Peter Bleed Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Friends, I got this kozuka out a couple of days ago when we had been asked to describe great finds. I think this fittingcan be discribed in those terms. I found it in box marked "Letter Openers, $1 each" at a local flea market. Those 7 shishi sure look like gold so I didn't even try to beat him down. But here's the problem. In addition to grinding away most of a nice Mino no Kami Masatsuna kogatana. I'm afraid that previous owner may have superglued the ko-gatana into the kozuka. Does anyone have advice on removing seriously impacted kozuka blades ? Peter 2 Quote
Vermithrax16 Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Ugh, if it's super glue it's some cyanoacrylate, so acetone should work to dissolve, but I am not sure what that solvent will do to the pieces. Quote
Ganko Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 You might try immersing it in boiling water. If it is CA submerge it in acetone. TomC Quote
TETSUGENDO Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 As mentioned, acetone will dissolve super glue, whether it will harm the patination of the shakudo, I am not certain. From the photo it looks as if it needs professional attention to put it in good order, if the Shishi are indeed gold it warrants the investment. I'd ask Ford's opinion. -S- Quote
Guido Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 I once had a similar problem, and put it into an oven - after about 20 minutes, and a couple of tries to pull it apart (wearing pot gloves ) it finally came loose; however, in my case the glue was epoxy. Quote
Peter Bleed Posted March 27, 2019 Author Report Posted March 27, 2019 All good tips, Thanx. I am pretty sure that this does not involve one of the new epoxies - JB Weld etc - so I'll try acetone...and mebbe low heat. P Quote
1kinko Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Acetone has no effect on patinas and will break down superglue and epoxy. Quote
Alan Morton Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Darrel is rightwont hurt patina or metal work but beware of heat even a heat gun dissolves solder And Kozuka are 2 pieces soldered together Alan Quote
Surfson Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Never done it myself, but do understand that letting it sit in boiling water (maybe best to use a double boiler?) can sometimes free these up, especially if they are glued in with pitch, which was apparently the old school way to fasten them. Quote
Peter Bleed Posted March 28, 2019 Author Report Posted March 28, 2019 Well, darn! The NMB has done it again. I used hot water and lots light wiggling and finally got the blade out. Thank you all for the advice. Frankly, although I've had this old soldier for several years, I have never given it much regard. It wears traces of misuse, but golly, it has a nice gilded back. Goto? Peter 2 Quote
Blazeaglory Posted March 28, 2019 Report Posted March 28, 2019 Wow nice find! May I ask what state? In America I assume? But that's a really good find for a letter opener haha Quote
Surfson Posted March 28, 2019 Report Posted March 28, 2019 Glad it worked out Peter! I do doubt Goto though, just based on the quality of the nanako, which is usually perfect in Goto work. Quote
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