Dr Fox

Do I use uchiko? yes I do why? because its the way I was told and shown by a Japanese gentleman, who had more sword experience than I could ever hope for. Would those who make swords, or those who treasure the same, deliberately use a damaging process?. On my book shelf, must be at least a dozen references by world experts, advocating uchiko as part of 'sword care'. So it is of little wonder, that any opinion that flies in the face of this advice, will generate a lot of discussion?.

Bruno Thanks for the link, which shows a 10 shell tsuba, similar. And as previously mentioned, while doing some digging came across this (below), the similarities here are more marked. Hmm! Perhaps a small move on the price, and this might not be a bad addition after all. Cheers.

Thanks Mauro, good info. The opportunity to buy was made, but I have seen better for the discussion price £180 GBP. I have since my initial questions done some research into Echizen Kinai, and from Bruno's comment, I can see that a lot of tsuba came from that area, and were of varying degrees of value. This example is not visually so attractive, or so rare that I cannot let it pass, so I will on this occasion. Thanks to all who kicked in their opinions, on this inquiry.

Thank you Marius I thought the improvement of a tsuba was a poss, and as to your second half of your answer, the expense has to be justified. Alan the views you asked for, cheers.

Hi Marius Yes I agree, it was one of the points that caused me to hesitate. There is no richness or even tone to the tsuba. Can a better effect be achieved on the piece? And Bruno Does that mean common as in: a tourist piece, low grade with common mei or easily obtained and therefor cheap? Thanks to you both.

Hi all tsuba fans, despite my best efforts, and exercising control, I am constantly being drawn to "just get a few tsuba's'. The beginning of the end is nigh. I have been offered this wakizashi tsuba. The price is not finalised, as neither of us know if it is at all of any value! Wanting to do the right thing here, I turn to you gentlemen for a heads up on this piece. So enough from me over to you, please.

Looks about as functional, as 'go faster' stripes on a car.

John A Having read and re-read your valued opinion. I have to admit, that I cannot find anything in your in logic, that I can identify with, or regard as my way of nihonto appreciation. But then again, isn’t that what discussion, and opposing views is all about?

George To add to my last. Here is a wakizashi blade after polish, it is sitting in its opened, original Japanese shira saya. Re opening the saya allows for cleaning and adjustments, as the blade has been polished. All parts will be re-assembled using rice paste glue, the proper way. Pl note. This saya had been glued with a wood glue of some type, the expert separated it with some patience, to see it now you can't tell. Oh, and the blade is a delight and gi mei.

Sorry, but how a shira saya is assembled is important, as far as I am concerned. The saya is Japanese, and its function to care for a blade, is the reason for its being. The use of rice glue, allows the splitting of the saya at a later date should there be a need. The use of modern glues in all their forms can gas, or exude moisture. A blade in that proximity will be damaged. To advocate to a novice that anything, but the Japanese way is acceptable, disturbs me as a caretaker of these art forms. Call me old fashioned, but its the only way I know.

George I don't want to be the one to rain on your parade, but!! That is a shira saya, a resting case for the blade, its a protector sheath. Warning! Its rice glue that is used to join those sides together, anything else could cause damage to the blade if put back into that saya. Please unless you have done it right, do no more!!! The fact that the blade is in such a saya, could, could mean it is worthy of a proper exam.

Hi George Grey is right walk slow. Have a look at the other posters who have asked the same questions. Then see the demands for photo types, that will enable answers to be given. A close up of the habaki asks nothing, and is not part of your enquiry. Photographs can give you some valid answers here, but only if they show the areas where the answers are found. Browse it will be worth your time.

Chris If so then he has been doubling up for some time, that ID has been registered since August 22 2004, almost 11 years!

I am also in the UK, and I can say the Conservatives have more on their plate than the banning of ivory. British politics is getting the biggest rump kick its ever had. And its long overdue. Me, I will wait till the end of this week, before I worry about the Tory manifesto.

I found this para in your post most interesting, and begged from me this question. Its in respect of the time taken to 'polish' long and short swords, 8 and 3 days. Now today the result of a polish has known expectations, and the amount of detail revealed is expected, and the work costed accordingly. But in the day in the village shop, would a 'polish' be as we know it, or conversely just rust removal, chip correction and a re-sharpen? I wondered, as 8 days on one sword, or 3, would give an army of polishers full time employment! Regards

I also have a gimei example which gives pleasure in its form and looks. So I echo these sentiments exactly.

Agree, but if that safe was in an alcove, bolted wall and floor, then its a different ball game. The law of leverage can't be used. And just how many safes can be pushed onto their backs, no this is a sales boost demo, and favours the sellers of safes.

It is of note that bird shooting in Japan took off in a big way. Shooting cranes became a must do sport, to such an extent that the crane fast approached becoming extinct. Luckily there were some conservation minded people around, that halted the practice. But for a while it was touch and go.

Good on you Thomas.

Kama. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama_(weapon) Cheers.

A nice tribute Peter on the passing of a friend. May I add my condolences.

Hi Juha A very brave and honest post. It will not make you feel any better, to know that Jason, could well have been in the position you are in now. But lighten up, as you are not the first, and certainly not the last of those, who have been 'dissapointed', after a purchase. Knowledge is key! Hope you find these comments, emanate from my gentle side.

Hi David Just can't relate to a crime involving the Postal service, after months had passed since an item had been delivered. But must agree, a rip off seems to be the objective here, and some agency needs to step in.

Eric Sarcasm? Perhaps, but just a pointer towards your stated endevour. Quote "I have no intention of becoming anything close to a saya-maker" Then you won't produce a 'shira saya' fitted for purpose. You describe what a saya should do, but achieving that goal is easier said then done. I have seen many examples of 'good jobs by novices'. ​It is incumbent on us as keepers, not to do anything, to cause ill effect to items in our care. Wish you the best in your attempts.

Eric I love it, "google how to make a shirasaya". Hope you have better luck than I did, when I googled "How to fly a Boeing 747" disappointingly it did not make me a pilot.