gtstcactus Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 Does anyone know how I can contact James Jordan? It's regarding my wakizashi.... Would like to get his opinion on it. I've been to the website which uses him as their polisher but the emails go to Australia and I've not had a reply.... Any help appreciated! Jason
sanjuro Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 Jason. There are no, repeat NO qualified polishers/trained togishi, sayashi or kanagushi in either Australia or New Zealand. I dont know which website you tracked him down on, but this sad fact still remains. An untrained polisher is just an amateur when all is said and done. If you want a qualified opinion on your sword then the best course of action in my opinion is to send it to Japan or to Bob Benson in the USA.
Jamie Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 I agree with Keith. From personal experience Mr Benson will treat you right.
gtstcactus Posted March 21, 2011 Author Report Posted March 21, 2011 Jason. There are no, repeat NO qualified polishers/trained togishi, sayashi or kanagushi in either Australia or New Zealand. I dont know which website you tracked him down on, but this sad fact still remains. An untrained polisher is just an amateur when all is said and done. If you want a qualified opinion on your sword then the best course of action in my opinion is to send it to Japan or to Bob Benson in the USA. Here is the website http://www.jigokustudios.com/polishingnihonto.html Read that page... funny enough Bob Benson says I quote "I am confident that you will be more than satisfied with the polishing and other restoration services provided by James" So is Mr Benson wrong?
Brian Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 Yeesh. Is there a minefield smiley? Ok, tread lightly here folks. I am sure someone will confirm with Mr Benson. I don't know Mr Jordan at all, have never seen his work, and only know what I have read online about Jingoku Studios. I do suggest approaching him for advice about your blade..sounds like he can help. As far as polishing goes...the official stance here is still "Japanese trained only" Brian
Justin Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 I once sold a sword to James. His email address is jamesandmargie@xtra.co.nz. I understand he received some instruction from Bob Benson on polishing.
Mark Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 what San Diego show is being talked about on the web site? I do not know any shows (sword shows) that take place in San Diego. If there is one it would be good to know about.
David Flynn Posted March 21, 2011 Report Posted March 21, 2011 I met James at the San Fransisco show in 06. He was on the table with Bob Benson. He also attended the 09 Shinsa and show in Sydney, where he had a table. I have been under the impression, that he, was trained by Bob Benson.
sanjuro Posted March 22, 2011 Report Posted March 22, 2011 My point which seems to have become lost, was and is that there are no Japanese trained togishi, kanagushi et al in Australia or New Zealand. Regardless of endorsements or training outside of Japan by polishers that are trained etc, that fact remains. If you weren't trained in Japan then you werent properly trained at all and you are therefore an amateur (perhaps a gifted amateur, but an amateur none the less) at least as far as I'm concerned. Elitist this may be considered, but its also a hell of a lot safer than allowing an untrained person loose on a valuable and irreplaceable nihonto, or entrusting the restoration of a nihonto koshirae or the making of shirasaya to them. After all, If these crafts were easy then we could all set ourselves up as nihonto restoration experts.
gtstcactus Posted March 22, 2011 Author Report Posted March 22, 2011 Keith, this thread was not to debate the ability or not of James Jordan to polish a sword or to lecture everyone about people not trained in Japan not being able to polish swords (regardless of you being right or wrong). So Mr Benson is good enough to polish a nihonto but not good enough to judge Mr Jordans ability to polish a nihonto Can someone lock this thread, I've been given the information I asked for.
John A Stuart Posted March 22, 2011 Report Posted March 22, 2011 I agree. Points made. "nuff said. John
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