Ed

Hi Ken, I held off on a response thinking those with more tsuba knowledge may reply. I have seen a number of Akao tsuba, but never one attributed to the Akao school with those punch marks. IMHO the "design" reference in Haynes is regarding the motif of geese in the mist (very popular Akao motif) and not the punch marks (if that is what you meant). The catalog does not depict this tsuba as Akao School but rather as Akao school style. Also, Haynes states, "they made shakudo tsuba with this design", again in both instances referring to the geese motif (IMHO). The early generations preferred other motifs but the later generations seemed to prefer geese and cranes. They worked mostly in shakudo and shibuichi though iron tsuba were made. Shakudo being the most commonly seen. If I remember correctly, one of the early generations were noted as being the first ever to do sukashi in shakudo. Rich T. had an iron Akao tsuba with a motif of Abalone shells which may still be in the archives here on NMB. I couldn't find it but I did include two soft metal Akao tsuba photos. Not to say there is no possibility of yours being Akao work, just that I have never seen such examples. Sadly, I have nothing to offer in regards to what school they may be from.

Hope you read the above kind info prior to spending your money on these. I hate to be blunt but, if you even have to ask about these POS paper weights(Can't make myself say tsuba), you need to refrain from buying and STUDY or at the very least look at some photos of real tsuba ! These are so bad that they make the shirimono/low end pieces so frequently asked about here look like juyo.

John, Some of those methods would make a nice quick beheading seem quite humane. I hate to even think of the poor bugger who may have had his head sawn off with bamboo or was torn apart by Oxen! Chris, I agree, as did Ford, that one example is nowhere close to definitive. I think his example is the best (only) piece for argument that I have seen and it does give me something to ponder. Though as you stated, it could have been a custom order or such and nothing more. I have previously never seen any other, in hand, book, painting or otherwise. This lack of examples/documentation leans towards reinforcing my opinion, one I hope we can all agree on, that at best if the kubikiri was ever used for taking heads, it was a rare commodity (perhaps for a ritual or a ceremonial act). While I am now less inclined to rule out the possibility, my gut feeling is still, why produce such a blade for the general task of beheading(aside from a ritualized act) that was so easily accomplished by the readily available sword ? Until tangible, concrete evidence is discovered, all we have is speculation.

Now that's the Ford I'm talking about !!! Ok, you are vindicated. Oh no, not the taking of heads, just the use of the "Nata" to do so. I must say the one you have shown looks to have been made for something a tad more intense than Ikebana. (The nifty bag is pretty cool in it's own right) It is the first one of these reversed edge blades I have seen with a kissaki. Though I have never seen one, I said I wouldn't be surprised to learn of them being made or used for the removal of heads. And though I would find it dificult to accept only one example as definitive, that one does make a damn good case for argument. Thanks for sharing.

Damn Curtis, What got your panties in a knot ? No one said anything to you ! Perhaps you felt ignored ? I read your post but didn't know how to reply, this is not a martial arts forum. Besides, we had pretty much agreed that it was just a big sword. Is that the word of God or law, no! However, regarding your comments, no one forced you to visit here. If you choose to leave all I know to say is, Best fo luck to you too. Geez Ford, I was somewhat shocked at your reply. I had hoped for your usual intense yet eloquent and educated rebuttal filled with undeniable proof(or at least enough BS to sway my thoughts ). But alas, you wrote, I saw a picture in a book. They were specialty items, no denying that, but for what specialty. Dr Stein has them listed on his site as kubikiri(Head splitter), Bokuwari(wood splitter), and Hanakiri(flower cutter). He also states, "there were several possible uses and many tall tales about kubikiri". Has anyone seen one which was papered as a kubikiri ?? As no proof has been presented, I still think in general this is a western misconception. Please note, that is my own personal feeling/opinion and it is not meant to influence anyone. If someone can produce tangible proof of their use as "beheaders" I'm all ears. In fact, I would love to see it. Perhaps one of our Japanese contributors can find some information not accessible to us English readers. Would it surprise me to learn, or do I doubt that they may have occasionally been used for the purpose of beheading, no. Would it surprise me to learn that there may have been a few made specifically for this task, no. Have I seen any proof, no. I have seen a Katana named "Atama Wari" or "Head Cutter". It was used in a body test and cut a human head vertically in 1661.

Yeah, don't they all ? While it may or may not have been used to decapitate prisoners, it is just a large sword ! Ken, I think he was making reference to "Nata" which have a reversed edge. Nata translates loosly as "Hatchet" (see link). http://yakiba.com/nata.htm From what I understand these nata were once thought to be for beheading. It makes a good story, "Head cutter" sounding much more masculine than "Flower cutter", but I think this is a totally western idea. I bought the one in the link in Japan several years ago as a "Nata". Everyone asked scoffed at the idea of nata being beheaders for the same reason this sword in question is obviously not made specifically for that task, and which has already been pointed out here, swords are ALL potentially beheaders !!

This topic has been discussed a couple of times here in the past and should be accessible in the archives. I sold a tanto with this mantra carved on the shirasaya. If you care to take a look at it: http://yakiba.com/tanto_enju.htm "NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO" . This is a prayer used by the Nichiren Buddhist Sect, and also the Sokugakkai, which is a religious and political party in Japan. It's meaning is basically as follows: Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō - 南無妙法蓮華経; Devotion to the Law of the Lotus Flower Scripture) is a mantra that is chanted as the central practice of all forms of Nichiren Buddhism. The mantra is referred to as Daimoku (題目, title; also, in some schools, O-daimoku: お題目) and was first revealed by the Japanese Buddhist teacher Nichiren on the 28th day of the fourth lunar month of AD 1253 at Kiyomizu-dera (also, Seichōji) near Kominato in current-day Chiba, Japan. The practice of chanting the daimoku is called shōdai (唱題). The purpose of chanting daimoku is to attain perfect and complete awakening (enlightenment). Namu: The words na and mu derive from Sanskrit. A close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself". Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Myoho: Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, the mystic law which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. Renge: Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person. Kyo: Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. "When deluded, one is called an ordinary human being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." —Nichiren, On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime

Here is another for you to take a look at Brian. 28" nagasa, signed Akihiro. http://yakiba.com/Kat_Akihiro.htm

A few more photos of the show.

I felt the show went quite well overall. Chris and Larry did a great job of keeping everyone happy. It was well organized and the shinsa ran smoothly. Didn't seem to be an over abundance of general public coming in, though I wasn't keeping count. The newspaper and TV station was supposed to cover the show but were a no show. Watching the news Saturday morning, I saw where the women's basketball team had won the championship and were scheduled to return home at 1400. I suspect the sword show was brushed off to cover the return of the home towns winning team. The shinsa team performed an exhausting task like true professionals. If I remember correctly, I think Chris told me that they had done 133 swords Saturday alone. The majority of everyone seemed to be happy with their results as the pass rate seemed to outweigh the fail. Of course no one is happy when a piece fails to pass, but that is human nature. Personally, my results were more favorable than not. I had submitted seven swords, and one tsuba, with six passing and two failing. Iaido and Ikebana demonstrations as well as a lecture on tamahagane were given. An exhibit of Shinshinto Swords featuring some outstanding examples was well attended. A very enjoyable weekend (except for when my wife dragged me to the Mall of America )

James, I am truly enjoying this post, as it reminds me of the times sittng with my old and dear friend Col. Dean Hartley USMC. Since his passing, and now listening to you, I realize how much I miss those stories. My curiosity is peaked by your comment that you sold "most" of your koshirae collection. Do you still have any of the koshirae or fittings that you purchased from Inami san ? I am sure I speak for everyone here when I say I would love to see pictures of any of those items. Even if they are old photos scanned into the computer. Thank you.

Stephen, Damn, hate to hear that, I was looking forward to it.

Great stuff, hope there is more. Thank you for sharing.

I plan to do nothing more than shop around, visit with those I know as well as make new acquaintances, eat, drink and be merry. Though I will have a table, I don't like lugging, loading, unloading merchandise and being stuck behind it (reminds me of work ) Grey, Mark, Look forward to it. Stephen, You can buy me lunch, but you don't owe me anything. Helping others is what friendship is all about. Derek, Stop by prior to spending your allowance. ___/\___\o/__ (Sharks in the water) :lol: Chris, Looking forward to it, as this will be my first time to this show.

Just curious as to whether or not any other NMB members will be attending this show ? I will be attending and have several slots reserved for shinsa. Hope to meet some of you, whom I don't already know, in person. I don't plan to bring a lot of merchandise, so in the event anyone may have seen something on the website and would like to see it in hand, let me know via e-mail.

I recently sold the following Katana to a gentleman in Australia. He informed me that it had passed the shinsa, Kanteisho 70 pts. http://yakiba.com/Kat_Tsunahiro.htm

Regarding the e-bay seller in question I have heard mixed reviews. I have heard several folks who were happy with their purchases from him. On the other hand, I have also heard just the opposite. A guy I know has nicknamed him Damnyou54. Personally, I have never dealt with him and avoid e-bay except on rare occasion. If asked, I would first and foremost repeat the words of wisdom you have received here regarding study. However, you didn't ask, and your decisions are none of my business. If you are determined to buy a sword and find yourself looking outside the European market contact me via e-mail as I may have something unlisted which is well within your price range.

Craig, I am saddened to hear of your condition. Having friends and my Grandfather suffer from this debilitating disease my heart and prayers go out to you. However, with the right MD, and course of treatment you should be able to maintain a great quality of life for many years to come. Never give up to the beaurocrats, fight like hell !

Ordered mine today via Amazon.com. Do hope it is the English version.

I have noticed this as well, certainly would prevent my bidding. One other thing Chris did not mention is the additional fees involved with the Japanese auctions. Not only will you pay a commission to your bidding service (10-15%), but postage to your bidder, then postage again to you, as well as some other fees (which I haven't quite figured out yet, perhaps Chris can enlighten us). Oh, and don't forget conversion rates which are killing us here in the US right now. Example: I won an item for 9350yen (at todays rate, 121USD), my cost was 158USD (37USD in additional fees) + 148USD shipping cost. Total cost of $306 for an item which cost $121.

Thank you for your replies. Of course it is a display of military power or prosperity. Not to say that the Japanese Military were non aggressive in their conquests, but combined with the family photos at the top, I do not get a feel of aggressiveness in this particular scroll. If it is aggressiveness, it is very passive aggressive IMHO. Another member suggested that perhaps it was a commemorative scroll, perhaps given as a gift or sold at a Naval Ceremony. Perhaps it was displayed or sold to the public simply to instill pride in the Navy, Military and Nation. Not an uncommon practice for any country. Personally, I feel more in line with what this scroll was meant to convey. Without any direct reference, I suppose all there is, is speculation. Again, thanks for the input.

Hi Guys, Listed this scroll for a friend. It is obviously the Emperor Showa and his family along with the Naval Armada. Anyone have any idea as to it's purpose or when/why it may have been produced ? http://yakiba.com/scroll_S8.htm

Tom, Great work. Looking over your photos was very enjoyable, thanks for sharing.

Ford, Not true my friend. I own a tsuba with such an inscription and have seen at least one other. http://yakiba.com/tsuba_Tsuguhide1.htm

If any of you have ever desired to learn the basic techniques of Japanese metal works, Door County Forge Works, of Wisconsin is hosting a class July 25-29. The class will be taught by Patrick Hastings of Tagane Arts: http://www.taganearts.com/: "A five day introductory class on the creation and use of Tagane. In this class you will learn to shape, heat-treat, and sharpen the tools for selected classical Japanese metalworking techniques. Using these tools you will be introduced to KataKiribori" For more information. http://www.doorcountyforgeworks.com/2011_Class_Schedule.html Having gone through this traditional class privately, I can attest that you will come away with a great deal of knowledge as well as enhanced appreciation for the work required to make the antique fittings we collect.