Yoshimichi

I was saddened to learn today of Frankie Banali's passing on August 20th from viewing Mike Yamazaki's website. Thanks for the post Mike. Frank was only 68, and just one year younger than me. He apparently passed from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and put up a hell of a fight. I will miss him. I first met Frankie when he came into the S,F. Token Kai one year. He had an interest at the time in Mishina Yoshimichi blades, as did I, so we had something in common, and we had some fun conversations about swords, his travels to Japan, and struck up a casual friendship. I found him very personable, friendly, and willing to share his love of sword collecting and knowledge very readily.What I found interesting was that he was not only a sword collector, he was the drummer of the heavy metal band "Quiet Riot," one of my secretary's favorite bands. When I told him of my secretary's love of his band, he was kind enough to send me an autographed picture of the band, signed by all members, and a copy of their latest album, before it was released, to give to her. He did this out of the blue, without me asking, just because he was that kind of thoughtful person. My secretary was beside herself. Sometime later, Frankie purchased a second generation Kikumon Yoshimichi from me. I do not know whatever happened to the tanto after he purchased it. I hope he enjoyed it like I did.. One time when Frankie's band, Quiet Riot, was coming to my home town (Chico, California), Frankie called or emailed me and asked if I would like to attend the concert, and of course I said "Yes," and he put me and my nephew, and his friend on the Guest list. They put on an incredible concert, and Frankie was amazing on the drums, as usual. It was a memorable concert that my nephew and others in Chico still talk about...thanks to Frankie. I will miss seeing him coming into the S.F. Token Kai and speaking with him. He was a great guy, a knowledgeable sword collector, and fellow lover of all things Japanese. I am better for our paths crossing on this journey of life, as I am sure many others are who knew Frankie. Rest in Peace, Frankie. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan

Dear Kissakai: Here are some of the Yanone shapes others have discussed. I have had these in a rack in my office for years. They are fun to collect, and affordable. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Sale ended. Thanks for looking, Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Last reduction: $25 for all three, plus buyer pays shipping. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

PRICE REDUCTION: $30.00 for all three, plus the buyer pays shipping costs. Will accept Paypal for international purchasers. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

The temporary hold on Vol. 2, No. 3 is lifted. It is still available, Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB members: I am not opposed to selling the Bushido journals separately for $15.00 each, if members do not want all three. Buyer pays shipping costs in addition to the purchase price. Payment required within five days of purchase by cashiers' check or money order. If you can use any, PM me. Vol. 2, No. 3 is on temporary hold. Thanks for looking. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB Members: I have three (3) Bushido catalogs for sale. They have some age-related scuffing and creases on the covers, but overall in sound condition. Two are from 1980, and one is from 1981. If you need these to complete a set, or for general reference, here you go. PRICE: $55.00 for all three, and I will pay shipping within the U,S. Foreign buyers pay all shipping costs. Payment required within five (5) days by cashier's check or money order. If you can use them, PM me. Thanks for looking. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

SOLD both pieces to the same collector. Thanks for looking, and have a great Holiday and a Merry Christmas. I will probably be listing an Osaka line Tamba no Kami Yoshimichi (fairly confident it is 3rd generation) wakizashi in shirasaya with koshirae/tsunagi soon, but with so many swords for sale right now, I may hold off for a bit. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

On Hold, for the moment Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB members: I've decided to let a few items go to help fund a return trip to Scotland next June. and these two are the first "casualties," assuming any member is still looking for a holiday gift for them self. Here are a couple of nice items that came from a collection put together in the early 1980s. The workmanship is nice, but no guarantee that the signatures are good. The tsuba is approximately 2-7/8 inches in diameter. The kozuka has what looks like a light marker pen name on the back of the kozuka saying "Joi" and something else. I have not cleaned these pieces, and they are in "as acquired" condition. They come with the box they came with. Payment by Paypal ("friends and family"). Buyer pays shipping and insurance costs in addition to the purchase price. The sale is final, so PM me with any questions. PRICE: $550 FOR EACH ITEM (Tsuba or Kozuka), or $1,025.00 IF ONE PERSON TAKES BOTH. If sold separately. the box will go with the tsuba, and the box's red pillow will go with the kozuka. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Ford and Bella: Very sorry to hear about Ford's health issues.I do not know Ford personally, but I have always appreciated his artistic skill and talent, as well as his postings to the NMB. I have never set up a gofundme donation account, but maybe someone experienced with them can start one for Ford, and that might be a good way for fellow NMB members and friends to contribute to Ford to help defray some expenses during his downtime. Has anyone on the NMB set one of these up before? Here is a link to their site:https://www.gofundme.com/c/questions Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB members: I have listed three pieces on Ebay at substantially reduced selling prices. Here are the auction links: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274094507548 https://www.ebay.com/itm/274094511270 https://www.ebay.com/itm/274094513741 Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi) :

Well done, Raymond and Steven. Impressive! Regards Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear David: I have known people who have used one other method: a smoke oshigata, with success with faint or difficult to read kanji. You want to make sure you get instruction from the other members on how to best do a smoke oshigata before trying it the first time. The process I have seen used involves laying the sword blade flat on a table or surface, with the tang (kanji side down) hanging off the table. Obviously, the blade has to be secured or held down on the surface, so as not to drop or flip up the blade in the process. Then, by using a lit candle held underneath the tang (at least a couple of inches away), you let the candle smoke soot rise up to the tang, sufficient enough to fill the kanji strokes with smoke soot.You then use 2" wide clear plastic tape to lift the soot impression of the kanji off of the tang. However, I would not use this method with a decent sword, without the help or assistance of someone who has performed the method before, and without trying everything else mentioned above before resorting to a smoke oshigata. Better yet, you would be well served if you can have an experienced sword person look at the sword in hand, like Raymond Singer or Mike Yamazaki, if possible. I am sure some members might have reservations about using a smoke oshigata, but it can be useful in the appropriate situation. Regards Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)