Transporting Unmounted Blades

[Mark S.]

Does anyone have any recommendations for transporting/carrying unmounted blades to a sword show? With the upcoming Chicago show, I may be bringing two unmounted blades for opinions/education. One is a WW2 era blade (I asked a few questions about this blade on this forum a couple of months ago) and the other is probably also a WW2 blade, although it might be a bit older. What would be the best / easiest / SAFEST way to transport the blades and carry them at the show, while also making them easy to show interested individuals.

Thanks in advance,

Mark S.

[John A Stuart]

Mark, I carry all swords in hard gun cases, the foam secures them from shifting and they are well protected. The only thing is they are in shirasaya for the most part. If yours are bare I would use cardboard to cover the sharp bits before putting in the gun case, doubling the thickness on the boshi. They shouldn't slip around but just in case the Hulk is handling your baggage this should prevent the liner being destroyed and further protect your blade. John

[Stephen]

if you doing it that way punch a hole in the cardboard where the mekugiana is so you can run a wire thru the nakago and the card board... some tape them to a board after being wrappd in newpaper, other just carry them in the wrapped newspaper. if your driving its not a worry, if flying take much caution as i have seen broke tips sticking out of boxes.

[Mark S.]

Thank you both. I should have mentioned that only a short drive is required - no flying.

Mark S.

[b.hennick]

For a short trip you could wrap in paper/cardboard and take to a piece of wood longer than the blade. That would protect the blade. A gun case is handy but for flying i recommend a hard shell golf bag case. These are less likely to draw attention to themselves. Everyone wants to see inside a gun case even if a large sign states contains no guns.