FZ1

I feel your pain Pat! I went to work without my specs one day last week and had to try reading everything from about 6 feet distance all day. Jon

For me, it holds more importance "as is" because what happened to it is part of the blade's story. But then again, I'm more of a history buff than an art appreciator!

Thanks for the warning Stephen - clearly a seller to avoid. Jon

Welcome Jean-Sebastien and Colin. Colin, I'm from "A small town in East Anglia", so might have a chance to meet up for a coffee/beer/chat! Cheers, Jon

I know that several members have sourced and re-cut old tsuka to fit their blades, so I assume its a common practice. Good recycling of quality old tsuka as well!

No joke mate, just trying to help the poster understand where some of the comments come from.

Fair cop, Dave - I'll withdraw that opinion (Everyday's a school-day, etc!) Jon

Hello Dick, This thread may put some of the comments into context regarding the NMB community's view of polishing. I'm not saying your friend is doing it right or wrong, just pointing to a post which might help explain folks' thinking. Cheers, Jon

Yes, it looks like a repurposed Yari.

Welcome Jack. As another new-starter to the hobby, I can confirm that this is an excellent place to learn! Loads of really experienced people who are willing to share (in some cases) lifetimes of experience and knowledge. If you are any good with driving the "Search" function (I'm not!) there's a mass of really useful info available from many years of contributions. Cheers, Jon

I bought my first tsuba from Grev in this sale (well, the first one without a sword & koshirae attached!) and got an excellent item and excellent friendly service. Top kit & top chap! Jon

I think he already knows!

A couple of months back, I was reading something on the forum that mentioned a reference source as to which smiths were permitted to use the Kiku mon (in the 1600s, not the original use by Go-Toba) I've used the forum search facility, but I can't find it again. Please could anyone enlighten me as to where I can find a list of entitled smiths? Thanks Jon

Thanks very much Dale & Richard, much appreciated. Richard - I'm not sure that I should dive into yet another rabbit hole, but the subject fascinates me, so I'll probably get far too engrossed in yet another aspect of Nihonto and Japanese history! Cheers, Jon

Excellent! Thanks Geraint.

Sorry for the "newbie" question. I saw reference to a Tachi tsuba in a recent trawl of the Web. I had assumed that a tsuba for a tachi was the same as any other, so please can you advise what the difference is? Thanks, Jon

Just to put a bit of context on it, let's not forget that there are only a few nightmare stories with PF. The huge majority of the imports get cleared in a couple of weeks with no real problems.

As another new starter, I agree that Facts & Fundamentals is by far the most readable of the recommended reading list. I think I paid £27 ($37) second hand from Abe books for mine. The "ranty" bits where he's grinding his axes do indeed liven it up! Jon

Thanks Jeff. It'll be a while yet (I retire later this year), but will certainly give you a shout when I get stuck!

That's superb Jeff. Is there any chance of you writing-up some hits, tips, pitfalls and lessons-learned for the "Articles" section, please? Its something I'd love to try, so would love to have any advice. Jon

Its somewhat worrying to find out that the Police use Google for their understanding of UK law.

OK, so now I HAVE heard of someone getting more hassle. What was the reason for seizure Tony?

Absolute nightmare Paz. I've never known anyone have so much hassle importing any collectable item (not just swords), so I can't imagine why this one has gone so pear-shaped. DEEP breaths ............... aaaaand relax! As you say, you will indeed be the NMB expert on importing to the UK by the time you get your sword; you'll have every email address and contact number that anyone will ever need. Jon

Welcome Gary & Desi. Yes indeed - this is an excellent place to start. Once you get the hang of the Search function, it opens up a huge resource of knowledge! Cheers, Jon

I moaned at them via email about 3 days after sending the last lot of paperwork by post and email. After the moan, they apologised for the delay and said they'd refer it to a colleague. To be fair, they cleared it within a day or two of that and even the "charge" letter only took a coupe of days. I think it's pot-luck as to who deals with it as to how quick it it is (I also wonder if they have some new people started at PF Coventry who are no so experienced and are arse-covering by asking for the questionnaire/forms/info, etc?) It's always a juggling-act deciding how long before you start complaining. However, my "moan" was mild, pleasant and respectful, so as not to cheese them off and delay it any longer. On the "plus" side, it sounds like you're on the last-lap, Paz and you'll have it soon. And next time, you'll know what to expect, so it'll be less stressful!