nagamaki - Franco

Canada post, delivery time

Expensive slip sinker. Fittings, like nihonto, calls for as the Japanese suggest, begin with viewing the very best examples possibly available, almost to spoil your eyes. So that 'junk' hurts your eyes when seeing it.

Gun cases are used all the time when traveling and in ship and return situations. The original box for my gun is saved for USPS Registered mail situations as the gun case will still need to be boxed and paper taped. Additionally the box draws less attention than a gun case exposed.

Food for thought. One thing to keep in mind is that when someone, a collector, buys a sword, every imperfection, whether it's due to forging or aging, in a general sense it means that the buyer should be prepared to own that sword for the foreseeable future. Kind of adds new meaning to the word 'like' in that context. On that note, the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon requirements provide, imo, a 'good' guide to follow toward evaluating/appraising a sword for purchase. With the exception being that the burden of knowing, recognizing, and understanding quality (the 2nd step in Kantei according to Sato sensei, NBTHK English Journals), falls on the eyes of the beholder.

Suketaka gokatana, understand why Darcy might be making that call. Shinshinto my thoughts, too.

Additionally, you'll need paper brown tape for Registered packages, all the seams are stamped to prevent tampering, and when not in transit packages are kept locked up, and of course have to be signed for on delivery. Least expensive cost for insurance, tracking number, does take longer for delivery.

Previously discussed, search out old threads. USPS, either Registered/insured, or Express overnight. If using Express, ask for guaranteed delivery time as sometimes overnights end up taking longer. If they can't guarantee overnight, then reconsider. In addition to previously mentioned packaging tips, the triangular USPS boxes can be cut and joined together. Also, carpet tubes which the carpet stores are often happy to give away work well cut to length. I've even used the triangular boxes inside a carpet tube on occasion for double wall protection.

Hello, Yes, please, ''images of my other restoration projects'', thank you.

At one point in a discussion of great copiers there was an image posted of a big name gimei by a very well known copier, who in his own right was an excellent sword smith. My thought was what an excellent sword, wouldn't mind coming across one. And at this time I would never think about removing the false mei, as the false mei although the incorrect makers name would in fact be a signature.

Hello Keren, Is it possible to view additional images of your work? Custom fittings boxes? Thank you.

Hello Gerald, Now that these blades have been exposed to water, keep them coated with at least a thin coat of oil. Periodically change the oil, even once per week for the first month. Red rust is active and must be kept a close eye on. Daisho refers to long and short. True daisho are matching koshirae, made together matching swords, or both.

Hello, In looking at this "feature" last night, and again now, the one thing that comes to mind is that at best it is incidental, and imo, more likely accidental. Either way, I wouldn't fret much over identifying it. As you were .

Habaki Brian Tschernega 425.771.6339 http://www.cgfinearts.com/habaki_work.cfm

Unless I'm misunderstanding what was originally written , it seems that the sword is being used as a model to carve bokuto, and not as a carving tool itself.

Different standard? Without knowing the details it's difficult to say exactly why any particular blade had its koshirae remounted/tsuka re-wrapped. However, the ito condition, as it typically does not last very long, has to be high on the list of reasons. An original old mount in relatively good condition is the exception. Exposed to sunlight and heat alone will dry rot and cause the ito to deteriorate and even crumble over time. Certainly swapping individual tosogu pieces (upgrading, downgrading), are on the list, too. An exceptional pair of menuki might be reason enough alone for someone to decide on making a change, and it could be for monetary reasons or display. All of which should increase ones appreciation all the more when coming across an old original handle.

Good morning, As uchiko Jim K. would say, measure (bounce) 3 times before cutting (removing) once in reference to a significant mei.

Both!

If the samurai understood anything, it would be that nothing in life is permanent.

Hello Allan, After a bit of study I would be telling myself, 'these menuki do not look like Goto Ichijo [work] to me.'

Hello Allan, 1) warn myself that desire is the cause of suffering. 2) look for images of confirmed Ichijo gold shishi menuki (which I'm going to begin doing), online (museums, dealers, etc.), books, auction catalogs, and do a visual comparison. 3) and if, before removing, which I would not do, why not resubmit the tsuka to additional shinsa? 4) Or take the tsuka to a sword show like San Francisco where there will be excellent tosogu people like Mike Yamasaki. Maybe even pay them for their opinion.

https://www.aoijapan.com/katanasakuyo-bakkashi-hosokawa-masayoshi-zo A newer sword that grabs a Koto aficionado's attention ....

Hello, Not being exactly sure of what you're driving at, there are flaws which are not acceptable, and then there are flaws. http://nihontocraft.com/2015_NBTHK_Nionto_Tosogu_Shinsa_Standards.html

Not to change the subject, but are these images scanned? Scanner type, if so? Thanks.

It wasn't until email came along that it was discovered I had so many rich relatives in Nigeria, but unfortunately, if not ironically, they have all passed away.