Dr Fox

Just this week, I was shown another sword with that exact mon badge in silver. Would that be arrows or feathers, and whose is it pl. Denis.

Well done Jim D, good start for a stab in the dark. Denis

As a responder to Mico I just want to say, I am disappointed in the turn that the discussion took. This member has been with the forum since 2006, certainly not a newbie. He has had the opportunity to read more posts, than a lot of us here, and would most certainly have known what constitutes ‘acceptable’ behaviour. Amen to that. Denis.

Well Alex, then gallop along and get some. Denis.

Dont shoot me I am only the messenger. I know of a case where a powder horn of great value was damaged, and a piece became detached. It was repaired by a gentleman I knew who did a wondrous job. He explained that animal products ie hoofs and horns were made flexible with hot water. He made both surfaces hot by the use of water, and then glued the pieces together with (wait for it) horse hoof glue. glue that is actual ground hoofs, again activated with hot water. Could great minds envisage this as an application here? Denis.

Micko I am not a dealer. Also it was not my intention to 'hammer' you. You expressed an opinion, and I hope you accept a measured response from me. Regards Denis.

Micko Its great you are so happy, lady luck has more than smiled on you, but the reality is, that you will find that you are in a tiny minority of success stories. Do as suggested, and search the forum on this subject, Folks with the same aspirations as you have stories of total misery. I for one don't find your guide to EBay success, sound in a couple of respects. Its not like anything you buy, swords are unique in themselves. Take a good look, at what? a photographic representation, presented to you by the seller. Ask questions, you are in trust of the sellers integrity. Do a deal, again not exact, you could be in a bidding war with who? some times the seller himself. You don,t trust dealers! Now you really have me at a loss, you are stood in front of the seller, sword item in hand, able to see and clarify any points you might have, receiving guarantees that are based on reputation, and state "they are only in it for profit anyway" I must beg to differ with your assertions. Long may your personal successes continue, but I won't recommend it as a text for others. Regards Denis.

First off, the promise of return was made in Jan 2013, now by my reckoning 8 months from sometime in January is sometime in August??? What has not been stated is when the return was promised, was it this week, next month, or when the affairs were wound up? This all has a bearing on what constitutes a reasonable time delay. Also non-answered correspondence does not prove it was sent, or that the correct party received it. Cheated is a term to cover an attempt to deceive, or practice deceit, especially for ones own gain; to trick or swindle someone, until this is a stated intention, or a provable action, you have not been cheated. You might be frustrated and ignored but it is not the same. Denis.

Eugene If I have got this right, the son gave you a promise of the swords return. Now for me, I would be mindful that this family has lost the head of their family. The circumstances of his passing could have had a devastating effect. You use the term ‘cheated’, I can see you are worried, but until you are told, there is no sword return, or no money for you from the sale, then I don't accept you have been cheated. So seriously, I suggest that, as you have made your declaration to this board, that you provide any information asked of you without the run around. Bear in mind that there could be persons on here, who have access to enquiry lines that you don't. Now do yourself a favour be nice. Denis.

Not of any further help! but both shish carry a similar mark, and in approx the same place on the body, and can be seen in your photo. Denis.

Thanks Matt, but my question was in regard of a nihonto blade, and not for a sword to be used for the various disciplines by its owner. Cheers Denis.

A price update, Amazon will deliver the set on my doorstep post free for £185.20. Thats Euro 216, USD 279.20 todays price. If the $100 is realistic, then that leaves a staggering $179 to get this book set to my door. Have I got that right? Denis. Edited. I see Brian says plus p+p.

It seems that if comments don't gush full approval for this project, then someone is attempting some sort of sabotage! Not so! A lot of work and time has been spent on this and that has to be applauded. In April this year the proposal was a reprint of ‘The Index Of Japanese Sword smiths’. I along with others was puzzled at such an idea, and voiced the same, mainly because the existing book set seemed adequate, but my statements at the time were countered with: To produce 2 hard cover copies, of Marcus’s books. Hard copies not being available. These books were to be of a superior print quality to the originals. The prices, to be significantly lower than the originals. Since that originality, it transpires that, there were hard covers of the originals available! The superior print quality is not yet finalised. And the price was at first, not available, then $85, on to $100 now with doubts being cast that this price is over optimistic. Personally I believe that this idea when proposed, should have been noted, and the background work done. Then put forward as a viable project, with formats, prices. Then the members should have been canvassed, as to their willingness to commit. As is was, the topic was hammered from every angle, the greater amount of organisers time, spent in countering posts that would have been self explanatory at a later date. Tell me if I am wrong and out of line here? 4 months on, and realistically no further? Denis. The Camel was a Horse designed by a committee.

Rust presents a problem, in that if it is not stabilised it will continue to damage. In the gun trade parts, (especially barrels) came in suffering from oil neglect. The quick fix to halt this situation was the application of boiling water poured straight from the kettle. The heated item dried immediately, and an oil coat was applied, the rust then appeared as black spots, not removed, but stabilised before deciding on the best course of further action. [Gun browning/blueing is induced rusting halted by boiling in water.] Once again, I state this is not my endorsement for use on sword blades! But I have used it on bright steel non-blued items, and obtained the results above. Denis.

George I have such a blade, and it meets your description very well. Denis

Does this mean the board is getting its own Simon Cowell? Really? Denis.

http://www.e-hygienesystems.com/coshh/s ... raglit.pdf http://www.futures-supplies.co.uk/downl ... rasso_.pdf Denis.

Brian Further to talks with Ian C, UK distribution can be taken care of with one mail drop, we also feel a pass on method of delivery, will avoid added postal costs in the majority of cases. Denis.

Michael What have you got? A honest piece thats not pretending to be anything else. Ok the wrap to say the least is untidy, but you have already had a nice comment on the cord. Change that and what next, a blade polish because that now looks scruffy?. For me leave it alone, enjoy it for what it is, a dandelion will never be a rose, but they can both live in the same garden. Denis.

I think now looking back, I had very probably handled a tachi,, but at that time didn't appreciate the differences between tachi/katana. Also from the links provided (thank you all), there does not seem to be a absolute why, this placement became the ‘norm’. Now here’s a thing: If I wanted a tsuka built today, would I be asked where I wanted the menuki, or would it be accepted that under fingers is the unquestioned norm? Denis.

This from the original post Quote Unfortunately, there are some thin scratches on the upper part of the blade. It came from play of cutting cardboard boxes by the previous owner. Please never play with such masterpieces, even if you are so rich.Unquote. Now where else have I seen that advice quite recently? Denis.

This question dates back to the 1960’s. I have had for a number of years tucked away a thought for which I have never had a full answer. In my early days of appreciating the sword and fittings, I was drawn to menuki, were they charms, religious symbols or just decorative? I remember at the time being told, they were there to swell the tang, into the hollow of the palm of the hand, thus affording a more complete grip. Now was I dreaming? When I say I remember holding swords in my right hand, and yes, the menuki was in the palm of the hand. Now we all know the menuki on swords fit under the fingers of right-handed men, a position where little added grip is afforded to my mind. Especially on the top hand which only grips with the bottom two fingers any way. So my Question is: Were menuki placed as I believe I saw? Or is now, how its always been? Denis.

Hi Rick Did you mean 'near the ha'?, as I dont seem to spot the ware you might be indicating. Denis

I for one don't think you do, or you would not have wasted the resources this board offers freely! If I am wrong! then man up and produce the paper requested. Denis.

Chris I can't help feeling you should have added "but don't use a nihonto blade to whittle it:) Denis.