David Flynn

Personaly, I do my own research where ever possible. However, when it comes to texts in Japanese, I come to an end. Harry Afu Watsons Translations of Nihonto Koza and Fujishiro are worth their weight in cocky kack ( an Australianism for priceless ). I applaud any site, which promotes Nihonto study. E.g. Richard stein's and the now defunct Jin soo kim. However, no site is Perfect and only time will tell if this site will be of any value. I for one, wish this site every success.

Next year at the Chicago sword show, the NTHK npo will hold a shinsa ( authentication certification ). Check, Mid Western Token Kai for dates

I believe, the idea is to have as much information as possible, on the one site. I don't believe the intention is to criticise other sites. Unfortunately, egos do become involved, which is a pity, but alas that makes us human. I hope that egos may be put aside for the benefit of everyone. If this venture fails, I still applaud the attempt. Maybe, if due credit is given to all contributory sources maybe it will succeed. It is easy to criticise, even if there is no intention of condemming.

I would like to inform this forum, that Andres Pedraza, has begun a nihontopedia: http://nihontopedia.com for the dissemination of Nihonto studies. I personaly applaud Andres and wish this site every success. I also hope that members of this forum, will contribute where ever and when ever possible

Eric, perhaps it is a boys katana

Rob, they are sure to be ok for martial arts. They are not true NIHONTO.

Rob, one of the main things you have to realise, is the difference in price between real and replica. The advice given so far is all correct. However, may I suggest that you also check out some of the dealers sites. This will show you what to aim for. I am not trying to suggest that you only buy from a dealer, I'm only saying this is generaly the quality we strive for. Definately join a club ( hopefuly there will be one close ) and definately start reading. Also, as Stephan suggested, go to arms shows and see whats for sale and how much. Again though, remember a little knowledge is dangerous. Most of us have probably lost money on swords they thought were ok. Good luck.

Thank you very much Richard. I enjoyed the videos very much and it was very good of you to share them.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE WORLD, ONE LEADER David

Unfortunately, we poor collectors in Oz tried our hand at a Sword Soc. But alas, Not enough support was forthcomming and the ship sunk David P.S. Wer'e stuck with you yanks

not very good with german (obviously) but I thought it was thunder oops David

Donder und Blitzen, Mein her :D David

Truly excellent set. They had 50 or 60 sets at the San Francisco show and they sold them all by Saturday. David

No bad karma for him :lol: David

It is still one of my favourite movies. Also, although a good movie in its own rite, leaves the Magnificent 7 for dead :D David

I think the point Wang is trying to make, is to take some, to most of the guess work out of Kantei. I believe this is a good idea. Most of us know of sword submitted for shinsa with one orginization, being bounced, then passing at another Orginization. This proposal has no intention of removing the sword as an artform. Beauty is Beauty! However knowing some of the how and when must be an advantage. David

The name Tadayoshi is one of the bigest names of the Shinto period. It is also one of the most, if not The most Gimei names there is. For the best info, go to Roger Robertshaw's site Hizen Swords. David

This is a nice piece, even though it's Gimei. I would even consider, removing the Mei and resubmiting. David

Macro is great. The only problem with it is light source. If you are using onboard flash, it can miss your object. However if you have a good light source, then macro is great. David

Who said size dosen't matter David

I was so distracted by the sword, I didn't notice the attire. Thanks Milt,You have a keen eye David

We here in Australia take being in the military seriously. Thats why our Prime Minister has told the UN that we would contribute to the Multi national force in Lebanon. So, as soon as we recruit him and train him, we'll send him on his way David

It problably got through because it dosen't have an exceptance stamp. David

I love blonde haired blue eyed samurai women who can handle a big sword David

Milt before you buy it, why not ask the dealer David