Sword Club for the PNW USA

[GeorgeLuucas]

Hello again!

I would love to be able to see more swords, and talk swords within a local community. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any clubs available in the Pacific Northwest USA. Are there any that I am unaware of? 

If not, what does it take to start one? Maybe having an annual meeting in Olympia Washington, which is in-between Portland and Seattle. Olympia or Vancouver WA could be a centralized area for anyone with an interest in Nihonto in the PNW

I'm merely a beginner. So I don't think I should spearhead something like this. Although I am willing and able if there is nobody else

Any/all advice appreciated
 

[vajo]

Sam i would really enjoy talking about nihonto with you. But i have the same problem. The next known nihonto members from me are 70 km away. It seems it is a rare hobby. Good luck finding some collectors nearby. Btw I'm also a beginner. I forget the most i read about swords and after a few months i read the same before and think - wow i never read about this 

 

 

 

[Gakusee]

You both could join established clubs which have regular Zoom sessions. I know the NBTHK AB organises these online sessions and so do other clubs. It is not ideal but if your objective is to “talk swords”, as you both state above, such sessions should at least go some way. Of course, they are no substitute for physical meetings. 

[GeorgeLuucas]

8 minutes ago, Gakusee said:

You both could join established clubs which have regular Zoom sessions. I know the NBTHK AB organises these online sessions and so do other clubs. It is not ideal but if your objective is to “talk swords”, as you both state above, such sessions should at least go some way. Of course, they are no substitute for physical meetings. 

That's great to know, thank you! Definitely something I would be interested in. I am looking into it now

 

Still interested in physical meetings if possible. But the NBTHK AB zoom meetings is a great option I didn't know about

Thanks again!

 

 

[Mark]

there is or was recently a club in the Seattle area. they had physical meetings etc.  there are people associated here on NMB i think so maybe they can post

[Toryu2020]

The Northern California Japanese Sword Club has been doing Zoom meetings for more than a year now - each month we discuss a different sword maker. Please join us!

 

-t

[Winchester]

For clarification purposes: Link for Northern California Club

 

I still have to join and feel bad that I been busy and have not had a chance to...yet!

 

I am in the same 'boat' as you are OP and trying my best reading, learning, but speaking for myself, I know joining this group is way overdue.

 

*Fixed it* Will be mailing the check tomorrow. 

[GeorgeLuucas]

48 minutes ago, Toryu2020 said:

The Northern California Japanese Sword Club has been doing Zoom meetings for more than a year now - each month we discuss a different sword maker. Please join us!

 

-t

This looks like a really great option. I didn’t know they had zoom meetings. Thank you and @Winchester ! I’ll be at the SF show in August, I imagine there will be membership sign up available? Otherwise, I’ll do the online thing 

 

Thanks everyone!

[Toryu2020]

Yes you can sign up at the show.

-t

[ChrisM]

@GeorgeLuucas @vajo

 

Seattle Member here. I'm happy to meet, show off my collection, see your collection, and learn more!

 

The kendo club / rain city fencing has "Japanese Art Swords" and the folks that run it are amazing. They had events in the pre-covid days. I was there for some nihonto consulting a few weeks ago, and tried to persuade them to start up again. I got postive vibes, but now commitment. 

 

I'm also a beginner, but I have managed to acquire some fun stuff and learn a bit here and there. I'm headed down to SFO in about 10 days to check out the show down there - if you're going, I'm happy to grab coffee or lunch on Saturday. 

 

Ping me if you're interested in syncing. 

[rematron]

@ChrisM and @GeorgeLuucas, that makes three of us!  I'm in Mountlake Terrace about 20 minutes North of Seattle.  

[GeorgeLuucas]

This is exciting! Glad to see some of y’all are in the area

 

Would love to coordinate a meet-up sometime in the future. Where we can talk Nihonto, and maybe share some of our collections 

 

I’m getting married in 60 days, so Ill likely be swamped until then. But I’ll have a lot of free time come October 

 

Cheers!

-Sam

[rematron]

Congrats, Sam!

[ChrisM]

3 hours ago, rematron said:

@ChrisM and @GeorgeLuucas, that makes three of us!  I'm in Mountlake Terrace about 20 minutes North of Seattle.  

 

I seem to find myself driving through that area frequently - I've got family up in Shoreline. 

 

We should setup our own Seattle area meetup and display!  

 

I mentioned it to Sam (@GeorgeLuucas), but I'm planning to spend Sunday taking pictures of my blades. Past efforts have been "Meh" at best, but this time around I think I have all the correct gear and knowledge to get top-flight results. If you're up for a drive to the East Side, let me know as 4 eyes is always more fun that 2. If things work out and images look good, we can snap pictures of whatever blades you've got as well. 

 

[rematron]

I’m swamped this weekend but def looking forward to future meetups. Good luck on your photo shoot!