shakudo

Hi all, just an aside on this post. How do we determine that a blade is a family blade? Regards Michael

Well done Bazza, hope I can have a look next time I'm over! Many thanks to Ray for this kantei concept and the extremely generous prize. Also to Brian and all the mods who keep this forum working, many thanks to all and of course all who offer advice and expertise. Mike.

Very happy with Brian's idea. Thanks again for this opportunity. Mike.

Hi Brian, was referring to Stephens offer for kantei on all three correct. Cheers.

Hi Brian and Ray, many thanks for this opportunity, great learning curve. Reminds me of Miguel from Fawlty Towers " I know nothing I come from Barcelona"!!! On behalf of the Aussie's I wish to apologise for the lack of interest by my fellow country men. Please just award the $100 to the nearest. I'm sure all who have completed the kantei have no regrets for the minimal donation to a voluntary forum that allows access to world experts to answer their questions and gather information or be directed to the right place to find it. Really, less than a dollar a day for a year.I can't win a chook raffle so it won't affect me just please give the $100 prize, and I applaud your motives and thank you for the challenge you laid out for us. I enjoyed, pulled my hair out on the experience and I just can't understand how we have reached this spot. Ray, many thanks once again for your generosity and many thanks to you Brian aswell. Regards Michael.

Here goes, not confident on any but hey,what an experience. Have never tried or even envisaged an attempt. Really has shown me how little I know and that I don't have the years left to improve. But I'm convinced that I'll be able to get a better handle on my own collection from this nightmare!#!# 1.Appears ubu, sugata is Tori-Zori, long Nagasa(wish it was mine!) Kesho yasuri style yasurime- Shinto or Shinshinto. As for hada I think I see itame- hada I found was a huge weakness of mine. First thought was bizen Yokoyama but no Osaka yakidashi. Near Ha machi I think I saw yakisoni and this swayed me to Suishishi Masahide.Kyowa- bunka 1801-1818. 2.I think late Shinto, wide Mihaba, keisho yasuri. Hada appears fine ko- mokume maybe Hiz(en(konuka-hada) Up from the Ha-machi I think I see coarse mokume and shingane. Boshi seems Ko maru sagari on the omote and maybe kaen on ura. Genroku era 1688-1704,Hizen ju Fujiwara Shizuhiro. 3.Mumei. nakago dark colour and pitted. Suriage maybe 5-6 cm as shows fumbari, no visible yasurime- koto blade.Chu kissaki, ko maru- short Kaeri.Hamon chu-suguha mixed with choji midare. Hada- maybe mokume? Ouch! Rai Kunitoshi.

Hi Randy, can I be added to the list? Regards Michael.

A Shinsa for Australia is a must. When and where I think is dictated by the enthusiasm of the locals. I was fortunate to go to both Sydney token Kai as a participant. If it wasn't for Adrian Schlemmer and his band of volunteers neither show would have happened. For another one to occur we'll need volunteers and reading between the lines there seems enthusiasm but it's from individuals Australia wide. My question is this- Are there any groups of Nihonto collectors getting together regularly that feel they could be involved in a shinsa in say 2019/2020? Regards Michael.

I'll take a hardcover copy, interested in limited edition but want to see first. Great project, hope it can get going. Cheers Michael.

Hi all, many thanks for taking the time to comment. I must admit I am looking thru rose coloured glasses but am very aware of the epic task in front of me! Ian, thanks again for your expertise and advice. Yes it certainly is an intensive care proposition and definetly a DIY project. Great insight also into the armour, I'm guessing it's a bit of Dandyism with the variations but I can certainly live with them- providing I can get it all!!! Eric, many thanks also., but as it's an Oda Mon I can live with them as they are but don't know how they are attached yet, that could be the kicker! John, not my pics but if I get the set I will spread it all out so I can see what I have and I will add pics for anyone interested. But now my dilemma has increased as have no idea at all on value- just have to fly by the seat of my pants! Many thanks to all and I hope to be asking for suppliers contacts in the near future. Wish me much! Cheers Mike.

Hi All, Mike here again.Just received pics of armour that go? suit kabuto and menpo. (sorry about new thread but unsure on loading pics- not real savy with a computer im afraid). Anyway... Im over the moon with the possibilities of this armour. It matches with the kabuto and I can even see what I think is the throat guard of the menpo! Can you please advise if it is of the same era as the kabuto/menpo set? Ian , I'm overjoyed with this find- even if it is repo couldnt care, it deserves a restoration of some sort- just cant believe this has fallen my way! Sorry Jesper I didnt thank you earlier for your response- cheers, all info and comments taken on board. Many thanks once again and am waiting with baited breath for your opnions. Rgards Mike.

Hi All, Many thanks for all the comments and apologies for not replying earlier. I agree with all the comments on restoration of both the kabuto and mempo, only what is needed but also a visual balance with lacing and urushi. Im hoping to just polish urushi but lacing could be interesting as I havent seen kabuto in hand. Contacted seller and have discovered that the armour is still around even after being in a fire! Cant wait to see what is there and when i can I will upload some pics for more advice. Thanks to Ian, John, Uwe and Eric for your expertise and guidance and hope you comment on pics of the armour- owner was advised it was repo so ignored it, been in garage for 25 years!!! Go figure. Best regards Mike.

Hi Eric, Many thanks for your reply and I see what your saying. Repairs will be expensive if I'm succesful, but as I haven't done any research yet I wont be making any offer yet. I agree the seller should at least set a price but unfortunately after 2 years that still hasnt happened.Any guess on a $ value for a full restoration? I have no idea! I collect swords, can get my head around the cost of polishing in Japan but kabuto restoration ....no way! Thank you once again and any advice you can give on restoration would be most appreciated. Regards Mike.

Hi Ian, Many thanks for your reply,unbelievable I have a book of yours, never in my wildest...thank you so much! I am definetely going to make an offer on these but unfortunately he is asking me to make an offer?? Now that I know they are real I will research late Muromachi and try to get an idea of an amount. If successful I would like both restored and maybe you could recommend someone. Thank you once again Mike.

Hi All,My name is Mike. Havent done this before so apologies to Admin if in wrong area or I'm showing how inept I am at using a computer- quite amazed I have attached files really! I have the opportunity of purchasing these items but at present I am unsure as to whether they are original or repo. They have been held by same owner for 25 years and is now down sizing. Any information at all would be most appreciated as I am way out of my depth. Alot to ask I know but maybe even a monetary guide line would be greatlyappreciated by PM. Thanks to all members and Admin for this Forum. Regards Mike ps. not my pics- just love the bluey!