Rich S

Peter - I remember the iron tsuba wax. I think I used it years ago on a couple of tsuba. I was just looking through my old box of "fix up" supplies and found the plastic container of it; now evaporated and hard - tossed it out. Rich

First you need to make a tsukamaki tying jig to hold the tsuka while you do the wrap. Very hard (I think) on the fingers. I did the same very, very brief course with Master Ichinose that David did at the 68(?) Token Tai Kai in Chicago. I've tied a few tsuka for my own swords a long time ago; I was please with the results although a pro would find them amaturish. It is fairly difficult getting started, but after doing a couple it gets easier. The finishing top knot/tie-off is what I found the most difficult. There are several instructional pages/sites on the net but I'm sure you will run into problems your first couple attempts - good luck and best wishes for good results. Rich

David McDonald in Mt. does nice tsukamaki. I don't recall what all he has on his site. http://www.montanairon.com/swords.html Rich

I've heard that black shoe polish does wonders on iron tsuba :-) Just kidding, but I have heard of folks actually doing that. Rich

Ray Did you find what the motif represents? Rich

I believe they are Sendai koshirae; sometimes called Ogaki if memory serves (which it seldom does these days). Doesn't answer your motif question, just thought it might lead to an answer. Rich

Ford - All the best and hoping it's an easy fix. Thanks for all you've done for us Nihontophiles, especially the kogodu folks. Take it easy, things will all work out. Best wishes Rich

Ken - Only 5 modern damascus, a Randall model 1 clone and 4 folders (no puukko). Only a few modern puukko makers do damascus. Most of my puukko are old carbon steel or good stainless. Way back when I was forging blades, (a couple centuries back) I did one damascus, it had forging flaws that the Japanese never heard of Rich

I've collected, customized, forged, crafted knives since I was 7 years old. Mostly vintage Finnish puukko (my first fixed blade) and a few recent ones. Have about 400 along with a few other Nordic knives (Norwegian, Swedish). Way too many to post here - I doubt the server has enough storage :-) Also about two dozen barlows (that's what my grandfather gave me as my first knife) and some other modern folders mostly SAKs (Swiss army knives) - always have Tinker in my pocket. I like all sorts of sharp, pointy things- what ever strikes my fancy. Of course a few Nihonto and kodogu. Rich

I agree with Stephen, nice Namban tsuba. Not a cast one as so many are. I can see the undercutting and no sign of casting flashing. Congrats. Rich

I have a webpage, courtesy of Chris Bowen, that has the logo of several fittings companies (including the Suya). http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/logo/logo.htm Might (?) be of help. Rich

My Ishido Teruhide (traditionally made) was found in original civilian mounts. I agree it was part of the zeitgeist of the war era. Rich

I would disagree. You can't beat steak and scotch! Rich

Ishido Teruhide Only because I have one. Rich

Can't tell much about the sword, but the fuchi/kashara and saya end are Sendai school. I don't see any markings on the tang. Let's see what others say. Rich

Still likely a good knife. I've two old handmade Chinese choppers that I use all the time. Good steel (I guess) and hold a great edge. Rich

Hmmm, maybe, but it looks more like a frog gig to me :-) Rich

But it is hard to swing a katana length gunto from one plane and hope to hit the other plane :-) Rich (Sorry,but I couldn't resist it)

I guess I better hold on to my Emura as I couldn't afford one now Chris - actually I doubt the US dollar is really not worth the paper/rag it is printed on given the US national debt can never be paid. Maybe we should give the US back to the native Americans or swap it for a few beads :-) Rich

3K ??!! I never paid over $350.00 for my Emura (three of them). Of course that was 40 years ago. I guess some swords do go up in price Rich

Please don't put Emura in the same class as NCO. While Emuras vary in quality, there are some that are outstanding IMHO. Rich

I prefer old iron. Any school; especially like Saotome/Tenpo and Yamakichibei and Hoan. Rich

Personally, I'd leave it as is. It was well re-wrapped for a reason. I don't mess with the history of a sword. You might find later that it was a gift to someone or soldier, etc. Rich

Nice tanto. I think (?) the fittings are Sendai. Love the monkey menuki. Rich

Are you talking about swords and/or people? The older I get, the more flaws I have. :-) Rich