Deron Douglas

Thanks... I got it. They act are "wear bars". Deron

Hi Folks, Has anyone seen this before (has a red rectangle around it)? Why would it be necessary to do this in the first place? Thanks, Deron

That would make sense.

I didn't notice that, but I'll look for it again. Yes, I thought it was pretty strange that the NG would use fake swords for the show. Perhaps they didn't want to chance ruining a "real" nihonto? Deron

Thanks Bernie, yes I wasn't able to find it either... BTW... the picture attached is a screen capture from the video... does this look like a chinese fake to anyone... or just me? it seems funny

I finished watching it on Friday, then downloaded it and made an AVI. The quality isn't much better. But it's better then nothing until I can find a better version. I'm going to check the National Geographic site and see if I can purchase the full DVD. Yes, it is an excellent video. Worth keeping. Deron

I just found this on Digg.com. Still watching it so I can't vouch for the whole thing. But it's interesting. http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/101 ... atana.html

Hmmm... interesting. You're right about the koto blades probably being polished more, and therefore being lighter since material is being removed. Makes me wonder... so if the shinto blades are heavier (less polishes) and the koto seem lighter with less weight... would they have started out with more material? I would think that going into battle a person would want more blade... ie beefier... I'm not sure either. Be interesting to see what other people have found. But yes, it could be a "special order" sort of thing as well.

Hi, I've been wondering about something. I've seen (and held) a variety of swords from various ages. And in some cases, some are nicely weighted while others seem noticeably heavier. I'm 5'10" so I find the lighter ones more comfortable in the hand, while the "heavier" ones seem... well heavier. While I haven't had a chance to weight any of them, my guess is that what I consider heavier is about 1/3 more than the other lighter ones. The over all sugata seem similar and the length are relatively the same at around 25-27 inches. I was wondering if anyone else noticed this? I'm thinking that different schools or ages produced "heavier" or "beefier" blades. Maybe the heavier swords were produced for "actual" battlefield use during the warring times, and the lighter ones were produced for non-warring times? Most of the time the lighter ones were shinto. Has anyone thought about this? Cheers, Deron

And that signature looks aweful... or was that mentioned? I bought my first sword of ebay, but I was REALLY lucky. I got it from a trust worthy fellow in the US who is/was a member of this board. Although I didn't know it at the time. He helped me through the process, it was a lot of money for me, but I "had to have it". To this day it is my best and favourite sword. It's mounted now and looks incredible. But I got lucky! I shutter now at how easily I put down my hard earned money. I don't think I would ever buy a sword from eBay again. I don't have the nerves for it. After talking with people and learning from this board. I've become attuned to the rip-offs and scams. I'll leave all the good deals on eBay for Milt :-) Cheers.

THAT did help. Found it now... Thanks Milt and Brian!

Hi John, Yup. I got some nice stuff from him over the years as well. As a matter of fact, just picked up a really nice tosho tusba at the post office from him. the price was good and the quality excellent. Couldn't be happier... well I could if it were cheaper, but that's not his fault. His stuff tends to vary, some is really good for the price. Other stuff should be stayed away from. But it's like that everywhere. I'll send you some pics privately in a minute. Deron

OK... I'll bit, what's "shiriimono"? :-)

Good point. Thanks.

Hi Stephen, so it's that simple? It occurred to me, but I figured something more complex must be needed. Thanks.

Did I spell that right? Anyway, not sure where to post this. Does anyone have a recipe for "aging" same-kawa (ray skin) that they would like to share. I have a koto wak (next project) that I'll be mounting near the end of summer and what to try aging th same first. Thanks, Deron

Yeah... that should have been "clear"...

I've probably lost more then gained. On a good day I'll break even, and that's fine for me. I'm not in it for the money. I find what occurs a lot is, I buy something ... usually a sword... that I've been scrimping for months, drooling over the photos on the dealers site while getting the money together, then finally... it arrives! Then after a number of weeks want to sell it! But yes, eBay is not the place to buy unless you want to take a risk with lots of money. I only buyer from good dealers and they are usually papered to boot! Deron

Know what you mean. I just can't understand why people start bidding right from the start! I saw a nice tosho tsuba, nothing fancy. I figured it was worth maybe $135-155. It finished at $374! I couldn't believe it! It's fun to watch in any case. Deron

Hi All, I usually like to watch possservice's auctions. They have some interesting stuff, and I may occasionally bid if something strikes my fancy. It may be the same for other auctions, but this one seems to stand out in my mind... BUT I've noticed an increase in activity on bidding. Things are going for much more than *I* think they are worth. AND people are bidding a few hours after the start of the auction on a 6 day auction! Of course this brings up the price to well beyond what the value of the item selling is worth. it seems that tsuba and fuchi/kashira are selling like this. Is there a shortage somewhere? Has anyone noticed this at other auctions/seller on eBay? Just curious if it's a trend. Cheers, Deron

I've purchased from them several times. They are very helpful. The cost of good quality (they offer different qualities) katana sized wood is about $20.00. Shipping is about the same to North America. I only use this type of wood for my saya(s) and tsuka(s). Deron

I like your "icon/avatar" to the left John :-) Deron

Funny, I was wondering that as well. I'll have to google them... the magazine looks good too!

I have a 4.5 year old son that would love one of these! Deron

All these eBay frauds scare the hell out me. That's why I prefer to stick with dealers I can trust... or if I bid on ebay it's no more than I could loose at a casino or cheap hooker :-) ... did I say that? :-) I mean "book"! :-) But seriously, unless you know a lot about swords, you're really taking your chances.