KungFooey

I'm interested in this guard - think it might be an Owari design. It's too big for Yagyu at 8cm but ticks some of the other boxes (thickness, square sides, rough surface). What do the experts think? Thanks in advance! Dee

You're very curious about the unusual hanger loop but not who made the blade? 🤔 Takes all sorts, I guess.

Maybe these guards would make a good thread on their own? 😅

Wow! They could be twins in many ways (but I'm jealous about the matching mimi on yours)! Thanks for sharing! Dee

So your buddy is selling it again? It's still for sale on eBay so I'm a bit confused. i'm sure that's what caused the 'snarky' reaction. Everyone here is really helpful.

This has become an addiction!!! I just went back to the dealer who sold me the water wheel guard and, despite saying "no more expense this year", fell in love with this and had to get it. The beautiful, rough texture of the iron, along with those huge plugs of shakudo are SO unique! Dee

Pork crackling! 🤣

That looks like mine 'before'! 😅

Many thanks guys! I thought I'd messed it up 😳 I'll be sure to cuddle it a lot! 😊

I know it looks like the top picture is color and the bottom is black and white - but they are both color!

Hi all, Some might remember the first guard I posted and me mentioning it was real rusty? It was thick, active rust so I looked at various comments on cleaning guards and got hold of some old pieces of ivory to scrape it off. Well, I sure got rid of all the active rust but I think I've taken it too far. 😳 It's lost it's brown look and turned a dull black grey with one or two points of silver steel peeking out On the wood background is the 'before' photos and on the white background is the 'after'. Sorry to all the angry people out there if I've destroyed a guard! Dee

Good to know! I'm even more glad I got it now. The universe is in major need of good vibes.

He seemed real concerned everyone knew how many stars he had. (Or maybe he was fishing for number 5?)

Beautiful tsuba!!! It's a Ken; handle and guard behind the dragon's head, twisted in a circle (held in claw at 6 o'clock) and point in dragon's mouth. Seems pretty clear to me.

Well, it seems even nicer in hand - very happy with this! Dee

Not Jauce, I go straight to the auctions on Yahoo. My brother is in the military in Japan so I can get things mailed to him.

Really interesting subject. I once read that the guy who started the NTHK (can't remember his name) was a policeman who had to cut off criminals heads. He said a wakizashi was better for the job than a long sword.

THAT IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED, MARK - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Dee

No idea but here's the direct link to help others. Good luck! http://www.nihontocr.../Mihara_Nihonto.html

That's right, Brian. Many thanks for confirming it was more of a status thing that the only the richer folks could afford. What I thought.

Hi all, Big favor needed! I don't have any of the swordsmith references like Hawly or Sesko, cause I mainly like guards. So I was hoping someone here could do me a solid and maybe photograph the relevant pages on SURUGA NO KAMI KUNIMASA (駿河守國正) of Iyo (Yoshu). It's the first generation (Hawly KUN424) I'm after, who studied in Edo with Yasusada for a while around 1650. I'd be really grateful for any help! Thanks again, Dee

Bingo. Honestly? I wish I had never mentioned the price as that's hijacked and derailed the topic of the guard itself. I bought it because I love it - not because it was cheap. Believe me, I looked long and hard at this guard and read about similar pieces before buying it. When something is too good to be true, it usually is - but this time I think I've picked up a decent little piece at well below dealer prices. I see good carving technique, good use of brass inlay, a nice even patina with virtually no rust and nothing which sets off any alarm bells. Was it worth the risk of even $100? I can only confirm that when I get it in hand. Now, if anyone beyond Dale and Kyle can tell me something about MY ACTUAL GUARD, that would be great. Otherwise, please take your boy's peeing contest somewhere else. Dee

Let bygones be bygones - the guy has passed away for heavens sake.

I know I'm newbie here but why would anyone downvote the two comments above about Wikipedia for a guy who's obviously highly respected and missed?