O koumori

Agree. I am less and less inclined to ship blades, due to bad experiences with USPS and other shipping. See them in hand, buy them at the show, and take them home!

A few more pics...

Chicago sow...Friday setup

RIP Skip

Sam, Best of luck with your organization! Dan Kedzie Indiana Token Kai

Yes! Great observation!

Thank you!

Yes Jean, I read it "somewhere." “The guard protects the palm of the hand when holding the sword.” The Samurai Sword – a Handbook, John M. Yumoto "It prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade and brings the sword’s center of balance closer to the handle," Princeton University Art Museum https://artmuseum.pr...ctions/objects/19430 "It protected its user’s hand when he grabbed his sword or prevented its user’s hand slipping towards the blade part when he hits his enemy." Samurai Museum Shop, Shinjuku https://www.samuraim...81K19QIu6Ibei3h4WeIA And there are more. Anyway, I had no idea that this was a controversial topic, so I'll stop "spreading it" and get back to my original question: What function does the tsuba serve on a naginata?

Hi all, I believe that it is generally accepted that the primary function of the tsuba was to prevent the swordsman's hand from slipping forward onto the blade during combat. What, then, was the purpose of a tsuba on a naginata? To catch an opponent's blade to prevent it from damaging the pole?

Very nice carving! I bought a katana at the Chicago show last year - with a questionable "Naotane" mei - strictly for the Fudo Myoo horimono. I like your statue.

4.

Keep in mind that many forging flaws did not appear until after repeated polishing; similarly, higare often did not appear until later, when the sword was used.

Brian, Quick recovery, and happy holidays to you! Thanks for all you do to keep us running... Dan K

Here is a Nagato Sa tachi from Oei period for reference. Dan K

Hello Mike, The Indiana Token Kai meets monthly, usually on the third Saturday of the month https://indianatoken...om/indiana-token-kai Although our December meeting will be our annual Christmas party, the meetings always have some nice Nihonto to look at and learn from, as well as friendly members eager to help people on their journey! We meet at the Morgan County Public Library in Martinsville. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance. Regards, Dan K.