md02geist

Thank you! I got interested when I found out at some point paper was actually used? How interesting.

I'm looking for a good source on researching materials used in tsukamaki; silk, leather, etc, and which time periods and areas we see them in, which was most / least popular etc etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Google searches have primarily drummed up modern iaito and such discussion. I do have the two PDF files of tsukamaki pictures from this site already, linked in a previous forum post.

http://www.japanbullet.com/sport/authenticity-confirmed-for-long-lost-shimazu-masamune-sword Best I could find with a quick search. Click on the picture to enlarge somewhat.

I'd say for the price that's good man, you could probably sell the koshirae if needed or if you weren't a fan of it and recover all your money or maybe even make a few bucks.

This is a fantastic chance for people to grab that book. Awesome.

What's up with this? Is this a rerelease or a mistake? https://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book-Japanese-Swords/dp/1568365810/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482975405&sr=8-1&keywords=connoisseur%27s+book+of+Japanese+swords

I'd be in for a hardcover or maybe a limited.

I am still looking, thank you.

David it would be very helpful if you could post pictures here on the site, or at least links to a imageshack or similar.

I h I hadn't considered an exact price range, it would truly depend on the blade. I've found a few on various dealer sites as well but nothing that has really grabbed me.

Thank you, I saw that one. I appreciate you pointing it out to me however.

Hello all, I am wondering if anyone has a katana by the naminohira school for sale? Anything kamakura to late Muromachi is fine. Decent condition is preferred, non fatal flaws are fine if blade is priced appropriately and fatal flaws not preferred unless it's a complete steal. I will be using this for aesthetic enjoyment and study purposes. Papered would be wonderful. Thank you!

Is she allowed to sell it, seeing as it is deemed a national treasure?

Done sir, thank you!

I'm interested for sure. Thank you!

That's the one. Thank you very much! And thank you James C. for your input as well!

I was reading in a book and cannot for the life of me find it again discussion over a particular sword school that was known to make very very durable, strong, and robust "no frills" blades. It was rumored that a particular daimyo (I cannot remember if it was Uesegi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, etc) equipped his bodyguard with swords made by this school because they were well known to be incredibly strong in battle (although as stated before, very no frills...beauty through absolute functionality). Does this ring a bell to anyone? I was comparing some different sword schools and wanted to go back to this one and look at examples to compare with others of the time, figure out exactly why they were known to be more durable. Sorry, I know this is very vague.

Fantastic info thank you!

Yes, precisely like that example. Was this something that was commonly done, and if so / not, when and where did we see textures like this appear? And how was it done?

Was all kabuto etc lacquer smooth like glass or did they ever texture it with brush techniques, adding stuff like a dust to it, or any other way?

That's a very good point!

I have no problem if it was an ashigaru. I just think that likely due to the condition and quality (and this was suggested to me by the seller, which I agree with although I admit I am not a professional but merely someone who has begun to dabble) it may very well not be a poor common footsoldier's weapon. Possible? Sure. Possibly not? Sure. I know there were samurai who fought on foot. This to me just doesn't seem like what a poor or mass issue peasant conscript would be wielding. Again, still possible of course. But I wouldn't expect the refinement here. Either way thanks for linking me a new movie to watch! I look forward to it.

I understand the triangular shape of it denotes it as a sankaku yari but I see a hamon along the edge, differentiating it from a lot of sankaku yari as I understand a lot of sankaku yari were not sharpened on the edge to slash with? This one clearly looks capable of slashing. I tend to differentiate ashigaru from samurai although I know that in some provinces ashigaru *were* considered samurai. The excellent condition, length of blade and differential hardening (and thus increased expense) and workmanship make me think this was no basic, impoverished ashigaru weapon (or if it was, perhaps it was given to them by a well off master). This is of course all speculation, mostly by the seller. If the original owner ever shows up on my doorstep and lets me know how he got it I'll be surprised (and calling Ghostbusters probably).

Picking up this yari. Information from seller as follows: Yari in Shirasaya (without the Tsuka) Signature : Mumei. Blade length : 26.4 cm or 10.39 inches. Mekugi : 1 Width at the hamachi : 2.49 cm or 0.98 inches. Kasane : 0.83 cm or 0.32 inches. Era : Late Muromachi period. Speculation by the seller is that it was likely samurai owned (due to condition and craftsmanship) and potentially utilized in a scouting unit or from horseback given the slightly smaller size versus some of the much larger blades (the 2' type etc). I really love the shape and workmanship of it and the fuller on one side gives it a very nice look to my eyes. The hamon looks wonderful. Not bad in my opinion for a first nihonto.

Yeah it didn't strike me as a noren, I did consider that though. Thanks Not averse to selling or trading if anyone is interested, feel free to PM me. I'm not married to it just yet. Not actively looking to move it but happy to entertain offers if someone is interested.