Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, Just posting pictures here for your viewing pleasure of my new koshirae of antique fittings I got for Mukansa Minamoto Moriyoshi done up by Robert Hughes and his craftsman. All the credit goes to him for coordinating and his craftsman for putting it all together. I'll add a picture of the bare blade with the warrior copper habaki and new tsuka separate from its saya when it's done. Enjoy. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Mark, Understood. As for myself my fitness is still top notch, even with my injury. I just have trouble finding a JSA class here since there are barely any. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Thanks all for your input. I wasn’t arguing with anyone Mark. I merely misinterpreted Jimmy’s comment. Thanks for the clarification Jimmy. I’ve emailed the only JSA Iaido class in my town of residence though haven’t gotten a reply. From when I talked to them last they weren’t allowing anyone to attend who had not gotten their vaccines. With the Restrictions Exemption Program in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada suspended I may be able to attend now. I’m waiting for a reply. While Noble House Kenjutsu was in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the school just isn’t around anymore sadly, it seems. Or else I haven’t been able to relocate them since going to class last a long time ago. I’ve heard that their style Shinkage Ryu wasn’t legitimate or they are actually “Royal”, (as in teaching and lineage descends from the aristocracy, nobility of Japan), though haven’t been able to independently verify that. Though a friend who was career ex-police local told me they were legitimate. Still dubious to myself. So I’m doing the best I can do, asking as I’m able with doing what I can have with what I have available until other avenues become available. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Thank you for your replies Mark, Michael and Thomas. I will work on it and ask for that book on that forum when I have other things sorted. My Mukansa Minamoto Moriyoshi is 75.6 cm length with 2.0 cm sori. Nakago has the blade coming out to 99.1 cm's if I remember correctly. Though I do have a disfigured right arm after it healed incorrectly after a dislocation, and while I still can train with it, it will never be the same. So, sometimes I think even after training a sword such as this shape would be better suited due to my injury. For longevitys sake. https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords4/NT328637.htm Though maybe a little smaller like this for size comparison, or made slimmer though still with an extended okissaki. https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-araki-kiyoshigenbthk-hozon-certificate/ Though it's all conjecture at this point. 895 grams being the weight of the sword plus weight of fittings, I know I could move fine with two hands for some time, though wouldn't have long of muscular endurance with one that is for certain. Have a dropped right shoulder. But then mass distribution is different per every single blade so hard to tell if I don't have a blade in my hand. Though I would say after studying as much as I can online and knowing my proclivities I'd go for extended o-kissaki with shallow sori, easier for measuring distance, control. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

It was a legitimate question. I don't need a larger sword to compensate for my less than average height. Please if anyone could provide a serious answer without the sarcasm I'd appreciate it. Have refound this link...from masT40. http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/articleh.htm Though I'm still curious as to others input. Barrett

Forumites, If I'm only 167 cm's, what should be the ideal katana length for myself, nakago and nagasa? Thanks. B.

Yes you are correct Michael (Katsujinken). Wouldn’t be the end of the world if those could not be found.

Jussi, Thanks for the dimensions of the Dew on Grass Sword. As for the Hoke Kaneyasu it was snagged up. Congrats to its new owner. I'm wondering if the blade dimensions that are available would be enough to make a modern copy. Thanks.

Gakusee, Thanks for the pictures bud. That is my favourite blade off of his whole website. Gosh if only I could get it reproduced. Closest I could find to it…shape wise with fuller… https://sword-auction.com/en/product/13320/as22208-刀：無銘法華兼安（特別保存刀剣）/

Thanks for the information David Flynn. Interesting. Also do any of you remember what year this katana is? Sometime in the 16th century?

Do you guys have the measurements that Darcy had for that blade at all? Also thanks for the information Baka Gaijin. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Thanks FZI and Toryu2020. That was it. A beauty.

Good day forumites, I remember this blade Morning Dew being on Darcy Brockbanks website. Any kindness from the forum that could help me get reacquainted with such pictures? Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Celt72, If I learnt how to properly hold a bokken my first kenjutsu class I most certainly can hold a sharp katana. Cultural differences within your training methodologies is really what it comes down to, and the expectations thereof for progression. I know you are concerned about my safety, though come on, being told incessantly, oh you need to have all these points down and so long of a training time. It's just redundant. Please. Bio-mechanics don't change between weaponry. It's just in the Kenjutsu schools they have a certain program, way of doing things which is sacrosanct. And you know they sure as heck love to push those points and harp on it on to anyone who interjects. And of course they think you are incapable if you don't follow their methodology verbatim. I went to the only available kenjutsu class before joining the reserves at 17, to which I was expedited to reserve officer when I transferred to the regular force at 19. You guys aren't speaking to the 17 year old who joined. I'm 32. I can hold a katana properly. I was shown already. Regardless I know you are just trying to be helpful. So thanks. Barrett

Paz Let me clarify because obviously you misunderstood. This thread went tangential with childish replies is what I was meaning. I do plan on getting the upgraded armour for training. I already could get the Iyo Kozane armour though if the funds become available sure I'll get the Gyozin Kozane armour. You can think whatever you want. Frankly I don't give a dang though don't misconstrue what I say. If I had the available JSA amenities to go to of course I'd go. Though real life and work took precedence. Been at the European School since I was 18, before I went to war, where at 19 I was interdicting suicide motorcyclists. First of my company. I most certainly, if able to do that then, at such a young ripe age can practice safely with a Heisei katana, no different than a sharp European war sword. Of which I already have done safely. Still fully intact. No one else has been hurt. Nor myself. Now, generally you people need to give your heads a reality check. Playing Samurai, hah, I was a modern one at 19. Metaphorically of course. If I can handle my weapon safely at that age and put down a Taliban Suicide motorcyclist at danger close, I can certainly have enough respect for any bladed weapon. It's called common sense. But then I forget, oh yeah, a bunch of tight wads reside here who need to be given perspective. Grow up. I am not some childish boy who just woke up today. My innocence was lost when the window exploded from the suicide car bomber to the right side of my face. Especially even more so when after being patched up at the medics the Correctional Services Officer I was doing Close Protection for told me that they thought I had died, after doing immediate pulse checks and were registering nothing. So please take a step back and check yourself. I don't mean any offense. But really you guys absolutely flabbergast me. Fudgicles. If I can carry a 140 pd weight vest for training, train safely with my own gym at home without injury, I most certainly can cut with any blade safely whether it be European or Japanese. Barrett

Fuuten, Heisei blades are okay to cut with. That previous katana sold so I’m offering up my Juyo Token for this blade if I can get appropriately fairly compensated monetarily. The consignor there is getting a better blade by far so I think it shall go favourably. http://world.seiyudo.com/product/ka-080121/ People can say what they will. I am relinquishing my Juyo if able to those who will appreciate it as it is meant to. I have my needs met with this blade. I am listening to the forum. My actions negate the insinuation and childish antics shown by those in this thread. And what people think about me, well not my concern. I have acted honourably. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, I have not yet bought the Sasayama Tokuoki Fuchugashira though I was allowed to put a deposit on it and do layaway. I just wanted it because it is better than this one I originally bought, although I like it too. Due to having Atsuo Imazu get back to me about still wanting to trade my Juyo Token Mumei Nakajimarai Rai katana for his Heisei Sword with 950,000 yen and a custom koshirae being built, I couldn’t pass it up. The sword is Heisei and would be okay for cutting. He is going to meet Ohira-San tomorrow at auction to discuss. Of course I would like to make a little more and have the rest of the armour payment covered as I have already put 6 grand Canadian down on the Gyorin Kozane armor. Considering I paid 2.6 M yen for after consignor cut it is 2.3 m yen I don’t think asking for what I want covered is too much of a stretch. Atsuo Imazu-San was at least willing to go look at it while Tsuruta-San was not. So I am happy. If a fair bargain can’t be struck I’ll just keep the sword and have the koshirae finished being built and have it at home. As for the fuchigashira I have bought this one…and wanted plain fittings to put on the sword as would of been typical for actual swords used in war. Though the exponentially more expensive one matches the tsuba better. Just wanting a dragon theme. So again I am waiting to see what bargain can be struck. Both fuchigashira are cool to me within their price range. This is the link for the dragon tsuba… https://nihontofrance.com/tosogu-2/tsuba-dragon-unryu-shakudo-2/?lang=en The hira-zukuri blade compliments the dragon theme too. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, Let’s get back on track. I did close down my sale for the Juyo Token Mumei Nakajimarai Rai katana since I was just going to cut with my European swords and was going to keep this sword for appreciation only. Sure I’d give it a swing to sate that urge though no more than that. Luckily Atsuo Imazu-San interjected serendipitously, who from Giheiya Japanese Swords, is meeting Masahiro Ohira-San from Shoubudou Ltd. where the sword is held to hold a meeting to discuss my proposal at auction tomorrow. I am hoping to get this sword in place of the Juyo with a custom koshirae built and monetary compensation to cover the remaining cost of the armor and this fuchigashiri for the Hesei blade. https://yuhindo.com/sasayama-tokuoki-fuchigashira/ I’d cover all my bases! And the Juyo sword would most likely go to someone who would appreciate it as it is meant to be appreciated. Plus that fuchigashira would match this tsuba I found and fit in perfectly with the Gyorin Kozane (Fish scale, Dragon theme). https://nihontofrance.com/tosogu-2/tsuba-dragon-unryu-shakudo-2/?lang=en Wish me luck! Hopefully it all comes together! Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Paz, Thanks for your input. B.

Ken-Hawaii, It is because I have to remember my audience. B

Study to me is cutting, practicing kata, familiarizing myself with a blade. I was merely suggesting cutting fruit as a soft medium to not ruin the blade, test out its handling characteristics. I didn’t think that such would be disrespectful to a blade. I would be meticulous with maintenance afterwards. Of course eventually I would get a tameshigiri cutting stand for optimized traditional cutting. If I had a legitimate Ryu available I’d be there. If I could go to Iaido I’d be there. Sadly these things aren’t available. Think what you want. That’s your right. All things wax and wane.

Jimmy, Interesting theory. Thanks for your opinion. B

Precisely.

Darkcon, Well said. You’ve been personally messaged. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert

Forumites, I’m not even going to bother anymore wasting my time trying to explain myself to anyone here. You all have your perceptions and biases, thinking yourselves superior, stemming from your seniority within your JSA background. That is fine. You can feel that way all day. You are offended by what I have to say. That onus is on you. Not me. It has no bearing on what I will do. I am not beholden to your perceptions, expectations. It doesn’t define, limit or control me. Though I do take offence, especially when someone like Jimmy insinuates I’m narcissistic and deliberately take pleasure in contention, provocation of this community. Now that’s drawing a line. None of you know the caliber of my character. You make your opinion based on your minuscule window of inference from what I have chosen to divulge to you. Again that is your perception and expectation which stems from exclusivity within your JSA realm. I’ve learnt my lessons here and I’m very thankful for the illumination that you’ve all provided me. I wish you all well. This is the best I can do right now. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert