johnb

Funnily enough...it was :D John B

Hi John, Tegai Schoo. Mokume Hada. Hamon is Suguha ko midare , nei deki and it has NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token papers. JohnB

Yamato Den. Signed Kanemori, and I'm very happy with it. John B

:D JohnB

Mr Hallam, you are indeed the Dog's Bollocks". JohnB

Here's what seems to be a completely untouched Satsuma rebellion sword...just thought someone may be interested ebay item 190612721644 johnb

Why not go for the real thing? Urushi is available from http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/english/. And you can short circuit the process to some degree....I have used automotive glazing putty as a base coat...it works well and I aplogise to the purists amounts us. Have a look at "the urushi studio" at http://www.followingtheironbrush.org. Truth is nothing has the look or durability of Urushi...From a design perspective....keep it simple is the best plan, i suspect you'll be happier with the results. johnb

My favorite movie quote was something I saw recently...cant remember the movie for the life of me, but the quote stuck. "women are much smarter than you think...but not as smart as they think." John b

Three pages talking about Chinese crap? Please! Johnb

The prefix to my message does say "if you feel compelled to purchase from ebay". There are plethora of post here warning people of the perils of ebay and yet we continue to see clumsy copies turning posted here. It's so easy isn't it? Sitting in the office, bored and scrolling through the ebay tsuba section to while away the time. I merely suggest a way of at least, mitigating some risk for the ebay addict...by the same token..... "Mistakes are the usual bridge between inexperience and wisdom." Or "Making mistakes simply means we're learning faster." John B

Brian makes a good point. If you feel compeled to buy on bay and you're knowledge is low, only bid on stuff that has already received bids. And I would suggest avoiding the "buy it now" Items. At least that way you can assume that someone more knowledgeable is interested too. In fact its a really quick way to scan through ebay listings, just look at the bid column and only look at the items that already have bids. Johnb

Glad you Got it. Johnb

I have now taken receipt of the tsuba I purchased. It seems very pleasing to me and the detail is quiet remarkable, particularly the ducks beak. I also love the way the waves seem fade off into the distance. However the boat looks a little clumsy, although I saw another tsuba signed Kaneie it also had a boat which was quite similar to the one on this tsuba. Interested to hear what those in the know have to say? JohnB

Ah, I though you were in the states. Most chrome platers have closed their doors in Sydney, due to toxic chemicals and government regulations. I assume it's the same across the country. Good luck with your mission. Be interested to see the results. John

I'm not at all conversant on tsuba....but dare I say it....I know what I like. :lol: And I like your's very much. The waves are beautifully done. Funnily enough, I prefer the waves on the back! John

Maybe these guys are worth a call...they do guns. I know it sounds strange but the may be more "sensitive" than the guys from a panel shop. http://elitecustomguns.com/ JohnB

I just bought this....Comments most appreciated. It has a diameter of 80 mm. John B

Hahaha...i din't take offence Keith. But nonetheless, thank you for your very nice reply. John

Well thanks Keith, so my tsuba is low level and not very expensive. Johnb

Thanks Keith, in which case I'd go with brass. Johnb

It didn't cross my mind as to whether it might be gold. Does gold oxidize? Johnb

Thanks Mark, I like it too. Johnb

Totally agree Brian. In fact the first two pics are how much closer to how it looks..the reason the brass look brighter in the other shot is a result of the angle of the shot and the reflected sun. Johnb

Have a look at the link on this site for bones.viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9046&view=previous And have a look at this one for cleaning tsubahttp://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/vie ... w=previous And as far as your ignorance goes...it's probably akin to mine.. :D Bybthe way...a good place to get bone is from old kitchen knives, they often used bone handles and it's good and dry. Johnb

A bit more cleaning... JohnB