KungFooey

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?

Thanks Peter and Steve! I think this one is gonna stay a real mystery. 🤔

I'm really grateful to everyone who replied to this question! It's turned into a great read with so much info! Thank you! Dee

Hi all, Just grabbed this on auction for about a hundred bucks so very happy! I'd seen this design in books a couple of times and always liked it. It's missing a couple of brass inlays and probably a later copy of the versions I saw but I think it's still antique. (The gnarly old hands aren't mine! Pics are the seller's - I haven't gotten it yet.) Best, Dee ps: dimensions: height: 7,2㎝ width: 6.95㎝ thickness: 0.4㎝ weight: 88g

Sakamoto Ryoma wore katana and tanto - and looked damn fine too!

Real newbie question here! This forum is like a huge storehouse of knowledge - I'm learning so much! But sometimes things get a bit confusing; I've been reading lots of old posts and online articles about testing swords on bodies (gross!) and I've seen pictures of the gold inlays recording the results. i guess getting your sword tested cost a lot of cash back in the day and so, most of the owners could probably pay for the inlay as well. My question is were swords tested and 'cut through X bodies' but not inlayed? So you guys could have 'tested' swords but never know. Thanks! Dee

Now I understand why this one is being fought over! 😅

You're a star, Dale!

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I posted this guard on 'Translation Assistance' but the signing is just TOO faint to read - even with talc. So, I was hoping someone could suggest a possible school? Height: 7.4cm, width: 7.2cm, thickness: 6mm and weight: 215g It's pierced with 'snow flowers' and also has 'mokume hada' (appreciate you teaching me that!) Thanks in advance, Dee