You Always Remember Your First Time

[ckaiserca]

Yesterday I attended an informal meeting of the JCCC Token Kai in Toronto. There were only seven people who attended, but I was able to see and handle an interesting variety of beautiful swords. It was the first time that I have ever been able to actually take really high quality swords into hand. It was almost overwhelming to handle a 700+ year-old blade in beautiful polish. There were also some nice fittings and koshirae to be seen, and I bought a nice ginger flower themed tsuba to add to my small collection. It was a really great experience, and I look forward to the next meeting of this organization. 

[Fuuten]

I have a similarly pleasant memories of attending a meeting in Belfast, North Ireland and I have only positive remarks. I saw more blades than I could've imagined, learned alot and was just fully absorbed in the amazing collection of artefacts that managed to be assembled for (amongst others), my pleasure! Remember seeing an ancient Hoju blade in hand, amazing tosugu, koshirae and so much more. Had good Japanese food and a beer with fine chaps and to top it all of was brought into someone's collection at home (a Hirata daisho tsuba will never be forgotten, gorgeous set). Kyle, Ian, Peter and everyone there thank you again for making a spontaneous trip and a first meeting in a sense such an awesome experience! 🙏