,but I don't like half ass quality. If I can find someone that has already done the leg work or who is more handy with designs why would I not take advantage of that knowledge? I would no more start tuskamaki without reading all the information I could find and then practicing before I made a serious attempt. Just because you aren't handy with tools doesn't mean you have no artistic talent. Im sure there are plenty of Japanese swordsmiths that would never attempt a plumbing or electical wiring job. No offense taken but the two tasks are totally different.

Ah, the key word " craftsmen" which I am not. Not completely helpless with a saw,wood, and screws I'm not going to be winning any design rewards for wrapping stands. lazy I was hoping someone a little handier had some good instructions to help the feeble minded, like me. As I mentioned, Buck shows minimal info in his booklet. His website Tsukamki net shows links to plans. When you click on them nothing happens I have made at least 6 attempts to contact him by e-mail via his site and directly with no response. I'm done with Mr. Buck.

Not much that I can find online for building your own Tsukamaki wrapping stand. Minimal information in Buck's booklet. Montanairon sells the stands for $250. No other stands or plans to be found. It amazes me that someone hsn't started making these for sale to the Nihonto community. I guess there aren't that many people interested. Anybody have good plans with detail on how to build a quality wrapping stand? Thanks in advance. JDromm

Thanks Chris realized it just after I hit submit. JDromm

Thanks Chris any idea what the last character is? JDromm

I have an Omori style Fuchi with the artist's inscription. The first looks alot like "Teru" but isn't quite right. The middle character Im pretty sure is "Hide" and the third character I haven't got a clue. As you can tell I am new to Nihonto and related topics and have very little experience translating kanji. Any hlep would be appreciated [attachment=0]omori_edited-2.jpg[/attachment] JDromm

Sorry,you have me at a loss I don't know who David is nor his last name. Regards, Jeff Dromm

I'm looking for a source for a Tsukamaki wrapping stand. Several sites show do it yourselfers. I'd prefer to buy one already made. Does anybody know of a US source for these stands? Thanks in advance. Regards: J A Dromm

Thanks Jeff Dromm

From what I have reaad any good tracing paper will work for Oshigata. Any suggestions on any brand/s? I assume domestic tracing paper that is thin would work but I don't have a clue. Thanks in advance.

As I new member to the forum I've been examining the posts with interest. When it comes t0 -obay. I have purchased several mediocre cheap swords just to get my feet wet. I caution you to be careful with this vendor. His photography is deliberately vague and his descriptions are not entirely accurate. He likes to use the term "no forging flaws" when he should say" no fatal forging flaws." Both swords I purchased had Kitaeware. One had numerous examples. When I pointed out his inaccurate descrpitions. I originally received no response. Subsequently he posted a sword that he said was almost mint. What he neglected to mention or show easily in his photos was the damage to the bohi. When I examined the photos by enlarging I asked him a question about this. In fairness to him he answered honestly that there was damage. I withdrew my bid with his agreement. Subsequently he blocked me from bidding on any other swords. This is alright with me because I had learned my lesson. As always it is Caveat Emptor( let the buyer beware). It is highly unlikely I would ever buy a another sword on e-bay. Lesson learned, fortunately cheaply.