CurtisR

the work is well-done and detailed...the signature is perhaps geimei, but they're very heavy and appear to have been well-crafted. Seller said he purchased the in the 1970's but looking for opinions about maker, quality and perhaps age if possible. I find them beautiful regardless, but wanted to run it by those who know more... Many thanks in advance, Curtis R.

Yes, very sad about the edge damage but most of the "swiss-cheese" at least appear to be punched vs. drilled....or are my eyes being deceived . Curits R.

Greetings all ~ I recently read a discussion (although now I can't find it on MNB) regarding whether 'good' swords were made & offered to Temples or shrines. I found this video of a sword being made specifically for a Shinto Shrine re-building / dedication. All in Japanese, but still interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOqdxgp2crA&feature=related Sorry if this is in the wrong section but hopefully not . Regards, Curtis R.

My Mistake...I was referring to Keith's comment. And Eric, that is one beautiful print! Curtis R.

Sorry for the late reply...and Eric, *nothing* makes me think it might be worn edge-down...but it's nice to have some input regardless! Thank you all...the project is coming along well (yet slowly, so I don't screw the proverbial pooch ).

There is also a product called "Break-free" which is very non-damaging but cuts rust when used w/ a bone or ivory to remove the rust. Just make sure to wipe it all off & re-apply little by little as you go. You can find the product at gun stores. Curtis R.

I'm working on a project mounting od a Gendai Tsuba...what I cannot see ti find in all my books is whether the "hole" on the Tsuba(see photo) should be traditionally on the left or right of the blade as it points outward. I'm thinking (the 'hole" as no kozuka would fit) it should be mounted away from the body when worn with the edge downward as most tanto were (to my knowledge?)? Any help is greatly appreciated! Curtis R. (photo attached)

Just ordered 2 small tins yesterday Mark - hard to find here in the US it seems, but found it from the U.K., and it was about $12.00 US per tin which isn't bad / nice to know it keeps prints off of things as well! Curtis

Mr. Hennick, I don't have a sword w/old Samegawa (although I have done a full-wrap on an Iaito...wow, what a chore!). I will however, be on the hunt for Spongebob softsoap tomorrow and tuck it away. Little tricks like this are gems - thanks for sharing! Curtis R.

Both beauties IMHO! I was so disappointed I couldn't attend - had to cancel my flight, hotel, etc due to a car accident the day before I left (10th). Does anyone know when the next show will be (on the West Coast perhaps?). Tampa was to be my first. The Kami said otherwise. Regardless, beautiful! I wonder if natural light would bring out the pastoral scene details? Regards, Curtis R.

Sorry for the late remark as well (For Mark) --- I agree that you never know what you might get in Choji oil from unknown sources! I studied a bit o this, and simply use standard mineral oil w/ drops of Clove Oil (from WalMart pharmacy it's about $3.00 U.S./2ml) - and of course it goes into a very cool 2 oz. German-Silver bottle that fits nicely into my kit....'sword bling' LOL. It has worked very well over the past several years and when > I < make it, I known what's in it ! Very good point though. best, Curtis R.

Glad to hear it's a very useful thing to have...I'll order a tin or two for firearms as well as other little goodies . I hadn't thought (genuinely) of using it on the blade itself, but for the Tsuba & f/k;'s only....sounds like Mark had good luck with it, even on a blade, which is a good sign! It also sounds like it IS non-destructive to remove (with the right chem's) and to use, and dries with no sheen which would probably be great for Shinken / Iaito as well. Thank you all for such great information - this board has an amazing wealth of knowledge! Curtis R.

Kudos to your revolvers, Dr. Brian! I *highly* agree it shouldn't go on a blade...was thinking Tsuba only and f/k perhaps? Curtis R.

I'll probably catch 'heck' over this question, but has anyone tried or do they use (or is it correct to use) a product called "Renaissance Micro-Crystalline wax polish on Tsuba to protect them from rust, etc? I've been reading about it, and it's supposed to be "Archival" and non-destructive to patina but thought I'd pose the ? Let the slaughter begin ~~ :D Best Regards, Curtis R.

Yes please - was scheduled tog but life got the better of me. Curtis

Thanks guys - and I promise...no Toga or French General's outfits See you there! Curtis

Thanks John! And yes I believe they were cast and then worked a bit from the inside on the Kashira (unless I'm mis-reading the 'pound' marks inside). Two more pics of them just for fun...

Let me say "sorry" up-front as I knew of no where else to put this question....I'm attending the sword show in Tampa and am wondering what is considered "polite" or appropriate dress for the day. Being prior Military, I always worry about this type of thing....I'm guessing maybe "business casual"? Again, sorry, but am making every attempt not to look like an idiot on the first go-round :D . Curtis R.

I bought a f/k from a gentleman who said he's had them made (Gendai) in Japan about 15 years ago...the workmanship was nice and the price was right ($12.00). Can anyone please translate this signature, or is it possibly just made-up kanji together to look "more real" (although he knew they were not old when he ordered them)? Many thanks! Curtis R.

You've expressed my thoughts exactly Keith (and much more specifically so thank you) --- I am betting you're right about a modern cast. I guess I'll wait to spend any $ at the Tampa show vs. being disappointed. I just might be learning something to even notice these things on this pair, which pleases me :D . Thanks & Regards, Curtis R.

They appear way too well-detailed for the claimed age AND the back plates appear to have been molded into the body rather than attached. Am I learning something finally, or do other this they may be o.k. and Edo period? I do like the design, but they seem a bit too 'nice'. Opinions greatly appreciated! Sincere Regards, Curtis R. http://www.ebay.com/itm/4696-Japanese-S ... 3273066299

I recently re-fitted a non-Japanese blade (blasphemy as well, I know) with a Fred L. Tsuba and silver seppa...I used a micrometer to measure (and the retailers were kind enough to measure exactly) for me before I bought them. Then, lots of slow, careful filing and fitting. t took a long time to get them fitted properly, but I used the old Tsuba and Seppa to make light guide-marks on the new ones. This was my first attempt, and a nice padded adjustable vice cost s about $30.00 but is worth hundreds! I also had very good success with leather to tighten an Iaito that was just used a lot - I used Doe (deer) skin which is very supple, compresses well and is easy to work with vs. hard cow leather. Just my $.02 & good luck.

Found this on eBay and was amazed...at the level of destruction this poor thing went through, I mean. I'll probably be wrong about it and have found a NT, but thought others might be amazed as well. At least it's in shirasaya though right? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Japan-WW2-Tanto-Wakizashi-Sword-Knife-Blade-/160678834400?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25693470e0 And say you ended up with something like this..what would one do with it (asking those who collect on a regualr basis, I guess)? Curtis

Thank you Henry - Hotei! That was who I was trying to remember...I think you're probably dead-on. Curtis

Wow John, now THAT is some winter-weather! Got my tickets to Tampa for $280.00 / not sure what they'd be now (especially from the "Arctic (which?) coast. I say dog-sled is the right idea though!! Here's to hoping you make your escape ~~ Curtis