High-end manji habaki by Mr Tschernega

[Marius]

For your enjoyment, attached are pics of Brian Tchernega's manji habaki. The pictures are by Arnold F and the text is also based on what I got from Arnold:

 

"According to Brian only he and his master are making habaki with that manji design. You would think that the perfection of the design comes from some sort of rolling process of a steel die over the sheet (of gold) but he says it is all done by hand"

 

"#1 seems the most popular, while #2 is probably less common as everybody seems to put the highest "value" on type 1. However, the manji design he has learned from his master looks even more beautiful when seen on a larger field. (...)

 

The blue-black part of #3 is shakudo that he makes with a high amount of gold. The sheets of gold are 22k."

 

Enjoy :-) And.. many thanks Arnold!

[hxv]

Mariusz,

 

Thanks for posting the pictures. If I had money to spare (who am I kidding?), I would go for #3. It's very elegant.

 

Hoanh

[Brian]

I think those are just ridiculously well done and amazing. It is no wonder he has the reputation he has, and has won the awards he has. This is Goto quality.

 

Brian

[b.hennick]

Not only do they look great but they also fit very well.

[celt72]

I always love to see examples of the amazing work that Brian does. I've been lucky enough to have him make one habaki for me, and he's currently making a second one. Of course, they're simpler ones than the beauties above. One day I'd love to have a blade worthy of one of these.

[Ted Tenold]

Just for clarity; while manji are present within it, the design is actually called "sayagata".

 

Brian has made some extraordinary habaki for me also, and as Barry mentioned, their fit are always impeccable.

[Surfson]

Brian applied gold leaf to a nice habaki that I have and the results were truly spectacular.

[seattle1]

Hello:

Thanks to Mariuszk for posting this information for me; my digital skills and equipment need some expansion.

Further to Brian's work you might be interested to know that two of the three blades went to him in perfect high quality Japanese polish, papered and all, and not only did he do the habaki, but he also did shirasaya. I had long thought that a shirasaya, to say nothing of a habaki, must be done on an unpolished blade or damaging scratches, nicks and the like would occur. Not so!, as the blades came back in the same condition sent. The gold and shakudo, which he makes with high gold content, were done for a Sanjo Yoshinori naginata-naoshi that had an old Hon'ami sayagaki and foil stripped habaki with it. The habaki had to be replaced and the saya saved for historical reasons, so he made a new shirasaya, a tsunagi for the old shirasaya, and the habaki of course. Again, a perfect outcome ensued. One warning worth passing on is that if you have shakudo that is pristine avoid touching it as the cumulative damage of handling will damage the appearance.

I should point out that John Tirado has also made habaki and shirasaya for me that are just fine, and like Brian they can be done with confidence on a polished blade.

Cheers,

Arnold F.

[nagamaki - Franco]

One warning worth passing on is that if you have shakudo that is pristine avoid touching it as the cumulative damage of handling will damage the appearance.

 

Indeed! In fact it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a second spare habaki even made out of wood for such instances and/or events where (incidental) handling may be an issue. It only takes a split second of inattention for someone who doesn't know any better to inadvertently place an oily finger print on such a piece.

[Soshin]

Hi Arnold F.,

 

Very nice! I had a friend just discuss more of Brian's many Nihonto related skills today on the telephone. I may need his skills sometime down the line if I am lucky. :D

[Bruno]

Hello,

 

Anybody have the Brian Tschernega email? I can't find any webiste or contact for him.

 

Thank you

[Stephen]

B

 

Last contact i had with him via ebay sale he stated he prefers phone calls, saying he seldom gets on line. I'll see if i can find it for you and PM it.

 

S

[Shogun8]

Incredible work. Please forgive the noob question (and my ignorance if this is bad form), but what might be the price range of such commission work (particularly #3)?

[Ray Singer]

The price may vary based on different factors such as the size of the habaki, price of gold, etc. Best to get a quote directly from Brian. As is often the case when commissioning work from an artist, it is also good to get their creative input. He can help recommend a habaki style which complements the blade. Here are a few he has made for me.

 

Best regards,

Ray

[seattle1]

Hello:

 #3 above with the gold and shakudo, the picture not doing the later full credit as it is a gorgeous blue/black shakudo (which Brian might make himself?), made for a rather large and thick nakago of a koto naginata-naoshi in 2012 was $1,250.00. I would consider that a reasonable price and it once again, at least for me, demonstrated that the best workmanship in Japanese sword restoration costs little more if anymore than the run of the mill, however wait time can be an entirely different issue. As Raymond says however, along with his other valid observations, there is not just one price for a habaki or saya as small differences presented in each situation might seem simple and straight forward, but they could present real time consuming challenges for the craftsman, thus increasing cost substantially.

 Arnold F.

[Shogun8]

Absolutely gorgeous work - thanks Ray and Arnold for the information and pics.

 

Does Brian have a website?

[Brian]

B

 

Last contact i had with him via ebay sale he stated he prefers phone calls, saying he seldom gets on line. I'll see if i can find it for you and PM it.

 

S

 

[Toryu2020]

#3 for me too

more proof that he is a national treasure, not that i needed any proof...

-t

[DGARBUTT]

Here is the number I have for Brian: 4257716339.  Haven't called him in a long time, hope it is till good

[nagamaki - Franco]

more examples of Brian's work

 

 

[SwordGuyJoe]

The guy certainly is talented!

[Brian]

More than talented. I would be quite happy to call him a master at what he does.

[Heringsdorf]

John Tirado also makes wonderful habaki.

[Stephen]

Yes he does Max, one should reach out to him as well.

[Heringsdorf]

He is currently making a niju gold and silver habaki for a sword of mine.

Here some pictures of the unfinished habaki.