Toryu2020

Hisamura or Kumura? Shichizo Kumamoto ken Kumamoto shi Koban cho? this was dedicated to a shrine maybe I need my books to get those first three kanji... -t

Like Evan says, "its just a matter of time" I have a basket of ochoko and guinomi but nothing this nice. Still it seems a study of Nihonto leads to all good things Nihon. Bought this tsuba because it reminds one of Bizen-yaki... -t

Sugoi! Omigoto! Great doings David, and great to see Andy doing well... -t

Exceptional jigane, a rare artist, and a very fine thing to have in ones collection... -t

Chris Who is the author and publisher of the Late Edo tsuba book? -tom

Excellent, Thank you Ray

You certainly have the mojo Guido, I'm actually not thinking Myoju for my piece, the final stroke lacks curve. I am hoping it is one of his students, still looking for references... -t

More mojo...

Folks Looking for reference signatures from Umetada tsuba. I've checked the Kinko Meikan and several sword books. Hoping to find other references. -t

Love it Ray, the whole package.

Never seen that color combo - I'll say modern repro

Very nice

FWIW a petroleum smell is sign of repatination. I often sniff at nakago. -t

関 Seki stamp below that ま Ma stamp below that two taps of the chisel (who knows why?) -t

Michael et al If you go to the for sale page youll see everything in the order he loads to the page BUT if you look in the upper right hand corner you will see a menu bar, there are pull downs there, you should see a pull down for swords wakizashi tanto menuki tsuba etc... So the price range is gone but the categories are still there -t

Jeremiah Youre not an outlier. I like the new look and I'm looking forward to some new merch and new articles. -t

Thanks Ray I will pass your comments along. -t

Folks Fred has updated the website, and I find it easier to navigate and much fresher. The articles which were buried on the old site are now front and center and he has added some great Musashitsuba to the gallery. Check it out and send him your feedback I am sure he'd love to hear it. -t

I would discourage all but the most advanced student from using such a blade. Iai could only damage a sword like this, not improve it. As stated there are better options for less. -t

Can we see photos of the end of the nakago? -t

Brando Please dont toss it away, and please dont give up on this forum. There is signs of good activity in your blade, and a good cleaning with uchiko could bring more of that out. The shape of the blade and the condition of the nakago suggest shinto. The takanoha yasuri suggests Mino/Seki. Not much more can be said that hasnt already been mentioned. I will say for some, even though its a loss, they might get it polished just to preserve it. Of course only a trained polisher can tell you if it can be restored. -t

Heads up folks! Pre-registration has closed for this years Shinsa. There are a few slots left but you will have to come see me at the show to get on the schedule. Looking forward to seeing everyone in San Francisco. -t

Gabion - used in castle building and flood control There were major floods in the Edo period, the debris, decay left in the aftermath became a theme... -t

長谷川氏需應之鍛 Shooting from the hip here but believe this says "in answer to the request of Mr Hasegawa (I) forged this" -t

I for one would love an excuse to get down to Dallas once a year, Make sure you play up the proximity to the Barbierre museum and the Asian collection downtown. Talking with friends, you might consider the following; Most exhibitors want know that other exhibitors have committed, you will need a good core of sellers. Any show of less than 50 tables May be too small to justify a good hotel and may not generate enough of a budget to spend money to attract the public. You might have to lose money a few times to get your event up and running. The venue should be convenient to airports. Proximity to other large events like a Cherry Blossom festival or Kendo Nationals would help bring walk-ins. The show room must be held on a 24 hour basis with adequate security so that it is not necessary to break down each night. Most important it cannot be too close to other established sword shows, you dont want to force sellers to choose. Wishing you success, -t