Habaki Maker

[W K Clifford]

Hi All,

 

I live in California. I have a TBH wakizashi and want to have a new habaki made (in fact possibly a new shirasaya). Any suggestions on how this can be accomplished locally?

 

all the best

[Ray Singer]

100% Brian Tschernega. He also makes shirasaya, in addition to being a world-class habaki-shi.

[Wayben]

Second the above, you won't be sorry.

[Stephen]

Not only you wont be sorry you'll be ecstatic!

 

BTW John T does a excellent job as well

[W K Clifford]

Thank you, comrades. It seems that Brian Tschernega does not do emails. Would any of you be so kind as to instruct me on how to contact him?

[Stephen]

Yep phone only...sorry i dont have it but can ask John if others dont come up with it.

[Wayben]

PM sent.

[W K Clifford]

I called Brian Tschernega and left a message a few days ago. So far, no reply. 

 

Is he still active? Or just too busy?

 

Any other Habaki maker out there in the US? 

[Mushin]

There are a few: John Tirado in PA, Josiah Boomer Boomershine (Brian T's student.) I am sure form members can put you in touch.

 

[Mark]

Brian was in Japan for DTI, maybe still there or recovering. He may be busy if he just returned

[Rivkin]

10 hours ago, W K Clifford said:

I called Brian Tschernega and left a message a few days ago. So far, no reply. 

 

Is he still active? Or just too busy?

 

Any other Habaki maker out there in the US? 

 

Well, I hope Brian does not take it in a bad way, but here is how I see it:

Brian is within the top three to five, and with some types he is (really) the best maker in the world.

He is bad in communication, responses, or keeping up with schedule.

What is less known is he is a great tosogu and lacquer maker. Its probably not well known because he is very busy and does not need to advertise, and also his style in both is very peculiar.

Its not over-the-top makie work, which what a high class lacquer master would specialize in Japan. I love over the top makie, but unfortunately in part because of cost saving labor/material choices the modern ones always have a shiny-plasticky look. Shiny roiro, yellow paste-like makie, its just jumps at you how compared to old examples you don't get to enjoy the diversity of gold particle shapes.

 

Brian makes koshirae which looks like a real Edo period work. I collect lacquer and have good understanding of lacquer, and there is almost no comparable work from Japan with authentic feel.

So if you want full Higo koshirae, Brian can make it, and it will be stunning (but understated), but I don't want to think how patient one probably has to be, at times, till its finished.

[W K Clifford]

Thank you all for replying to my inquiry. Apparently Brian saw this thread and he called me back (or just by sheer coincidence). 

 

Cheers!