Spartancrest

Jean C. I collect mainly iron guards, lately I have a growing interest in kawari-gata the more unusual the better, some just don't make any sense to me. I know that wearing swords often involved a fast draw and the one thing you don't want is to get tangled in clothing. I also realize that the tsuka was held out slightly from the body to clear this problem, but why did they take the chance? I have examples that are kawari and exactly the same design with a smooth maru-mimi. I find these mysteries great fun. I had one comment from the Administrator "For the record, we study art. The fact that they are weapons is secondary, but nonetheless important. However there is already 1000 years of tradition that tells us how and what to appreciate. If you think you need to change that, suggest you contact the Japanese. I'm quite happy with the way we do things, and looking at other forums...quite happy with the way we do it too." This is fine but doesn't the heading of this very page state "Dedicated to the Study and Preservation of Genuine Japanese Swords and Fittings." surely this can include even the 'junk' and we all know the Japanese also produced plenty of that. I did not join to cause trouble but the administration also states "Losing my patience with the old accusations of snobbery" Does anyone have the number of accusations- - could be a pattern - ! Dale

I have read a great deal of the sites posts and the reaction to my post suggests that some members are really not good readers. At no stage did I say 'all' members were snobs , newbie or not I can read. Some posts are relevant and fair and everyone should have a right to an opinion. We cant all afford the very best and in its own way that is a good thing. If we all had the very best would that not distort the truth? From a purely historical standpoint don't we need the balance? One comment that I had no experience was dead-set wrong, I have been a collector for more than thirty years and like the rest, that does not mean I know it all. Thanks for some of the kind comments. Dale

I realize a lot of the members of this site are lovers of the pristine, the never used, over decorated- - dare I say decadent types of Tsuba. I have gone the other way and much prefer those Tsuba that were used by the guys who did the fighting not those who stood to gain from it. Even though I am a new member, some comments I have seen made on this site are downright snobbish. Is this a site for enthusiasts or is it for those who want to show off? I noted some time back a discussion on soft metal Tsuba not being 'real battle' guards as they would not deflect a blade from the hand or else be ruined in the process. Can I put my two cents worth in and say that you guys need to look outside the box a bit! There are a great deal of sword types throughout the world that have no guards at all. one instance being the traditional Cossack sabre - do you seriously believe it could never have been used in combat? The existence of Tsuba is NOT solely for defence if it were, an awful lot of weapons would need to be thrown out- tanto for instance, what protection does a tanto tsuba of any material offer other than to stop the grip going up the blade? Dale from Tassie

This is my first post even though I have dipped into some archived material over the years, so I hope you are not too critical. I have just purchased what I hope is an early Saotome tsuba of very large dimensions 112mm x 5mm. As I have yet to receive it all I can post is a rather grainy photo. It certainly looks - - neglected but I hope that with some care It may improve. The question was asked 'Just how big did Saotome tsuba get?' Well mine is pretty big - - if it is a genuine piece and I can't honestly tell from the photo but I am hopeful. Dale from Tassie