CurtisR

Thanks for posting the link Guido - forgot to do that. And it's worth the price, believe me (if you've ever tried Tsukamaki or plan to, anyway). Curtis

Just received my copy today from Amazon and it's very well done. Shows 24 styles (and how to 'do' them), as well as lots of other info. I also picked up this little tobacco pouch clasp today - not brilliant work but 'neat'. I believe it shows the "never ending money bag" (or some similar concept). Price was decent and I liked the design.... Curtis

Thanks Eric - I found a Gendai smith fromt he 40's who used the name Masayasu, nice work in but looking closely, I see there is a distinct difference to this Waki...I also found: "Bungo no Kami Masayasu" SCHOOL Owari Seki PERIOD Kanbun (1661-1673) and am thinking this is HIS work based on the quality. Would I be right in any of those here more experienced than I? Many thanks, Curtis

I have looked in my (admittedly limited) reference books and can't find this smith listed - I find that Hamon & sugata very attractive and would like to know more about him. Any suggested links, etc. where I could learn more would be appreciated. Curtis

Ah yes Thierry - I built my last one using those folks...decent products and they worked well & were well-made. Chisler just offers higher grade, customized/fitted pieces and a larger variety. I'm attaching two mid to late Edo handles on my latest project and wanted the fittings to compliment them as best I could. Curtis

I recently found Dan Chisler (Portland, OR area) who makes hardware for Tansu, etc. --- there are not thin, cheap pieces but are made by him, in his own foundry. He is very pleasant to work with and although his work isn't inexpensive, it's worth it. He takes rubbings from original pieces and then recreates them. Just thought I'd pass his site along for those who might need this sort of thing: http://www.chisler.net/tansu69.html Curtis

Beautiful - both. I also think the Daruma, although I admit it is only from a (very) novice perspective. I am looking forward to seeing how the Shinsa procedure/process is done, in general, but will be very interested to see how this one ends up doing if you choose it. Best Regards, Curtis

:D Agreed on the wire, Ken....in RECONDO school (LRRP) long ago, we even used belts in training, but it sure does make it more difficult. Pretty interesting about usig is as a bola, also!! Hmmm....I see a new toy in my future! Curtis

Trough the 'ages' (lord help me yes, ages) I've been told it was a form of "Kusarigami" (love the 'rock in a sock analogy!!) used to 1) ensnare a swordsman's wrist at close quarters OR to use as a weapon concealed in the hands/palms and then the heavy ends are "shot out" to hthe opponent in the forehead, throat, or solar-pleaxis. I could be wrong, but was always told it is was a 'sneaky' weapon designed to be concealed in the palms. The chinese have a 4, 6, 8 or (amazing to see ) 10-sectional "whip-chain" made of connected rods that is of similar principal but for further distance. OH, and the heavy steel pieces on each end do make excellent Garrotte grips. Legal here in the stated unless it's in your pocket downtown :D Hope this may be of some help. Curtis

Barry, I completely agree...I'm going to guess it's the Iai form/kata with the thrust (Ha upward) that's only shown for second or three during the film? The production company is called "Empty Mind Films" and I believe the entire Embu (or more of at any rate) for a fee. Their website is: http://www.emptymindfilms.com Not sure if the did Mr. Martin's film but it's very possible ~~ I'm glad folks are enjoying it as much as I (who haven't been to Japan either but HAVE had grass stains on my Gi/Hkama Curtis

Thanks all - glad you enjoyed it! I know the NMB is *usually* just for the items themselves and didn't want to post something out of the realam, although thought it was close enough to risk it :D . Happy (almost) Friday! Curtis

Thought I'd post this as it's very well done, great music and some very good showings or Nihonto, armor, Ho, etc. I hope I am not out of line for the post? I also noticed that most of those demonstrating are in their 50's or older. Curtis R.

Just sitting back - blown away. Beautiful new piece, Mr. Hallam and the old masters posted with it, well, just "wow". Looking forward to the new/additional images! Happy New Year, Curtis

That's a beauty! Curtis

That's a beauty, Jean! Curtis

Elequently said! Curtis

Glad you enjoyed it Dr. ~ as you say, he's probably making a meager living each day, but does it out of love for the art. I wonder if his family ever forgave him? I was also impressed by the (seemingly very Japanese & little where else) attitude of wanting his student to out-perform him one day. THAT is teaching, IMHO!. Curtis

Not a long video but very well done and the Smith's words carry weight. Curtis

I do know one gentleman that collects and will touch base with him in the next week or so...then another Aikido Sensei in the Louisville area who I know has some Nihonto (and probably very nice ones, I suspect ) but it usually out of the country. I will email him and ask him if he may be interested as well. Personally I'm a novice but enjoy learning. Curtis

I believe it's defunct now Jamie - sad to say. I wonder if anyone on NMB could suggest a way of starting one? Curtis

Great thread! Curtis

It's a beauty Piers ! Curtis R.

Curran - that's a beauty! My Japanese isn't spectacular but it appears to be just over 1800 yen?? I'd say just for the history and knot-work it would be well worth that amount. As a side note ( may the Kami smile upon me), I just ordered more Kiri wood...I may be terrible at Kodogu until I learn much more, do enjoy attempting these. One thing I have noticed from all of your great (and thank you all BTW) posts is that they were items to be used hard, vs. Katanakaki which seem to have been more protected or revered....but maybe that's just my lack of knowledge/exposure. True or not, the designs are simple yet brilliantly useful IMHO. Best, Curtis R.

Oh, one other little addition I did to my racks was to glue Doe (deer) skin strips on the insides of the curves. Thought this may protect the finish on the shirasaya better than "wood-on-wood". It worked well.

Thank you Mr. Helm - the three-drawer model is very cool and I see exactly what you mean about some being more narrow for those in Shirasaya. Brilliant, and I may be making my bottom drawer racks this way now if/when I attempt project #2! I have none in Shirasaya, but one of these days...oh yes....one of these days :D . As for the hardware, I actually purchased it (all together) on ebay...they are repro's but do attach in the traditional ways. The corner braces, etc. are a bit thin and not steel, but have a great finish. The handles are iron and solid as can be. Here is a link to the seller's store - they provided great service, BTW. http://myworld.ebay.com/easternclassics/?_trksid=p4340.l2559 Also, has anyone here heard of Tansu being made of Cypress wood vs. Kiri?