shakudo Posted December 24, 2023 Report Posted December 24, 2023 Hi all, Just a short note to advise to avoid an Australian agent, base/ living in Tokyo for any Nihonto related services, I am told he is in Queensland now. If you are thinking of using his services then please contact me! Also regardless of the recommendations you get from any long time collectors please ignore them and contact me. Also if any members are on any other sites or pages please advise. This has a lot to reveal- just the start of a very long journey! Dont use an Australian living in Tokyo!! Cheers
Stephen Posted December 24, 2023 Report Posted December 24, 2023 Mike do you want to name him? how did he scam you?
PNSSHOGUN Posted December 24, 2023 Report Posted December 24, 2023 Please get the name out, the only way to stop scammers is preventing anyone trusting them in the first place.
Sansei Posted December 24, 2023 Report Posted December 24, 2023 I am considering returning a katana to relatives in Japan at some point using an agent. It would be good to know who to use and NOT use for this purpose. Any advice would be appreciated.
Stephen Posted December 24, 2023 Report Posted December 24, 2023 I recommend Robert Hughes 100% trusted He will inform you on the pitfalls of your endeavor. https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/profile/1318-keichodo/ 10 2
Stephen Posted December 26, 2023 Report Posted December 26, 2023 Mike comes and says the sky is falling....then no other word. Maybe delete it served no purpose, just suspect that may fall on different person.
Brian Posted December 26, 2023 Report Posted December 26, 2023 I have a bit of the background around this before he posted, although not the name. Going to let it play out just a little bit, as caution is advised. But I think a name is warranted so this isn't a witch hunt. 2 2
David Flynn Posted December 26, 2023 Report Posted December 26, 2023 Thanks Brian, this person (being nice, Thinking of another P word) and his mentor have been causing problems for a very long time. Both have added to the demise of the Sydney Collecting scene.
Brian Posted December 27, 2023 Report Posted December 27, 2023 Confirmed the name. I'd appreciate if Mike would elaborate a little to give context to the above. 1
shakudo Posted December 27, 2023 Author Report Posted December 27, 2023 Hi all, Apologies for delay on posting- bad time of year really! Only have my phone at present and a very poor reception area. I have all , his and mine ,emails and hard copy mail so you will able to form your own opinion! My post was initially a quick note to warn any Australians if they were considering using an Australian agent. Clients are gathered/ collected in person as I am looking around for any advertising but no luck so far - he does not advertise on this forum at all and I have never seen a post from him- havent looked either- not sure if he is even a member? Not being the most experienced with anything like this I sort legal advice! If I can prove what I say- ie letters and emails then I can not face deformation charges - as already mentioned / threatened by Bijutsu Antiques- run by Micheal Cummins. Not being the most savy with computers- hence phone- I have been delayed exposing all, so I have decided to supply a quick summary then supply pics etc when necessary, as this goes back to 2018! Stay tuned you will enjoy the journey. Cheers 1 1 2
Alan Morton Posted December 30, 2023 Report Posted December 30, 2023 I get all my Japanese Restoration work done through Micheal Cummins, polishing shinsa, handle binding, lacquer work he does himself koshirea work all through him and no money disputes ever.He has two swords of mine at present for Polish, shinsa, and new Koshirea So I asume I am the Senior Collector mentioned here. I know all the collectors from Australia mentioned here very well and the only disputes in all dozens jobs and work done by MCummins were between Flynn and Micheal Herbert. How come the Moderators let the Serial Pest Flynn throw unsubstantiated names out there to smear M Cummins because he has a of hate him. Alan 1 1
Brian Posted December 30, 2023 Report Posted December 30, 2023 With all due respect, I have info from other collectors that assisted the decision to allow the post. It is not just the 2 above. But that said, most dealers/agents have good and bad dealings, and I have nothing against people posting contrary views. At the end of the day, collectors need to be wary no matter who they deal with and make informed decisions. Good to hear both sides, which is what I expect on this forum. 7 1
Brian Posted December 30, 2023 Report Posted December 30, 2023 As has been reasonably pointed out to me, I think you need to elaborate on the deal Mike, otherwise I cannot allow it to stand. The forum doesn't focus on matters like this, and none of us like to see this sort of thing. But as indirect representatives of the community, I cannot shy away from the good or the bad. As much as we allow dealer praise (and luckily that is in the vast majority) we have to get to the bottom of the bad deals too and allow people to make up their minds. However this cannot be vague or unsubstantiated, and the dealer/agent needs the right of reply. If the matter is baseless, then the matter is concluded and can be removed. If there is adequate claims, then it can stand for members to decide what they believe. But in order for any of this to happen, you will need to elaborate and state facts. This also allows the other person to reply and state their version. Please post a brief and clear summary of the facts. We have people standing up for both sides here, and I'd like to see this resolved asap, even if it ends up as a parting of ways and is a disagreement between 2 parties. Expect your clarification soon please @shakudo 1
Sansei Posted December 30, 2023 Report Posted December 30, 2023 I agree with Brian. Most of us don't have a dog in this fight. But the exact circumstances (i.e., facts) can allow dispassionate analyses prevail.
David Flynn Posted December 31, 2023 Report Posted December 31, 2023 I've spoken with Mike. Unfortunately, he doesn't have access to a computer at present. Could we please hold off on closing this for a couple more days? 1
David Flynn Posted December 31, 2023 Report Posted December 31, 2023 My dealings with Michael cummins is, I sent a special order Nobufusa (Brother to the Horse prize sword) and it came back ruined, there was a major dip in the Ji and the Ha. So from my point of view my dislike is warranted.
Steveo Posted December 31, 2023 Report Posted December 31, 2023 As you’ve stated Brian it’s time to hear the facts and stop beating around the bush, another term comes to mind, “ put up or shut up”. I’ve enjoyed this forum very much since becoming a member a few years ago but I don’t believe members have the right to a so called “ parliamentary privilege “ where they can make allegations without supplying any facts without fear of recourse. I’ve known and used Micheal Cummins restoration services for over 10yrs now and in all that time I have been extremely happy with the service he provides and the quality of the work done by his chosen craftsman and any problems I’ve had arising from the quality of workmanship was swiftly rectified and at no extra cost. I’m very interested to hear Shakudo’s side of the story because I know Micheal Cummins side and hopefully the rest of the interested members will too but at the moment all I’m hearing is a lot of copper and not much gold in this mix. Happy New Year to all 1
Brian Posted December 31, 2023 Report Posted December 31, 2023 Mike is away from a pc currently and I'm advised he will respond in a few days when he is able. Until then, I ask that everyone just remain patient for a bit. I wouldn't allow this unless I had other input. 3 1
shakudo Posted January 1 Author Report Posted January 1 Hi all, Apologies for my absence/ silence but unavoidable due to being in a really bad reception area on the coast of Tasmania. Ridiculous but even using a local wi fi didnt get me on the forum. I was able to see cover page but not able to open- apparently a pretty normal occurrence! Really interested to see replies- Alan Morton -well- he knows where all the skeletons are buried!! I only know some but Im counting 4 disgrunted customers, one a previous Sydney sider that Alan Morton knows well had a similar experience to me but he only lost his sword- I lost sword and money! To be quite honest I was just going to let this slide into the darkness but as my first post said I wanted to warn others not to get involved with Micheal or be guided by Alan.Im still on phone as pics are in it and I cant wait till all my emails load so Im hoping this goes Ok! I first met Michael Cummins at 2009 Sydney shinsa- he was there offering laquer services- met Alan Morton but there was no connection with Alan Morton at that time. 2011 met him again and he was now offering all 3Nihonto services- I still have the cards he gave me- again no connection to Alan Morton! I was disapointed that there werent anymore Shinsa and If you look back in my posts I have tried twice to get one up and running with the Sydney nohonto community. This did not get legs but I made contact with Alan Morton in Sydney and visited in 2017. There was a vibrant sword group that met and discussed and showed their treasures, I so pleaseto be there be there! I was invited back in 2018 and advised if I wanted a blade polished Michael Cummins would be over from Tokyo and was recommended to use him. In hind sight I should have sat back and watched as I was / we were disappointed with the polish on a yari he was returning and also a katana that had a huge ware that I was told a few years later by Alan Morton - verbal sadly - that it should not have gone away! I couldnt see any attempt to close it so It must have been bad! Michael Cummins took my blade for restoration but what concerned me he didnt write anything down! So when I got home I sent an email detailing what I wanted- fortunately he didnt follow my instructions as Id be out even more money.( see attachment) I went to the DTI in 2019 and met up with Micheal- while I was in his flat the sword arrivedand he advised/ wanted me to take it home with me- 2 problems- I was spending 3 weeks traveling around Japan and also most impotantly he had not presented it to NBTHK for shinsa- tell me, who would send a blade to be polishedto Japan without it going to shinsa!#!# Have to say I was totally jet lagged as hadnt slept on plane, Micheal picked me up off bus and took me to his. The sword I will detail in my next installment. The first thing I recieved was the tsuka so Ill do this in order! I met up with Micheal at DTI and was surprised to see my wakizashi in his haversack- more on blade next email. I didnt know he had my tsuka in his bag at all- didnt see it in Japan at all!!! But Michael mentions it in an email - hold that thought! It finally arrived to me in Tasmania! And I saw red/ blue and purple- some Neanderthal- no guesses who- had used contact glue to permanently glue the fuchi to the tsuka!! I had asked for jinbara and I wanted the menuki gold flashed and had also supplied both kashira,fuchi and 2 sets of menuki. I emailed him- after some research**- and told him I was not happy- Why would anyone do that, never seen it before! It looked as though it was being carried around to show or something ,I said. He emailed back saying he knew nothing about it and it was never shown around!! it must be the weather conditions in Tasmania!! Now he didnt know but my research had included chatting with other Sydney collectors, one who had a private viewing of my blade and also the tsuka????? I was surprised to find he had seen my tsuka and I hadnt! I advised of how it had arrived back home- he told me he wasnt going to show it to you as he had not finished showing it for competition or exhibition- I wont name that person but Im sure he will chime in later! I didnt expect to write so much, apologies but its like it was yesterday, cant wait to VISIT Tokyo again and Queensland. I will sort a summary in the near future and get to the best bits- habaki next!! Then how I lost my blade!!! Check the white between jinbara and fuchi- look closely and you can see the staining from excess glue - I ask you Is this the person yoh want to look aftwr your collectables? Hi Steve, maybe you dont realize you have had problems! Chat soon but will condense and summarise- I could write a book on this- and remember nearly all is on hard copy! Much more to come! ps. ALAN- Spell my name as MICHAEL -but you have never called me that - ever! Regards 1
shakudo Posted January 1 Author Report Posted January 1 (edited) Oh, just remembered Alan Morton just told me to hit it wiith a hammer! Real class, real class- senior collector- not. Edited January 1 by shakudo Out of context.
Sansei Posted January 1 Report Posted January 1 I am not experienced in restorations and refurbished pieces, but Mike's description of events is very detailed. It does not seem made up to me. Would like to see more and perhaps a response or two from the other side.
Brian Posted January 1 Report Posted January 1 I am in discussion with the other side, and as always there are 2 sides. Hoping to be able to close this asap, likely with both parties disagreeing
Alan Morton Posted January 2 Report Posted January 2 Oh, so now I have some responsibility in your Mud slinging match, I Must be responsible for you starting an unnesasary fight with M Cummins just to get a financial discount/ advantage. I must be responsible for you loosing money and your sword in a dishonest ruse. I must be responsible for you , and I can't stop laughing at this, Flynn is your Best Mate Now. Alan 19 hours ago, shakudo said: Oh, just remembered Alan Morton just told me to hit it wiith a hammer! Real class, real class- senior collector- not. 1
shakudo Posted January 2 Author Report Posted January 2 Interesting, Alan, So by recommending an agent that has had numerous problems with collectors you dont see your self as responsible? Classic! You are basically verbally writing a reference and we as friends/ customers/ suckers / cash cows rely on your expertise- so sad! If you write/ verbalise about a person and I employ them and they turn out to be dishonest/ unreliable then it comes back on you! Maybe you think in Sydney, couple of million people it wont be a problem but the nihonto community is quite small- a recommendation is exactly that- it burns you! Maybe you have never employed people where they have asked for a reference and you have to be honest but hey - Sydney 2 million people - what the heck! I can gaurantee that many have formed opinions NOW! Also your claim on dicount on services? Hope you got the email - Ill put it out tomorrow! Everything thats has happened via this agent probably for over 10 years has come from you- either greed or payback- shown by your reference to Mr Flynn- my new bestie- you have a grude and need to grow up- this is not a school playground! Brian- if you feel that we dont need to go further or you wish to ban me go for it! I wont be posting untill tomorrow Aus time. If the baying wolves or any innocents cant cope with that then tough. Go hard or go home!!!
Sansei Posted January 2 Report Posted January 2 Mine is just a comment on finding someone to do a restoration. Around 5 years ago, I posted a katana on this forum because it was rusted and the wood saya had been eaten away by termites. It had been stored away and not cared for in decades. I was totally ignorant about nihonto at that point. The katana had been given to my parents at their marriage by her father. To make a long story short, I posted here and several people who I cannot remember at this point....I would have to go back and read the thread.....suggested that I go to the SF sword show the following week and speak to a particular vendor who they recommended to me to possibly do the restoration. I went there and spoke to this vendor. I learned that he had been trained in Japan and had won awards for his polishing skills. He examined the katana and agreed to take on the job. He gave me a hand-written quote and contract on the spot that we both signed. Let me repeat that I never met the man prior to this and had no knowledge of his background.....only going by the recommendations of individuals on this forum. The polisher has submitted one katana for shinsa (Tokubetsu Hozon) and will send the restored katana also for shinsa, which is going on 4-5 years with COVID in between. Moral of the story: Trust has to be a person-to-person building process and be prepared to be patient. 1
drbvac Posted January 2 Report Posted January 2 Trust is something earned not developed and it has to be maintained through actions and words or it will fade away and even one bad case can be enough to lose it all. It is also based on truth and although everyone can make a mistake the biggest problem in keeping it intact is never lying and willing to face up to problems openly. We all have others who are disappointed in us but hopefully only through an error and with no malice so just be the best you can be and carry on. Its a NEW YEAR brothers. 1 1
shakudo Posted January 3 Author Report Posted January 3 Well, Im still on the board and able to continue with my warning! Bit hard when you are working in retirement as I cant get a pension yet due to assets- why work hard folks really. Im attaching the email from Micheal Cummins (MC from now on!) And Ill let you read it and maybe comment on his understanding of Nihonto especially as an agent- yes as an AGENT? Also remember I didnt see tsuka in Japan and I have an Australian witness for this! See if you can read between the lines- what a case! Also a heads up, I asked why the blade wasnt discussed about suriage - there was rust but I had no idea if it would polish well or not- where's your mentor when you need him- in the dark rubbing his hands together saying "another sucker!" Also theres an interesting twist to the habaki - when I saw it in 2019 it had been sqeezed by eletrician pliers so it would hold on blade- I have over 50 years experience as a jeweller- not much gets past me! I saw red but sadly my blade was in his control in another country where I couldnt just take it home- frustrating yes - just sucked it up but as this went on I realised that it wasnt going to end well. Read what he has to say on the habaki!#!#!#- fairly hilarious really- real pro! Have attached pics of the swords habaki- really well made ( or abused) you think? I have also attached pics of a habaki I had done in USA by an expert- purchased a wak from Grey, sent to Woody and then to John- absolutley perfect transaction from all involved- will never go thru Japan again because of this experience with this agent ,sponsored (paid maybe??)or supported and recommended by an Australian! From my USA experience I came up with the $ amount- insurance both ways of course. And when I get my old lap top fired up I will forward emails telling him I could not/ would not trust him to fix the problem! I also told him to sell the blade and recoup his costs in this email. Make sure you compare habaki! Also this is the reason I arced up- the blade was polished so much -tomorrow night Ill fill you in! First 2 are on my sword others are by John Tirado( hope hes okay with me singing his praise!) You need this delay to form an opinion! Sorry this is not a serial on netflix but as Im on phone Im only prepared to give an hour to those______oles!!! Thats it for now as Im still working- enjoy and make sure as I said at the start warn others - dont get involved!!!!!! Happy New year to one and all- except a few!#!# Just joking!#!#!#!.....................
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