jeremy

Hi Guys, Quick question. Is it true that nie deki blades in general are more brittle than nioi deki blades, and does that mean theyre more prone to snapping/breaking on a bad cut rather than bending? Thanks in advance. Jeremy Hagop

Hi Brian, Thanks for the information. Is there anyone in the U.S or anywhere else besides Japan and Australia, that i could send my blade to to straighten it, without having to get it polished? Also,hypothetically speaking, would a kink in the blade such as this one affect the cutting ability of the sword? Would a samurai have used a blade with a slight kink in it for cutting? Thanks, Jeremy Hagop

Thanks for the advice fellas. Even with a good quality camera it would be hard to take a good picture depicting the kink, as it is barely noticeable. Does it sound like a serious issue, or could it just be left alone? Do you know anyone who you can refer me to specifically that can fix this problem. I am located in Australia, just for your information. Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Hi guys, Ive just purchased a koto blade which needs to be straightened. It has a kink or a twist in the middle of the blade, seems like it has been bent in the past, and someone has straightened and created a kink in the blade. It isnt all that bad, it still fits in the saya properly, but who can I send my blade to, to get it fully straightened, without having to send it to Japan? Thanks, Jeremy Hagop

Thanks for the replies guys. I have also read that many shinshinto blades were made with fukure in them, and also many with kitae ware too. My next question is, did many highly rated swordsmiths made swords which had fukure in them, or was it mainly lesser smiths who made works with these flaws in their swords? Thanks in advance, Jeremy Hagop

Hi guys, I have a question that I havent been able to find the answer to anywhere. How does a fukure turn into a fukure yabure? When/how does the blister open up? Does it open up during forging, or does the unopened fukure open up from cutting/using the sword? Thanks in advance, Jeremy

Thanks for all the input everyone. I guess theres no real difference in jihada when it comes to sharpness and strength of a sword blade. What the senior student was talking about is that he believes itame hada, or ko-itame hada make a more cohesive blade, hence more suitable for cutting. Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Just recently I have been told by a senior student in my class that swords which have a mixture of itame hada and mokume hada should not be used for cutting, but those swords which only exhibit only itame hada should be used for cutting? Anyone care to share their thoughts?? Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

The Sydney Token Kai study group is pleased to announce a NTHK Shinsa and Japanese Sword and Kodogu Show (taikai) to be held at Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia, 20th to 22nd March 2009. The NTHK shinsa fee structure has been finalized and will be Swords: submission A$100, pass A$100 Koshirae: submission A$100, pass A$100 Fittings: submission A$50 , pass A$100 Volunteers are presenting the taikai from the Sydney Token Kai with help from other collectors from Australia and New Zealand. The taikai will consist of educational events, dealer’s room and an auction for Legacy. Legacy is a charity that raises funds to support the widows and children of deceased Australian war veterans. In addition all proceeds above the running cost of the taikai will be donated to Legacy. At this time we are preparing the educational content and would like to hear from those amongst the nihonto scholarly community who would like to be involved and share their knowledge. The organizers can be contacted on info@sydneytokenkai.com . So far we are grateful for the commitment from some eminent members of the nihonto community. Dr. Gordon Robson, director of the NTHK will be presenting a seminar and display on Ko-Kinko and Ko-Goto fittings as well as a display of important koshirae. Sword polisher and acknowledged expert on nihonto for over 50 year, Bob Benson will be presenting the development of the Tanto from Heian to late Edo period. The Sydney Token Kai will be presenting important swords and fittings from Australian and New Zealand collections and will host a Sword etiquette class. We are looking at adding more content to fill two full days of education. Once all the details have been finalized, including hotel location and booking procedures the website will be finished and uploaded to http://www.sydneytokenkai.com . A further announcement will be made at that time. Please feel free to copy and paste this announcement to other message boards and forums where the members may find this of interest. - Adrian S (Event Coordinator) Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Hey guys, I sent my shinshinto blade to Japan last year in September for some restoration work, i.e polishing and a new copper habaki to be made. How long does it usually take from your experiences to get a sword back from Japan? I should also note, that the blade isn't being submitted for shinsa. Only restoration work is being done. The agent whom i sent my blade through keeps telling me that it wont be too much longer etc... Whats your experiences?? Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Thanks for the help guys. The reason he wants a Nihonto, and not a foreign made Japanese style blade is because he travels to Japan about once a year for his Iai training and needs to take his swords with him. The non-nihonto will be confiscated at customs in Japan. That was the reason FWIW. Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Hi Guys, Ive spoken to him about it, but he says there will be strictly no cutting, only for kata and display was his words. Sounds crazy to me too, but what can you do? :? He still wants to know if it would be possible to mount the blade in koshirae judging by the pictures. Any answers....?? Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop

Hi guys, My friend really wants to buy a particular sword from Aoi Art in Japan. He has opted to purchase the following Rai school sword in the links. He would like to know though, if he will be able to mount the sword in koshirae, seppa, habaki, etc.. even though it appears the hamachi has worn away somewhat. He wishes to keep this as an art sword, and also to use it as a swing around sword for his Iaido training, but strictly no cutting. http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/image/07195-2.jpg http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/07195.html What do you guys think? Kind regards, Jeremy Hagop