ken kata

Thank You for clarifying Thomas..   

Thank you Jacques.. 

How do you guys find these articles on the internet?

I try the different terms/names to search for, and most times get selling / store websites..

I went looking for that site and tried to search for Honami Myohon, and, according to Marcus' Honami Family Book, there, it explains that

they could not verify because al the Family records was lost.

" In the middle of the 13th century, HONAMI MYOHON studied, dissected and deepened the ancient empiricism..."

I was wondering if they meant the Mid 1300's ? After the Kamakura era...?

Anyway, Thanks for all the help.

I was generally asking if the "Original Kamakura Guys" saw what we see today, in those Kamakura Blades..

Hey Guys.. Nihonto is a great past time. But, 

I don't have $$$$ to buy and admire Blades, so, the next best thing is to get into get interested and,

 try learn  in all the aspects of what makes Nihonto so great..  

Thanks for viewing..

Alton 

Thank You Thomas. 

"swords of the Heian and Kamakura period have lost a little something over the years, polishers of old could not bring out the activity the way we can today. However if these blades were seen as Meito in those early days how spectacular they must have been fresh out of the forge!"

So,

the Blade was "Beautiful" when 1st. forged and polished, and thru the years, needed to be "re-polished" , but, could not be done as good as when the blade was first made, until now. 

Was that because the lost of Togishi Knowledge/ Techniques of Sword Polishing was lost as the same way making the Kamakura Blades was Lost  or  forgotten,

and, in Modern Times, the the Togishi re-immerged / gaining in higher knowledge /quality polishing in what we see today?

On another thought.... 

I was watching "The Art of the Japanese Sword" video that Paul Martin sells..

In that , an interview with sword maker  Kawachi Kunihisa says in the old days, Swords were "Beautiful" because the way the cut.

Did he mean ,

Not emphasizing on Polishing but more on Physical characteristics ( for strength and sharpness/ edge hardness.. )  ?

" Polishing today is more developed than it has ever been - we see things today the collectors of old may not have seen "

I'm glad for that.., in these modern times, we are really fortunate to "see" the most out of the Early Blades.

Thanks for posting and viewing.

Alton 

Hello Forum/Guys, 

One aspect of Japanese Swords that fascinated me, was the the way " Modern Day "Smiths yearned to re-create the masterpieces of the Kamakura period.

In that,

I also was wondering if, in those times, were the Blade's "Polished" as good/nice/relieving as the Polish/Finish on  those Old Blades have on now.

Being re-polished in our modern times?

Basically, was the polishers in those early times better ?

Like, their techniques/secrets are long lost like the Blade maker's techniques?

Or, does Modern technology, availability of newer/different stones, and, communication/information as time went by, improved the Polish/polishing quality?

And, if so, would the modern day Nihonto World see different things in the Blades that a "Better Polish" would/might bring out?

Thanks for viewing,

Alton T 

Hello Forum/Guys, 

Thank You for all your post and thoughts.

No need to look further. Thank You.  

I originally asked for shirasaya makers that reside in Hawaii.

I was hesitant to send the blades out of Hawaii for the shirasaya work.

No postage cost/risk,  and a saya maker here in Hawaii would be easier to communicate with  and no traveling.

That is why I was asking for makers in Hawaii.

Thanks for Bob Benson's website link Steve.

I saw Bob, too,  had links to the " Beauty of Japanese Swords"  series/episodes from GINZA SEIKODO ( Thank You Mr. Saito  , great videos  )  , 

which was one of the reasons that stirred up / re-energized my time/interest  back to  Nihonto  

I just loved the way the guess speaker, Steward Ueno , spoke and explained about Swords.

I wish I met him while he was here..

I also saw NMB's fellow member Robert Hughes ..

Very interesting and informative Mr. Hughes , Thank You  

I've watched the series/episodes many times already and I still replay them because there is so much content.

I also play the videos while I look at my Blades, for both the lectures and the Piano jazz Background music they use. 

I like/love listening to Japanese Piano Jazz Trios.. 

Thanks everyone. Be safe..

Alton T 

Hello Guys..

 Thank You all for replying.. 

Jason and Mark, Steve, Chrs..

Thanks for putting into perspective . and, feels good hearing from you guys that have better Nihonto knowledge.

Hi Steve,

I've been surviving.  

I did not want to send the Blade out of state.. I was hoping there was someone here in Hawaii.

I did see the other post with USA Craftsmen/Artisans of the crafts, but, I was thinking they are way to busy with more important / significant work.

And, Thanks B. Hennick  .. i would imagine the unnecessary risk and liability and the many collectors that might be worried and wanting constant up dates and /or scheduling, and, may lead up to conflicts.  Best to keep those professions "Profession"..  

I think i going try make my own.

I did make one Saya  long time ago, for a matt cutting Sword Blade. ( Not Japanese made) 

But, If I make one for my "Nihonto", it will not be "Real".. like everybody's one.

BTW, I found out, there is no Akio Hattori, who was suppose to be the son of Ichio Hattori. 

Alton    <   

Thanks all..  

Hello Forum/Guys, 

I was looking around for post about the feasibility of buying/putting low cost blades into Shirasaya from their Koshirae .

I do have two Blades, 

1600's Hoki No Kami Nobutake ( Nedai) w/ Robert Benson Papers, and 1866 Shoji Yamon Naokatsu, both  are in WW II dressings.

Both in "As found" existing Polish.

Do you guys feel these Blades "responsibly " , needs or should be put into Shirasaya's ?

I live on Oahu ( Same island  as KenHawaii  ).

1) How much is a shirasaya ?

2) Is there any Shirasaya makers in Hawaii?

3) What would be your "Guidelines" on "When/if to Polish and store into a Shirasaya" ?

       as the worth of the Blade and condition of the Blade..

Thanks for viewing, 

Alton 

Hi Brian.. 

I am not in business, but, for my swords, I do make my own Display Stands.

Non Traditional.. Distressed.. Wabi Sabi   

https://kenkata.weebly.com/

You might think of / make your own personal taste/style for your Swords..

Howzit guys.

Nice finding Ed..  

What a treasure that someone is selling.

I , and, I'm sure others, would have loved to see the foot (Kodai).

Hey ,  SteveM..    appurtenance translation  please.. 

Had the other early Edo Oribe for 4500 from Cab. 

Added:

Just seen Steve's post.. I did not think of that.. Momoyama..  That's cheap for Momoyama.

Looks like mid Edo.. 

I forgot, Thanks for posting Ed..

Rotated your photos. 

Easier to see ...... 

Just added to the replies below :

I did not reduce it..  

I just rotate it in "MS Paint"..  

Just thought I'd help...  

Do you guys think that is correct?

The blade is not a WW II Blade.

So, I "assume", that "it is what it is".. 

Added reply to Post below: 

Thanks for the addd post Steve 

Gentlemen, Thank you.. 

Facinating... FOR GIVE AND FORGET  Revisited

" Now we have a name...  "

To continue,

with all due respect.. 

This is  a WW II Officer's/Gentleman's Sword, was refitted at  Kokura Arsenal *

by a Gentleman/Craftsman Satou -san or Satora-san**

Thanks for viewing and helping..

With Hurricane Olivia blowing thru the Islands,

I am looking at Nihonto .. 

I remember the seller told me there was "signatures" on the fittings.

Unless they are "Match marked" for re assembly?   

 Thanks for viewing..

Alton Ken T

Hey Ray, 

The member's  suggestion is pretty good.

The gentleman is quite famous on NHK programs.

He also got lots of his own You Tube videos.

For  me, who does not know any Modern Day Japanese Woodblock artist, even I recognized the name..

That would be a big plus for your comissioned Piece.

David Bull is recognized by his looks, .

and, his quick whit and charming character is 'More well known"..more than his name.. 

I was just watching one, where he was showing some small Scrapers, given to him by a famous Block Print artist.

He discovered, that, to use them, he would have to  had to change his way of carving, because his style was too hard, and, would break the Older craftsman's carvers.

but, he found he was doing better "fine Hair lines".

He also said, That artist passed away that night, or,  next day after their meeting.

Unreal, yea..  

I was going ask, how do artist "Mount  Ukiyo-e " on the matting without adhesives or tapes?

How did you guys read and comprehend all that in this short time?? 

It is amazing, that there is that much more Items that are not seen, or, maybe not known to the people, and, most importantly, the top guys in the fields.

So, there is possibilities, that new, unseen, forgotten, or, even undocumented works will be discovered.

Something to look forward to.

" We have a collection of 5,000 tsuba" -    5000 !!!   - Sheees uncomprehendable amount..

Hi, 

Maybe this type of Jointery..

I have no idea, just trying to help.

One is friction based,/ interlocking, but, metal would not "snap in like Plastic". so, each metal fitted adjacent piece must be rolled over for "captivtation"..?

The other has a cable or some sort of "spine",  running thru, and/with "adjustable' tention, would dictate the movement/stiffness.?

, but, attaching  the legs, arms and other "protrusions".. mmm 

You are using the coil over wire for the legs..

same principal... coil over wire is the "skin", wire is the "spine" 

Please note: I do  not know, I just look and tell what I know,  to help.

There is a new posting asking the same,  in the Jizai Okimono Thread in the Japanese Arts section.

Posted this You Tube video link here and there: 

Hi Sabius, 

 You and John (Shogun8) are both looking for a "How it's Made" type site for Jizai okimono ( Articulated Display Objects) Dragon/snake..

I, too, was always interstd in Jizai Okimono.

Found this other infomation  just now:

https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/9QKSX9qsa8CjJQ

Reposted a photo of my "Low Level" Jizai Isi Ebi (Spiny Lobsters) , and, other Ebi Okimono.

Rick, does the parts "Move"? 

Just wondering, as, it looks like a solid casted Lobster.

The little paddles are attached with metal rings, not "Jointed". 

If the parts do not move, It is not considered "Jizai"..   Jizai refers to parts that move/adjustable.

LIke Jizai Kage = Adjustable Pot hook . 

No disrespect intended.. 

Just the "catagory " is different.

If it does move.. = $$$$   

Hi John,

I'm not sure if You Tube has your answers, but, try searching jizai okimono , myochin jizai oikmono dragon.

Had several videos on articulated dragons.

The Crab one is interesting..

Dragon :  

Snake :   

Crab, how it's made:

Ise Ebi ( Spiny Lobster) :

Good Morning from Hawaii.

We just took a heavy downpour about 3:00 a.m.

I got a small leak in my Chawan Room. Ahhh. lucky, water drops from the ceiling drips just pass the shelf, and, on the floor.

Only had to wipe up rain water. 

So, on rainly days,

1) don't take your blade outside. even unnoticed droplets can cause havoc.

2) In Japan, where there there is considerable amount of rain, moisture, swords were shown to be a bit more robust.

3) In Japan, some items are not "Brought out" in rainy weather.

4) Sword Shows do display swords in other locations that have detrimental humidity .

5) In a short time, (two hours), exposed blades can develope surface rust.

6) Sweating from the sayashira can moisen the surface of a blade, if left in the sunlight, even/especially in  enclosed spaces.

7) Ken-Hawaii is O.K. on the Windward side of Oahu 

Just added: Before, when viewing blades at the sword meetings, I wore a paper resperator type mask, so I do not expectorate on the blade when I am talking.

Blades are "Failsafe"

Treat you blades as if it was your child.

Anything you do wrong, can, or, will  have unchangeable, permanant  results.

Thanks guys.

Alton 

SAMURAI SWORDS by Clive Sinclaire

Page 182  

I was looking at Sword  books today.

Watching LA Angles baserball too. Shohei Otani going bat now.. 

Hi Charles, 

Sorry, I should have mentioned, in the house (Indoors) .  but, good point. Had that in that other post with rain drops on the blade. 

Dave..  I was thinking ( well, at my level, Wondering ) the same thing Dave..

 I never seen any Samurai keeping their blades dry at Sekigahara. 

I was going put the Tsubas back on the Blades today, to hang up.

I made a Wall Rack, and, found a Waki in a bag I forgot I had. 

Supposed to be Koto Blade. I will post later..

Thanks guys..

Alton

Hello Guys..

I know the Doctor's recomendation would be "Then, Don't do that".... 

But, do you guys look at your Blades on Rainy Days?   

Really wet here in Hawaii now.

We just had one hell of a down pour. Now, so quite.. 

Hope Ken's side is alright.

Is the high moisture level in the air "Instantly devastating"?

I feel like, once I wipe off the Breakfree CO , the Blade would "Instantly"  start to rust. 

Any or all thoughts welcome.

or, is this a "  No Brainer.."   

Alton Ken <  The other Ken in Hawaii 

Stephen,

Thanks for posting.

I don't know what the value is.

That time I bought the sword, one of the JSSHawaii members offered me the same price I paid for the whole sword.

He somehow felt the Tsuba was "special".. ( Statement is not an advertisement    ) ..

P.M. me with your thoughts.

Thanks.

Alton Ken 

Hello Forum,

Hi Steves,

Lots going on here with Hurricane Lane.

KenHawaii's side of the Island is getting hit harder. 

Just took the sizes.

Sorry so late..

Photo of the  oval Tsuba that came with the Sword, and, the Mokko that I bought at the time i bought the Sword.

Tsuba is oval shape.. 75.6 mm  x 73.6 mm  4.6 mm thick

slot is 26.7 mm long. top width is 9 mm

Here is the original post I posted awhile back :

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/23767-tsuba-valuble-rare/