hybridfiat

How is your display cabinate designed?

The detail on the kassaki isnt very good, are you sure Jacques? Is it my eyes or has the nakago (tang) been cleaned up? Steel wool or something?

Im a novice here but heres my spin on this; the tsukamaki (binding) is very uneven poorly done. The nakago looks like it was shaped by a blind alcoholic with the DTs. The fushi is poorly cast and the seppa indescribable. Thats it for me the sight is making my eyes bleed.

Reminds me of the debate in the UK over making blunt pointed knives mandatory. What the tossers dont say is that all the crim/gang member has to do is file a point on the damm thing. Typical lily livered, milk sop, weak kneed, gutless politician reaction to a problem that has an obvious but politically incorrect answer. Cane em and then gaol the sods who commit the crimes and you will quickly run out of people who have a prediliction for mindless violence. Small country towns are a good test bed, the police in Katanning where I grew up noticed that after a spate of arrests and convictions all went quiet till the sods got out and then it all started again. Tolerate violence and pamper them and they will multiply. I get sick of explaining to the ignorant PC why I always carry a pocket knife (Opinel). IT'S TO PEEL APPLES! cut bandages and seat belts, winkle the last out of the olive jar and prepare food in a house where a sharp knife is as hard to find as a virgin in NZ. OK I feel better now

Thats a very interesting wak. I have a clear memory of a monster katana in the old Rotunda (Woolwich Arsenal) It was surmised that a sumo wrestler had commissioned it as it was way too big for the average warrior to wave around. It was placed under a normal proportioned katana, the difference was stark. Wish I could see it again. Just for interest my nagamaki naoshi is 31mm + 6.5mm thick + wide at the ha machi and 33mm at the yokote. 15.5" nagasa. Sorry I dont know how thick at the yokote.

I think it is abundantly clear that this "instruction" is directed to owners of new swords made as the site say by "manufacturers". The problem comes when a well meaning but ignorant soul uses this on a real sword and in seconds wipes potencially thousands off the value. But Im sure the author will be as understanding to entreaties to remove this travesty of a "how to" as the average wall

"Sadly, in Western Australia, the "new breed" thinking still holds sway! Great effort everyone...I can only dream of such enlightened progress!!!! George TRotter." George do you think that with the new Govt here in WA a petition of sorts could sway them to pressure the Museum to put the Nihonto on display? They are not like the "pinko, whale hugging PC" crowd that left office. Just a thought Steve

I was skiing in Japan 2007 and stayed at a delightful little inn in Narita only 200m from the historical gardens and temple complex. It's called Kirinoya Ryokan and the proprietor will pick you up/drop off from the railway station and the inn has a very traditional Japanese feel about it. Outside the door of my room was a large glass fronted cabinet full of armour and sundry items related to the samurai. Downstairs is a built in tea room that acts as a display of armour and possibly a shrine to the owners family. I have no idea how genuine the artifacts are but it is very reasonable in price and worth a stay. If you let Katsumata-san know when you are at Narita town station (there is a direct train from Hakuba) (http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi) he will come and pick you up. The hotel is 200m from the most beautiful gardens and temple complex. The “beds” are futons on the tatami mats and you eat trad Japanese food prepared at the Inn. I found the Kirinoya in the Lonely Planet Guide to Japan. Narita station is only 12mins from the airport and it is about $2 for a ticket although they don’t always charge you . I hope this is of some assistance. Im the reviewer 'Fossil' http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... Kanto.html

I would speculate that the shirasaya was made to be functional for a very good reason. No samurai wants to be caught out with a naked blade if his house is attacked.

Welcome to the best site on the web for HONEST and informed info and opinion on nihonto.

A member of "Square Traders" we surely can trust this muppet eh?! Shows what value this little bit of ebay spin has

Just another example of the need for a site like this one to educate and advise. Caveat emptor and why ebay should be avoided if at all possible.

Hi Nathan Id love to see pics of the fuchi and kashira. Ive found that using a rest like a book or file allows me to steady the camera and keep the same distance from the item. Also use the MACRO setting if you want close ups.

It is more pics and descriptions like these we novices need to raise our standards, levels of discernment and appreciation. Not the $50 fleabay specials that provoke flame wars and resentment "........full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing" (with apologies to Will S)

I HAVE to have one! Well done! Im now seriously thinking of making a tsuka for my golfing umbrella to replace the wood handle thats stuffed. We havnt quite got to that point of lunacy here in WA. 2 freinds told me how the police in Bunbury (a large town) sent them from the cop shop down the main street to their car carrying a shotgun and a high-powered rifle because "they are licensed to you and we trust you". No worries mate!?

I cant make any comment on its technical merits, but I think it is overpriced for the current market. Aesthetically I like it and have one similar (but shorter). I didnt pay anything close to $3500.

I fully agree. I looked at this in an attempt to get the " taste" of the warped kissaki out. I aspire to owning a sword like the one in the link.

Very nice indeed. It looks almost identical to my latest purchase. I hope to have that polished in the near future too.

Cheers Peter, Ill do that.

There is a function that can be downloaded into windows explorer that will allow you to veiw the Japanese text Ive done it but cannot remember how. Try tools internet options languages

Thank you for all the help. Unfortunately Jean we may be leaving Paris on the 14th. Our plans are still open to change however. Im quite excited as it has been many years since I visited Paris. I was 16 and was accompanied by my aunt and uncle (in their 20s) and we stayed in The Belle Vue (Montmartre if my memory doesnt fail me) . I had a wonderfull time and have longed to return.

Thanks, Im disappointed about the tower. Many years ago they had a magnificient collection that had been made for one of the british royals (Victoria I think) there were sword blades, yari, naginata and arrows all with the same hamon. Ive pics at home of it. 1987 from memory.

Can someone suggest anywhere I can visit to see nihonto? Im going to the tower and I believe theres some there, is there a good display in or close to London? Cheers

Call me fussy but the kissaki looks badly shaped and the fittings look cast. The menuki appear to be recent copies. Just my humble opinion.

Thanks Ian. The swords were definately there. I was last there in 1987 and the cabinet was on the left as you entered the tent/building and about 15' away, quite close to the ballbearing clock. It was a horizontal display cabinet and the "sumo's" sword was at the top. Below it were 4 other blades. All were Japanese. Ive photos somewhere at home but it will take me some time to dig them out. Thanks for the reply, Ill be sure to check out the Royal Armouries when we visit this year.