tengudori

Hi, Thanks guys. Jean, I will proceed with caution. I guess grinding or scratching the blade is a good way of hiding flaws if the seller desires to do so, kind of drastic though. Pierre G.

Hi, I was trolling e-bay and saw this, the blade itself looks as if it was put to the grinder, the hommon can somewhat be seen, the tsuba/tsuka/menkqui,fushi and koshari look OK. I've been looking for a project blade (at a resonable price) to practice some polishing. I was wondering if this is an authentic Japanese blade or a China scrap, I having trouble deciding. http://cgi.ebay.ca/J388-Japanese-REAL-O ... dZViewItem Thanks Pierre G.

Hi, I have an interest on how tsuba is made/constructed, single layer and multipul/sandwich, how the reliefe carvings are done, inlays and so on. I would like to try and make one. If anyone could point me in the direction of some resources on techniques concerning this area it would be greatly appreciated. I've got the fire, the hammer and an anvil, but I've always found that some reading saves on arm wear :D . Thanks Pierre G.

Hi, thanks Brian, yes your most probably right about the type of wax. After having goggled the subject as you suggested, that must be it. I will check with him for more specifics, I just couldn't see a museum doing things that would potentially damage objects. I think the word "Floor" is what freaked me out about the wax thing. Strining up was the kindest thought that crossed my mind...launching a misguided rescue effort is what my initall reaction was, but those never end really well :D As for me, I'll be sticking to the wipe, power and oil method. Pierre (sigh of relief) G.

I was about to pose a question along the same lines, the only difference is that the blades are in a display (museum) and is not stored in a scabbard. A freind of mine who works there said they coat the blades with wax (floor wax) because it holds the shine, displayes/appears better and will not damage the blade. I was shocked, but preserving and displaying is there buisiness. I had wanted to know if this is an accepted way of preminantly displaying blades, all I know about keeping my blades in good condition I've learnt from the Nihonto MB and wax has never come up before or I missed it. Anyone have knowledge on the mysterious ways of museum preservaton? Pierre G.

Hi Jean, thanks for the welcome, I don't think I expressed myself properly though, I ment to say I just joind the French message board, I been a member of the Nihonto MB since about June. It still amazes me at the diversity of the membership, and the co-opperation between the different sites, I've learnt so much and continue to do so. Hummmmm mother country ehhhh :D Pierre G.

Hi, I just registered for the forum, haven't gone though the whole site yet but from what I seen it very well done. Being from the province of Quebec where English and French have co-existed for quite some time (mostly in peace :D ), I'd be glad to help with any traslation problems as best as I can. To the persons who setup the message board...Bravo Pierre G.

Hi, Thanks all, I'll pass on the info. As far as machine made katanas go, it really is a nice piece. Pierre G

Hi, an aquaintance showed me an NCO Shin Gunto Katana, just pulled it out of the closet the other day to my complete amazment, go wonder. He aquirde it 17 years ago. I was stunned to see the condition, it looked untouched except for the usual wear around the Habaki and such, the saya has a few minor wear marks, the blade still has it's shine, no file marks, a couple of scratches at the tip of the Kissaki, everything about it was right. It's pre 1945 and is the second type made (painted Aluminum Tsuka). He asked if I could find out how much it would be worth today. he's not selling, just curious. Thanks all. Pierre G

Hi, yes Ebay evil. I'll stick to using it strickly for entertainment purposes :D some of the prices Woohoo.

Thanks for the reply and comments. I've checked out some of the blades on link you sent and am still reading the discriptions. I've been sitting on the fence for awhile... Pierre G

Hi, I'm new to the message board, Ive read many of the posts and am impressed with the coopperation and knowledge of the members. I don't own any swords but I do have a small collection of books. I currently looking for a starter blade and was wondering if anyone could offer an oppinion on this wakizashi. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :WNA:US:12 I was wondering if the rust and pitting on the blade would be too expensive to polish out (not a full art polish). Pierre G