Rickisan

brillone - Not so recently...I was walking in your shoes. The same desire for an authentic peice of history. I asked advice on the board, bought many books and surfed many reputed sites all the time. At first the prices posted on the big sites led me to believe I would never own a sword on a beginner budget, but after a few emails... I found some sites may have items not shown. Either new and not posted yet...or not important enough to list...yet. My first purchase was listed at $3500 on a "big reputable site"...but they let me have it for $2000. I was allowed to make very low payments for a few months to make it happen. (Keep in mind it was a wakizashi, but from a very reputable seller) I think I got lucky...most people had good things to say on the board. I really believe that everyone is hurting for cash(including sellers)...and making an decent offer will always be considered. I found that sometimes the big sites are flexible. Have to get money to pay for gas somewhere.... Dont give up yet....but I would save a bit more, so you can make a better offer. Just my 2 cents :D Rick

Yitzy - I have it...what info do you need? Rick

Well guys, here are the last pics. Special thanks go out to Stephen for the Hi-Res pics, shipping/packaging and leg work. "Oyabun" is highly reccomended for your Nihonto needs...and a valuable asset) :D Rick

Todd - Thanks... I am sending it over to Stephen (the Mod) He always hooks me up with the nice "Hi Res" shots of the entire blade= Rick

Thanks Jean - I am in the cobweb with you. Everytime I get an new Item...I swear its good enough, and I dont need anymore. I dont seem to be listning to myself very good- So now I find myself saving up again...thinking of shooting for a Juyo on the next one. Rick

That should be enough, unless anyone wants more...thanks for looking! Let me know...good or bad...what you think. Rick

second set....1 more coming(unless you need more!) Rick H-

Good Morning ! This is my first Katana. I just wanted to share pics with everyone because I think she is a beauty. Many of you had encouraged me to save up for something a little nicer...I think this fits! Be gentle…and tell me how I did! Here is my shot at a write up. Some is what I know from the seller, and what I have found looking thru the books. Signed; Ura - Echizen Ju Omote -Kazusa no Kami Fujiwara Munemichi He is listed as Chu Jo Saju- Nagasa is 2 Shaku 9 Bu, which is roughly 63.33cm or 24.93inches.(if I did it right) It has tight itami hada with Masame through the Shinogi. There is Jinie. Konie Deki Gunome and O Gunome Midare with Tobi-yaki. Figures are strewn with profuse and striating Konie Sunagashi in which the Nie are Hakikake swept. Bright Kinsuji cuts Niju through the Yakiba. Boshi is an even Saagari Chumaru with falling lines of Kinsuji. Nice dark patina envelops the Machi-Okuri Nakago. There are two Mekugi ana. A nice gold covered Habaki A dark "Tiger-Stripe" Shira-saya with Saya-gaki,(I'm still not sure who wrote it ) I'm told Munemichi first signed Munetsugu. Shimosaka town of Kanbun era, Echizen. Sugatanikurouemon? 1st Generation - Kanbun 1661. A few more pics up in a bit- Rick

I can vouch for Stephen also! Being overseas, I send everything thru Stephen. From items going to and from polishing, and shinsa help also. His service is always more than fair. And you dont have to worry about your stuff knowing he is on the job- Rick

Thanks Milt - She is a beauty ! I picked mine up at http://www.togishi.com/ Bob seems to have a few new editions lately - Rick

Good Morning ! I just bought a tsuba and thought i would share a couple pictures with everyone. I know there are a few guys here that like Hawk/Falcon theme. Hawk in Pine tree and Sparrows sentoku tsuba, wakizashi size. Size: 6.7cm ht x 6.3cm w x 4 mm thickness. I think the detailed carvings are nice, and design is a pretty common theme. And in hand,(as always) its much more beautiful, with a deeper patina. Hard to capture all the little details. From what I can dig up in books/internet...its most commonly described as, "hawk attacking or hunting sparrows." A small description was sent along with the item, that is interesting also thought I would share it and see if any of our tsuba guru's would agree or like to leave any input. - A common sight in our summer skies is a bird of prey, be it hawk or falcon, set upon by a few determined little enemys that dart in, strike with beak and wings, flit to safety and return again to attack the bedevilled,"master of the skies" until it is driven to refuge. Their speed and determination leave him helpless to defend himself. The moral of this story and its meaning when illustrated in Japanese art is plain: bravery and the will to press home the attack against any apparent odds will win. And that is the heart of Bushido- Thanks for taking a look- Rick

I dont see a smiley that expresses how nice the high res picture is- Wow...those are beautiful pics. VERY nice blade I'm gessing this is going to be sent off for Shinsa. Rick

Stephen- Holy cow... I might have got something right. HHFA (hell has frozen over) This book collection is coming in handy What about the other side... Rick

Stephen - Flipping thru the Connoisseurs Book it looks similar to So no Kurikara,"highly simplified dragon winding around a sword." Can the other side be considered horimono too...like Goma hashi,"chopsticks used on altars of Shinto shrines?" Rick

Keep in mind we have a new lady in the forum... We wouldnt want to set a bad example Rick

I like that tsuba Stephen.... I seem drawn towards the strange ones. Of course my choices are not all that good. Is it a common theme? Rick

Mr. Morita- Thank you very much... :D Rick

Good Morning- Trying to take a stab it this... (yes this smiley could be a self portait at this point) My book collection isnt very helpful, I taking guesses at ,"naka"...then maybe "mura" If anyone can put me out of my misery that would be great. Would hate for my eyes to stay like this.... And or reccomend a book...or nudge in the right direction? Regards, Rick

kanetoyo- I havent saved up enough loose change to purchase one of your fantastic items.... But, I find myself leaving your page open just to listen to the background music. Very relaxing music...who is it? Rick

Perhaps its the corkscrew/opener for what ever hes drinking Rick

Stephen - I like the blade,...there seems to be some activity there. Although she is not the pretteist girl at the party,(at the moment)... I think you are right, after a polish she will be a screamer. Anything else from the auction going up for sale yet? Rick

My thanks to everyone... Rick

Reinhard- Thanks for the detailed answer, I really appreciate it! Rick

Mornin' Gang- I've read that some smiths,(like Kiku Ichimonji) were given permission to engrave the Imperial Chrysanthemum mon on the tangs of his swords, as a rewards for his service. And I know what they look like. My question is...while glancing thru my Directory of TOKEN YORAN by Iimura Kasho., I noticed a simlar kind of engraving on a blade. I was hoping someone could shed some light on it, give it a name, or what its purpose is. Again, Ive only seen it in one book, and cannot read kanji very good. Please check out the attached picture. Thanks for any help.. Rick

Thank you for the info Ed :D Rick