Thank you Ray

[Michaelr]

I just want to say Thank You to RaySinger. I knew of Ray only through this forum but met him in person 3 years ago at the Orlando Japanese Sword Show. As a beginner in the Japanese Sword world I was totally lost. This being my first show I asked a lot of questions and tried to look at as much as I could in three days. Ray helped me out very much and treated me like a old friend even though we had just met. This was my third year at the Orlando show and I brought some of my own swords to show a few friends. I asked Ray if he could look at ONE sword for me and as always he said of course. Not only did Ray look at that One sword and text me all the information he also took the time to look at the other 5 that I had and also text me the information on those. Needless to say I was and still am blown away. THANK YOU RAY. Many people on this forum have helped me in the past. Ray and Mark are the only ones that I have met in person and both have been there for me. This is a GREAT FORUM full of GREAT PEOPLE. Thank You To ALL.

[Ray Singer]

Thank you for the kinds words Michael, and it was great meeting up with you and others from our community at the show. Always happy to look at anyone's swords and share my thoughts, for what they're worth. Hope anyone here feels comfortable reaching out if there's something I can help with at future events... 

 

Best regards,

Ray

 

PS. A few photos from the show attached. It was an extreme privilege to have had Chris Leung in attendance this year.

 

[Brian]

Great pics, and well done Ray.

[Stephen]

Great work Rayray.

May i ask if Dr Pete K was at the show.

He's MIA of late here.

[Ray Singer]

Unfortunately did not see Pete at this year's Orlando show.

[Brian]

He was online today...so he's here and lurking

[Stephen]

As long as he's ok.

[Gakusee]

Ray, what were the more interesting blades there? Is that a Masamune kinpun mei I see there?

[Ray Singer]

The wakizashi with kinmuku habaki was very interesting. Kinpun-mei to Masamune by Hon´ami Kōyū, with the reverse indicating that the sword is a Tokugawa denrai. I gave my assessment privately to owner, but will simply say that the attribution is questionable.

 

There were a number of other interesting swords present.

• Early Kamakura Ko-Senjuin tachi
• Bizen Masamitsu kodachi, which may be the only extant example with his zokumei of Saemonjo. Tanobe-sensei sayagaki speaking to its rarity
• Nambokucho kodachi in quality koshirae (which I purchased)
• Oei Nobukuni tanto (zaimei) in issaku koshirae
• Signed and dated Harumitsu yari with zokumei
• Horikawa Kunimasa katana that had an interesting history that was researched and authenticated by Markus.

[Surfson]

I agree Michael, Ray is the best!  

[Vermithrax16]

I can add to this by saying Ray and his helpful advise was a major turning point for my studies and collecting years ago. Put me on a good path that worked for me. Thank you.

[Tom Darling]

Ray, outstanding pictures. Was Troy B. or Keith H. in attendance?  Thank you.

 

 

Tom D.

[Ray Singer]

Keith was there. Unfortunately Troy is in poor health these days.

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Tom Darling]

Thanks Ray,  I sort of knew Troy wasn't doing well, I wish Troy a speedy recovery. They're two swell guys.

 

 

Best regards,

 

Tom D.

[Jussi Ekholm]

Did the Ko-Senjuin tachi have illegible signature (fumei)?

[Ray Singer]

It was mumei.

 

[b.hennick]

Great nakago!