Ed

I meant to add that I see Harry several times a year, in fact he was here for a visit in February. Next time I speak with him I will ask him if he plans to finish the Nihonto Koza. I know at one time he was planning to do the second volume of kodogu, but I am unsure if he still plans to do so. Dr. Ford will be in today for the weekend, and I will inquire as to whether or not he has spoken with Harry about it.

You said it Brian! Damn good! I am still looking at that one character shaking my head as to how they came up with seki. As it was followed by "Ju", I felt it had to be a province, but I had looked at every one character location (including Seki), as well as titles, you name it and nothing looked right to me. I can only venture a guess that it must be a gut feeling from having so much experience with the language. At any rate, it made my day this morning when I read those posts. Thanks again guys.

Never Dull contains "petroleum distillates" on a cotton wadding. Therefore aside from whatever potentially minor abrading effect the cotton wadding may have, I would not consider it an abrasive. Nor do I feel the cotton wadding is substantially abrasive. I think the biggest potential for problem is rust. If you rub the cotton over rust certainly some of it will be picked up and become embedded in the cotton fibers. Now it has become an abrasive which will damage the surface of whatever you are trying to clean up. As to Grey's comment, I wouldn't be surprised if never dull were to alter the effects of the nugui. I have used never dull for years on motorcycle parts, guns, knife blades, etc. It does remove tarnish/oxidation quite well, but I find if the stain is really embedded into the steel it may minimize/stabilize it but will not remove it. Please note: I don't use it on my swords. If you choose to do so, do it at your own risk.

Just checking in this morning and it looks like I'm going with Seki. I didn't feel like it was Kashu, but that looked closer than anything else to my eye. A big Thank You to everyone who offered their help.

Hi all, Just got this in and am having difficulty with the first kanji. Pretty sure I have the rest correct, but this one has me stumped. At first I thought it was one character, likely a title but none seem to match. Now wondering if it may be a two kanji province with "shu" at the bottom. Maybe 河州 Kashu ?????????? Anyone care to take a stab at it, please feel free. Thanks.

Good advise for you to follow, sadly too late for those two. Study before you buy, or just shop ebay and continue to throw away your money.

I have read the comments and looked at the original listing, but was waiting for the buyer to respond. Above is the description found on the listing with the key points placed in bold. There is nothing deceptive about the listing, he has made no guarantee stating "probably" and "as far as I can tell". The only definitive thing I can determine is that the buyer did, alter the condition of the sword from the way it was sold. END OF STORY! NO REFUND DUE! You may not be happy and I sympathize for you , but you and only you chose to alter the sword. Now you must live with the consequences of your decisions. Let it be a lesson learned. Let it be a lesson for others who continue to search for treasures on E-Bay. c'est la vie.

Hard to comment with no photos to judge condition, etc., etc. It is rare to come across one, much like finding naginata naoshi in katana length. I had one of each and sold them, much to my regret !! http://yakiba.com/Kat_Akihiro.htm http://yakiba.com/kat_konami.htm

Brian, Yeah, the guy who started it did it for coin collectors, then saw a need for other hard to insure items. They are easy to work with and cover your stuff at shows, in transit etc..

I use Collectibles Insurance Services. http://www.collectinsure.com/

Hi Marc, Welcome to the NMB. I have just listed quite a few books in the for sale section. You may find something there you like. Here is the direct link: http://yakiba.com/Books_for_sale.htm Good studying, and again welcome.

I thought this one pretty nice, but got outbid. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21101/lot/262/?page_anchor=MR1_page_lots%3D27%26r1%3D10%26m1%3D1%26b1%3Dlist

I agree, but alas simply because a few NMB members seem to disapprove of it doesn't confirm that it is not.

Ouch! So, is crow pie on today's menu ?

I had put in for three or more copies, since that time I have a list of individuals which have written and stated they would like a sets totaling to 15. Add 3 more for myself, as of today comes to a total of 18. However, like Brian I realize individuals with good intentions today occasionally change their minds tomorrow. Therefore, until payments have been received, I can commit to purchase no more than 10.

Looks like dragon and tiger. Not sure of the symbolism of this depiction. They don't seem to be at odds, more like frolicking. Perhaps a more Chinese meaning of Emperor and Empress. ?????????

Interesting. I have a book by Bowes, "Notes on Shippo", 1895.

Damn, that's what happens when you use those foreign terms

Brian, I am a little confused. How did a set of books for $100 jump to $250 for paypal and shipping ? Please tell me this is a typo. I sent out a flyer regarding the books and so far have six sets spoken for, not counting the 3-4 I will buy myself. However, I can not commit if i have to tell folks that their $100 set of books just jumped to $250.

Right-O Henry. "Samurai" is just so common, kind of generic. Didn't dawn on me when I wrote it.

That was fast. Thanks Chris.

Glad everyone like the tsuba photos. Boris, Those are nice examples too. Thanks for sharing them. Really like the period mounted Samurai photo.

Can anyone translate the title of this book ? It is a book of Japanese Art. Thanks in advance.

I think this is a great idea. My vote for the best quality we can get. It seems to me that the poll time should be at least a couple of weeks. That would give us all time to talk to others about ordering, ie; sword clubs or your local sword study group, collector friends, If there is time, perhaps Barry could get a small ad in the JSS/US Magazine. I would offer to put an ad on my web site and send it to my entire data base of customers. Maybe other dealers here would do the same.