Brian

Thanks for the info Stan. How about some pics of yours? I am definitely leaning towards a boys sword. The nakago just doesn't give the impression of having been altered from the pics. Btw..nice website you have there, I have added it to the links pages along with a few new links. Great to have an Irish Nihonto website. Regards, Brian

Thank you Mark, I think I may have missed the obvious again When you see a thinnish, slender tanto with shinogi zukuri, then take a look at the possibility of a boys' sword. Looking at it now, that is a definite probability. I don't know much about retired samurai swords though I'll have to wait for it to arrive, and post more pics. But your suggestions seem likely. I don't see a mei continued on the omote though, but maybe it is very worn. Regards, Brian

Hi all, Took a chance on this one on eBay (cheap enough to take one of those chances we usually discourage ) Will be a while before it arrives, but thought I would ask some questions in the meantime. I know shinogi zukuri tanto are unusual, and usually are the point of a broken katana or waki. This one looks to me to be complete according to the nakago, but I could be mistaken. It was listed as mumei, but I think I can see a tachi mei (although I don't expect to get a translation before I can take a better pic) It is a slender tanto, but not thick enough to be a yoroi doshi IMHO. Doesn't appear to be reshaped, and looks like it was meant to have a shinogi and yokote. Do others disagree, and are there any comments about whether or not it is probable that it is original as seen? I have seen pics of a very few shinogi zukuri tanto, but none as slender as this one. Btw..anyone have any hints on the tsuba school from the limited pic? Fuchi looks higo to me. Thanks, Brian

Stephen, Nice looking blade. Looks like someone altered the nakago for the mounts at some stage, instead of the other way round. But looks like it may be worth a (professional) restoration if you have the inclination and funds. I like the hi (grooves) too...still looking for my first sword with well cut hi Rough, but doesn't look like it is too far gone. Brian

Eric, Spare a though for us dial-up users :? 2048x1536 pixels? I suggest resizing to around 800x600 max next time for ease of viewing. Brian Edit: Finall got the pics to load. That style of knife is typically from Nepal/Tibet/Korea. I have 2 similar ones, although better made. They have the chopsticks en suite, and the fittings are similar. This one looks to be more modern, probably for the tourist trade. Not sure why the writing though....trying to fake a Japanese heritage? If you post this on the Swordforum (see links page) someone will likely tell you more, but I vote for Nepal or Tibet, and modern tourist piece.

Stephen, I am uncertain at this time. Apparently he left clear instructions to his long time partner on how she should handle things in case anything happened to him. For now, they are in good hands, and I should imagine they will all find good homes in the future. I am sure many of them will end up overseas in important collections. It will be a lengthy process, and I am sure for now she has other priorities, but she will ensure they all get the attention they deserve. I would love to own some of them, as I have fallen in love with many of them over the years, but I fear they are probably all outside of my meager budget. But I am confident they are in good hands. Just hard to let the info sink in that I won't be able to visit again and just sit in the room and let the atmosphere sink in. Stragely, the room was a very peaceful and relaxing place, and was where I would go after a hectic week at work occasionally. I always felt better after being there. Regards, Brian

Some of his other Eastern edged weapon collections. His sword room was literally wall to wall with wonderful and unique items.

I am very sad to have to report that earlier this evening, my friend and mentor Gus Vollmer passed away suddenly. Gus was well known in South Africa, being an extremely keen collector of all Eastern and Asian weaponry, but having a serious preference for Japanese swords. He was active in the early 80's and 90's, and built up a staggering collection of varied edge weapons. Gus was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and was a firm believer that you share your collection with the world. I spent many days sitting in his "sword room" taking down any item that took my fancy and discussing and handling it. He always had time to discuss swords, and was fond of saying that he didn't know much about makers or the technical details....but he knew what he loved, and recognised a good sword. Gus was also a passionate restorer of swords, and would meticulously sit for weeks patching up a damaged saya or fitting, and we affectionately called him a "veterinarian" due the the fact that he took "dogs" that no-one else would touch and made them better. In the early days, he bought swords from Sothebys and other auction houses, and had a wonderful collection of accompanyments from statues to vases. Most of you will not know him. He was old school, and to him the internet did not exist. But his collection was accessible and his knowledge was shared anytime. He will be sorely missed. Over the past few years I have posted some bad pics of some of his collection. I will post some of them again for those who have not seen them. As one of the very few people who encouraged hands-on Nihonto collecting here in South Africa, he will be missed. He was the first person I took a new acquisition to, to get his opinion and discuss if it needed any work. SA has lost perhaps its' most important, respected and loved collectors. RIP Gus. Brian

I just want to take this opportunity to send out a huge thanks to Stephen (our ever vigilant moderator) for the kind gift he sent me with no warning. I received a box containing various Nihonto books and newsletters, and some Samurai dvd movies, which are a very welcome addition to my humble Nihonto library. Thank you very much Stephen, that is a very kind gesture, and they will be much used and appreciated. I am purchasing a year membership to the JSSUS or NCJSC, and a copy of Darcy's new book in Stephen's name as prizes in the next upcomming raffle, together with the generous tsuba prizes that Milt and Jean have offered. I will be posting the details in a few weeks. If anyone has any small items that they would like to offer, please let me know. These can be absolutely anything from miscellaneous odd fittings, to books or paraphenalia. No obligation at all though, and donations can be public or anonymous, or just in the form of ticket purchases I will launch this when we have a nice selection of prizes to make it enticing to all, and I will be sponsoring some more myself. Regards, Brian

Jock, Many (most?) Naval Kai gunto swords were made from stainless steel. The temper lines on them are usually cosmetic, or an oil temper. There are some with traditionally made blades, but these are not made of stainless steel. A google search for Kai Gunto will pull up plenty of info and pics, as will a forum search for Kai Gunto. Check here for good info: http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/military.htm and here: http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_039.htm Regards, Brian

This is mackstar2001. A forum search will pull up enough info on him. I have been fairly happy with the few items I bought from him, others not so much. Seach the forum for mackstar for info on the seller. Sword looks nice, but definitely not enough pics and info to make a decision. Brian

This statement is usually used by dealers who have the sword on offer in a shop too. For example, you have a gunshop that has the sword for sale at X price. You list it on eBay, but if someone pays the price in the shop, then it is sold, and withdrawn from eBay. Also could be the seller has it listed in a classifieds section somewhere, and whichever method sells it first, the other gets cancelled. That would be my guess. I don't think there is anythign sinister in that comment. It is quite common. Brian

Ok..funny guy (the seller) Not quite sure what he gets out of this, but it is good for a laugh. He can't be hoping for a sale...so it must be just a joke? Brian

No..not criticising anyone..just heading off any arguments before they happen Healthy debate is fine, but I just want to make sure that it doesn't go too off track towards emotion. This subject seems to have strong feelings associated with it for some reason . Brian

Let's not get too caught up in the discussion. I know there are members who love them, and those who don't. I think this has been thoroughly hashed through before. Personally, I haven't had much exposure to them, so haven't formed an opinion. But in a battle of opinions, no-one can win As with any collectible item though, new reference works always lead to new interest. I believe there are some stunning examples, and some that are just so-so. No problem discussing them at all, but let's not argue too much about whether or not they deserve their reputation..some people have very "firm" feelings about these swords Brian

Mr Chan, I believe it is Pierre's master, Kiyota Jirokunietsu, that entered the competition. I think Pierre has a few years to go yet before he is qualified. Kiyota san has a great looking sword in one of the books I brought back from Japan, but I will have to post a pic to identify the book in question. Brian

Welcome to the forum Tom I met Tom at the Kyoto sword show. Seeing this TALL westerner walking around and chatting to the Japanese dealers like he had beeen doing this all his life, I took a chance and introduced myself. Was very glad to meet someone I had read posts from on the various groups. Tom was a big help, and assisted me translating with the dealers. Another great addition to the forum, love the JSSUS articles too Sorry for the off topic, back to this sword. Brian

Pierre, It is an honor to have you here. Pierre was manning the All Japanese Swordsmiths Association stand at the Kyoto show along with Kiyota san and others. I could be wrong, but I think Pierre would be the only current Westerner who is officially training in Japan to be a swordsmith? Great webpage too, with lots of info. Good to have you here Pierre, and nice to be able to get some insight into the world of current tosho. On another note, am I correct that you can maybe facilitate a deal if anyone is looking to have a shinsakuto made for them, or are the waiting lists very busy right now? Regards, Brian

Takanoha yasurime is a strong indicator usually. It isn't used frequently by all the schools. Combine that with the other info, and you are on your way Brian

Yeah..umm...right. Chinese samurais.....finger cutting...puntang?? isn't puntang something else? Wow...that has to be a joke, right? Brian

Peter, Thanks for the write-up and the pics. I was hoping someone would come through with some info. Looks like it was a big success. Can you give us some info on Tony Norman (who you refer to as a UK polisher?) Anyone else make it there, and who would like to give us additional info? Did you manage to get your piece of tamahagane, and what do they go for nowdays? Brian

Ok..you got me there :D Can't argue that one..lol Stephen..that does seem to be a steal at that price, especially since it looks to have full and decent koshirae. I wonder who on the forum is gonna snap it up? Hmm..hitatsura katana..looks unusual and quite interesting too. Oh well...I'm out. But sure someone will have a go at it. Brian

Nigel, Just cos you are furniture around here, doesn't mean you can stop signing your posts with your name :D :lol: Thanks for the tip, that is something that I quickly discovered in Japan: Some of the best and most fully stocked shops do not have an internet site, and I guess their trade is mainly through "word of mouth" The majority of the dealers at the Kyoto fair, I had never heard of, and they worked only via snail mail or at the shop itself. Cash only. Seems wierd, but I think the majority of their customers are repeat business and remain fairly out of the whole Nihonto world. So where are the pics? Brian

So this one was bought off eBay for $1500? Looks like we were all sleeping that day :D Peter..well recommended to Anthony. Brian

Thanks all for the help, great info. Regards, Brian