Shakudo Habaki?

[Ford Hallam]

Here's a link to the photo essay that was mentioned earlier.

 

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/102920321260461207557/album/AF1QipOGNnPIa1prQI9C3uJBVdozHxhcN9xfluYdi1nW

 

I think the notion that a shakudo habaki denotes a poor blade is hilarious. Can you imagine the conversation?

 

Samurai visiting sword servicing shop : "I'd like a new habaki please"

Shopkeeper: "What are you looking for and what's your budget?"

Samurai: "Well it's a pretty crap blade to be honest...."

Shopkeeper rubbing hands together: "ah, well then you'll not be wanting the budget plain copper habaki. You'll be needing a somewhat more costly , there's real gold in it!, shakudo model. That way everyone will immediately know your blade is crap."

Samurai: " er. right, ok...that sounds sensible."

Samurai leaves shop....

Shopkeeper to wife: : These samurai chappies really are thick as mochi. Is it any wonder they've screwed the economy and sound like a drunk Toshiro Mifune?"

Wife: "Bow and smile..and take the money."

Wife: "...and who's Toshiro Mifune anyway?"

[EdWolf]

Thanks for the link. I find this very interesting.

Best regards, Ed

[zanilu]

Those are exactly the pictures I intended Ford.

 

I love the color of the restored habaki.

 

Luca