Commissioning Custom Koshirae

[johngdo]

Hello,

 

I will likely soon be commisioning a full koshirae for a family blade. I've never had a project like this before, so I was hoping to take advantage of this board's collective knowledge. I have two main questions.

 

First, do you have specific recommendations or considerations regarding craftsmen in the USA? Dr. Thomas Buck at tsukamaki.net appears to do great work for a good price, but I've been unable to find much in the way of reviews of his previous work. Do you have any recommendations?

 

Second, I was looking for advice on choosing fittings for a custom koshirae. I would ideally like to use antique fittings, and of course understand that nakago ana and overall dimentions must be correct, but wanted to ensure that I avoided other mistakes. Any advice on choosing antique fittings for a blade?

 

Again, thank you for your time.

 

John

[b.hennick]

I would contact Brian Tschernaga for high-quality work.Fred Lohman for reproduction pieces and lower quality work.   

[johngdo]

I realize after making this post that it may have been more appropriate for the tosogu section, but unfortunately I don't believe I can delete it or move it. I apologise for that oversight.

 

Either way, as always, I do appreciate all insight that you provide.

 

John

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

First, do you have specific recommendations or considerations regarding craftsmen in the USA? Do you have any recommendations?

 

Second, Any advice on choosing antique fittings for a blade?

 

John

 

Hello,

 

1) Brian Tschernega , John Tirado

 

2) Saya determines the size of what follows, so wait until that is determined before buying fittings. 

[Ken-Hawaii]

John, quite a few discussions on this topic can be found with a quick search on NMB. Good luck on your project.

 

Ken

 

[Bo123]

Hi I'm looking for a dealer in ancient katana's in Japan do you know someone for me thanks allready

[Brian]

Name?

Check out the links section above right...lots of them there in Japan.