Binnawan

I use the uchiko on my English cavalry swords, seems to do a good job. Baz

Keith, That could explain the bad breath. Baz

many thanks Morita San, very quick response! Baz

Gents, I have a gunto with mei Kane Uji. I have found the seki stamp and smiths personal seal in F&G and I am pretty sure the year is 1942. Can someone help with the rest of the date? Aplogies for the quality of the scans, best I can do. Baz

Jean, I really appreciate the help you offer, but I am being truthful. When it comes to kanji I am dyslexic. No way I can connect the kanji on a sword with kanji on the page. those things just dissolve in front of my eyes. I envy those of you who can handle this. Baz

Thanks very much for that Morita san. Thanks Mark Baz

Jean, I promise you I am not lazy (60 + years since I was referred to as a boy :D :D ). I was up until 1130pm last night and back to it again at 0500 this morning on the sites you gave me. I make no progress or sense of any of it. I am rather hoping that someone will give me a Morita San style translation to this. BTW, showa era was 1926 to 1989, how do you tell when this sword was made? edit: just noticed your post Joe, almost (not quite) what I have here, thanks. Baz

You are correct Hoanh. I thought that was just a mark on the tang, but under magnification it is in fact the Showa stamp. You have good eyesight. So, the blade is probably not traditional made? (some doubt on the Dr Stein site). I still intend to try for some half decent pics today to post here. Baz

Thanks for your quick reply Jean. Unfortunately, when it comes to kanji, I have a blind spot. I have tried for a long time to learn to translate makers names, but have made NO progress at all. I will try and take better scans or pics of the kanji. Baz

I have aquired a gendaito by, I believe, Kanenori. Can someone please confirm and help with the rest of the mei? I have a scan of the mei, my camera is not up to it. thanks Baz

I went through this 2 years ago and bought a metal saya for my gunto, hoping it would fit. It didn't, but the guy had several so I sent my blade to him and he found a perfect fit for me. Cost $185. Baz

Steve, Curtin FM is 100.1. If you like 50's 60's 70's music this is the one. Also C&W every saturday, 6 hours from noon. Website http://waarmsandarmour.com/ (or search it on google). Where are you located/ Baz

Just missed your post Keith, The organisers won't be complaining. Record number of tables and sellers. Visitor numbers up on Saturday, quieter on Sunday due to weather. Baz Ford

Steve, The event has been advertised in newspapers and on radio (Curtin FM) for weeks, and it is on the same weekend every year. Where have you been hiding? Baz Ford

Well, I just know that I like 'em!! Baz

I saw this, or one just like it, on Antiques Roadshow some time ago. One of the cats had stripes (can't tell from the pic). Tiger and lion together...unusual Baz

Gents, I have added my website to my profile. Have a butchers at http://www.pilbaraarmoury.com and see what I mess about with! Baz

The only stupid or silly question is the one that is not asked. Baz Ford

Thanks Morita San, I like that better than 'healthy colon"! Baz Ford

Thanks for interesting replies gents. Attached pics of the cup, maybe clearer than my scratchy attempt!

Gents, This is not nihonto related, but I hope someone on the board can assist with the translation. I have an old bamboo cup, purchased in an antique shop in Singapore 40+ years ago, and which I always believed had a Chinese inscription and a view of the willow pattern garden. Chinese friends have been unable to translate the 'kanji' and say it is either old chinese script or possibly Japanese. The pattern is not in fact willow pattern, but a scene in an oriental garden. I aplogise for the scratchy attempt to duplicate! Thanks Baz Ford

John, Baz

Thanks gents. I have acouple more to post soon Baz (Is the plural of wakizashi : wakizashis, wakizashii or maybe wakizashipuses? 0

Gents, The second wakizashi has a very short mei, and pretty well worn. Any chance of translation? Baz Rotated 90 R John

Didn't do to well with images! here is the other side. Baz Rotated 180 Post in reference to 'upside down' deleted John