johnb

I like this very much. What does the team think? Johnb

I did, maybe I'll restart as well. This has been happening to me for the past few weeks. Johnb

The file size is fine, it's when I submit I either get sent to an error page or back to my log in page. Johnb

Is anyone else having problems posting topics and loading pictures? I stiil get sent back to my log in page regardless of what i do. Johnb

Woah...it seems to be working. You right Brian, there's a lot of people out there doing bad things to swords and they should be discouraged...Nay, STOPPED. So, with the hope of some redemption I can finally post a pic of the tsuka as purchased. Also another shot of the roughed in new tsuka. (You can see the split old one center of frame.) Some time ago my wife was quite taken with a very prettily mounted tanto. So I did one for her. It cost about $150 bucks on ebay and was in a sad state. The blade is shinto with a poorly reshaped kissaki with the temper line that almost running off. At the risk of you lot descending on me like a flock of starlings :D ...I've posted some pics of the before and after. It is finished in urushi and I have attempted to give it a slightly faded look. Here goes....johnb

With response to your query Birdman I have a few thoughts. Same goes a lot further if it's used in panels and I suspect people who ordered koshirae were on a budget much as we are today. ("want the leather interior or stick with cloth?") And getting that join tight, right up the middle of the ura side of the tuska, is murder. Any other ideas? John

I'm happy to contribute to the cost of the tsuba should one become available. I was about to make a donation anyway. By the way, in my opinion the way you're handling this, Brian, is more than admirable. John

Incidentally Brian, I still can't load pics. I just get redirected to the log in page. I've done everything recommended. I've tried different browsers and 2 computers. In fact the redirect happens even when I post messages, unless I do it on my iPad. John

The tsuka that you both seemed to have jumped to a conclusion of willful damage, isn't pictured below simply because I'm still having problems loading pictures. Nonetheless, One of the menuki was cut out and the other is missing. The silver foil on the copper kashira is 90% missing, and the tsuka itself has so many splits in it that when squeezed, it gives the sensation of squeezing a soft...lets say sponge. More to the point, it doesn't even fit the sword that it came with. The principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilt is a legal right of the accused in most countries. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince a jury that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Not the case here it seems. Johnb

I know the whereabouts of an absolutely mint (and when I say mint...I mean MINT) General Officers tassel. Strangely, it's attached to a naval sword, sadly, neither are for sale....I wonder what that tassel's worth these days?

I just stripped this tsuka and discovered it has a message. My wife translated it as "Why can't you leave things alone" I suspect it says something else. I'm intrigued to know what? Johnb

still not working for me

Thanks the info James, my wife tells me it was a 50% discount that was offered....I should never do business on my own! I have now been offered a 60% discount if I buy them all.... way out of my pocket.

Actually I don't have a casual 8k to drop. And as I mentioned in an earlier post there are 60 tsuba. At 8k it's a hundred and thirty three bucks a pop. And maybe it'll take a while but it could give me a return on ebay...a calculated risk. JB

Hi Henry, Eating cheap and trying not to worry about the yen. Off to Yasukuni flea market in a minute. (Your travel list in hand, thank you again). Just trying to get the girls out of the shower. I might just offer the collector 8k for the lot....see where i come out. Although I just checked ebay and nothing seems to be selling. I have to say...we're loving Japan. Johnb

Hi Alan, not sure when we're back next, regards to you both too. Here's another link http://www.flickr.com/photos/57454512@N02/?saved=1 I hope that one works. Received an mail from the seller this morning, it seems there are 60 tsuba in all. If i buy them all he's offering a 60% discount...in total...24k! ouch! Johnb

Yes Piers, I was just thinking the same. I just checked the currency exchange an must have been a little confused when I came across them earlier today. Nonetheless I omitted to mention in my previous post I have discussed a 30% discount...still a bit pricey.

I'm in Tokyo and have just come across a collection of 35 plus tsuba for sale. My knowledge of tsuba is very poor. I have posted a few here and will post the others I have photographed if anyone is interested. I am thinking of buying a couple and am not sure whether the prices are reasonable or not. So any advice on this would be much appreciated. If anyone wants one...happy to buy it on their behalf...so long as it isn't one i want. :D The rest can be viewed here. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... =794234390 Johnb

Yes, Merry Christmas and thanks to all who have made this site all it is. I'm in Japan now. Here's a Christmas pic of me and my daughter...I look miserable coz we'd just gone to the National sword museum...and it was closed. Thanks to those of you who sent advice regarding spots to visit. Looking at the list now. Johnb

Thanks for all the advice guys...it's all a little daunting. It's Kenji Mishina that is doing the polishing (assuming the sword is worth it). He he has furnished me with the required documents. Nonetheless, I might see whether it would be easier to use a courier. By the way, the sword for polishing isn't the sword pictured above. I just though that if I was going to carry one sword...it might be worth taking two. So any help on the one pictured above would still be appreciated. Johnb

I'll be there two weeks and am already taking one sword. The polisher has sent me two documents...one in Japanese for the police at the airport and one letter of attorney so that he can register the sword. I hope this won"t take days....my wife will kill me! hahahaha. Johnb

One more pic Johnb

Hi, Attached are pics of a katana signed Kanenaga. Nagasa 637mm Sori 20mm width at Machi 27 mm down to 20mm at the yokote It has a high shinogi and a very obvious Jizo boshi. Any help identifying the school is much appreciated. I'm going to Japan at Christmas and wondered whether it is worth taking for a polish? JohnB

Wow Henry...I really appreciate your effort. that's so very kind of you. Thank you. John B

What about this one? Signed Kanenaga.(Thanks again Chris.) John B