jdelayknee

Hi I have an existing post re my father's WW2 swords http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/28254-these-are-my-2-swords-introduction-and-test/ This post is intended to focus on recommendations for parts I am missing and guidance on specific factors associated with repair of the Tsuka for K1, the first of my 2 swords I want to get presentable for family legacy purposes. I am in contact with a few folks and entities that do this work, including some Nihonto Board members. Just about all of them have advised me to shop around for the parts I am missing: Menuki and kashira. The abundance of choices and my desire to remain faithful to the original swordsmith is a significant challenge for me. Maybe you can help with some specific suggestions. The attached picture shows the tsuba and fuchi. I'd like to keep those colors consistent. I'm also thinking the ito should be black silk, matte finish, with the diamond pattern wrap. The lacquer use does not appeal to me but I'm open if there are tradition or aesthetic dimensions I am overlooking. I am still in the discussion phase on choosing a craftsman for the repair. Please keep input to this post neutral and focused on the design/parts and not who should do the work. I asked for recommendations for the craftsman on my original post. You can see inputs there and weigh in if you choose. Or PM me Thanks again for all the help I have received from this forum. This is a great resource. JerryD Belmont, NC

Hi Friends Tsuka repair progress: People suggested through forum so far Tsukamaki - No response after repeated attempts. Not sure they are in business anymore Jizamurai_Customs - Contact info not responsive. Not sure about them in business either The next 2 I found with assistance of Goggle. They appear to be legit and I have initiated contact but no response yet. Shining Moon 13 - https://www.shiningmoon13.com/ Nihonzashi http://www.nihonzashi.com/default.aspx If you have any other suggestions or personal experience with the above I would appreciate input. Thanks

Re: Repair of my tsuka. I contacted Tsukamaki.net the only way allowed - by a message through their web site. This was several days ago and I have heard nothing. I have sent a follow-up message but I'm not impressed with dealing with an outfit that is so un responsive. Does anyone have any other suggestions for getting this done? I'm interested in them using the original parts if practical. I'm worried that if I buy an off-the-shelf part it may not fit properly. Any suggestion for how to proceed will be appreciated. The pictures of my original parts are at beginning of this thread. I have decided to hold off repair of the blade for now. I think a well made/repaired Tsuka will be a huge improvement for the purposes of displaying it to friends and family. The blade has damage but it is "original". Let me know what you think. Thanks Jerry

So, I'd like to address a Plan B for my swords. I'm getting the message that a trip to Japan and a 4 digit $ investment is the only way to go if the steel is to be touched. I do not want to insult the sword or Kanesada, the craftsman who may have made it, but that is not something I can afford. What about repairing the Tsuka (Handle). Not sure if the term "mounts" I've picked up from this forum applies to the Tsuka. Is that correct? It seems that everything except the steel itself might be in this category. I think that might enable me to at least display them instead of condemning them to a closet for eternity. Is there anyone you might endorse that can do this?

Here are a couple of more shots to show condition of the blade. Any thoughts on repair/restore options? Ball Park swags for proper job People that can do the repair and location?

Hello First let me say arigato. It looks like I've found some really helpful people. All your comments and suggestions are helpful, and your points suggesting I commit to study on the subject are well taken. I don't expect you to teach me, I am honored you are giving me the opportunity to learn. I have many more pictures and can take more; Here are a couple.

Hello all, My name is Jerry D. and I'm new to the forum. I am a retired engineer and live in Belmont, NC. My father brought back 2 swords from Burma where he was a member of OSS Detachment 101 in 1944/45. They were stolen by some kids when we were stationed in Ft Jackson, SC in the 60's. They were recovered but not before the kids played with them and left them in the woods. The damage was significant with nicks to the blade (they actually had sword fights! They used to be razor sharp. Wonder no one was injured) , damage to the Tsuka's (handles, practicing with terminology so bear with me) and rust. They were soldier issue from the warriors my dad fought so I don't think they are extremely valuable but they have legacy value for my family and I'd like to get them repaired/restored for presentation/display purposes. I do not want to have this work done by someone that is going to it the wrong way so I joined the forum to get your guidance and learn somethings about these treasures. This is a short post to introduce myself and see if my pictures are the correct size. These pics are for one of the two swords and have file names specifically for reference purposes. Thanks in advance for your help. I will re post this into another discussion area if necessary. Let me know. Jerry