bollefen

Still Available? PM me I'm in CT

In sending Nihonto from the US to Germany or France, USPS regs stat no arms or weapons can be shipped. However, these are also Antiques. How would I ship a Shinto Blade in buke zukuri from the US. USPS and declare it an antique ignoring the arm/weapon restriction? Alternate shipper ...any suggestions? The last time i did this was a while ago and I declared it as antique iron work art. The Post Office fellow recommended this when I asked him. I use him domestically and the position at the local office is that as far as they are concerned, not being a contemporary weapon or arm, it is allowable as antique art. help bill

I think that Brian has captured the essence of what I was trying to say about study swords. To me they are all study pieces, except the worthless ruined junk typically called a "study piece" who's only study value is to educate you on how you should not waste your money :lol: bill

Interesting thread. I'm not generally a contributor, long time lurker. Many have "described" study pieces, etc but I would like to see what we all mean, any pics? Haven't gotten one of the rough wakazashi yet bill

Hi again, I wanted to clarify something about study blades, I do not subscribe to buying junk. Here is an expample of a study piece for me note the blade is actually nice, in excellent polish etc, but reasonably priced excellent fittings and furniture Here is one of my better swords and finally a blade in poor condition, but sentimental value but still has much to show ah can't find a pic but will post one when i find it, net has pitting, hamon nearly runs off the blade (old,old koto repolished), hard to see any real details noie,nie etc. Kindly, bill

All things being equal, which they aren't, I personally think that books are great, but come second to handling a blade. I'm sure my philosophy is not universally shared, but I think sound. First off I think that holding a blade motivates us to learn. I also collect 2 distinct types of swords. I'm old military and started studying martial arts in the 60s. I have "warrior's blades" with various flaws in battlefield buke zukuri mounts. Having studied Iajitsiu I appreciate a blade that a Samurai used. Not always showy etc, but a weapon his life depended on These are the blades I started with, i was also young and broke. Over time I studied the books and learned a great deal, bought sold and studied many blades with all manner of flaws. Over time, as able I ended up with a handful of stunning blades but still have some battle blades. So i suggest that a parallel have and study both blades and books is good. Many, myself included, would caution you to watch your wallet as there is incredible crap out there. A number of reputable websites offer entry level blades, real, and affordable tha you can purchase and resell and move on as you are ready Good luck in an interesting pursuit kindly, bill

I have had a number of swords stolen by a former polisher. Is there a central registry? At least 2 of them are ereadily identifiable with signatures etc a koto and very nice gendai both in shira saya. I have kept an eye on ebay but nothing. kindly, bill

i presume you think this a ww!! production blade? the tank looks oler than that and is black wher most gunto i have seen have re/orange rust. Also never saw one with a silve habaki? I cannot find anything on the smith, any more info or can you point me someplace can you translate the mei very early military officer mounts per Rich Stein's site bill

hamon

Yokote

Have a blade in pristine officer mount. No arsenal stamp looks traditional made ( have seen enough gunto 95% sure it is not) the fellow i got it from (estate) collected only forgerd blades. anyone good with mei any one offer ideas? rust on tang is black not oreange or red. habaki silver Thanks for any help bill vann