kissakai

Congratulations to all the winners I bought two tsuba from Kevin last year and in my opinion they are both gold medals winners Grev UK

The habaki doesn't show very well so I added one just of the habaki Grev Uk

Hi I took many images over the last couple of days in differing light conditions and settings but all were pretty naff but have added a couple This one because one of his pointers was the file marks on the nakago but it was only today I saw the same file 'lines' are reflected in the habaki which I think is a bit cool I just can't get an image that sows the 'ashi' part of hamon correctly although I can see it! Grev UK

Hi Grant I've just bumped it so it is top of the list on the tosogu section Let me know when you purchase it and I'll send a copy of the transcribed Wakayama Grev

I've just bumped this as another NMB member couldn't find it Grev UK

Hi I think that says it all and as a guide for me: Tsuba one ko shoami (catch all) with either fire damage or general corrosion Tsuba two - may originally have been myochin but kanji and 'clouds' added later so it resembles tembo work Thanks Grev

Hi Thanks Richard for the images as they helped Can I just keep this finally to one question by just asking if the kanji on the second tsuba real? Grev UK

Yes I do like mine and when I can take a decent photo (I've tried a few times but the images are just no good) I will add to this post My take on it is that his early swords were a reflection of his teacher but by doing his own thing he is stating this is me! So I prefer his later work which I would describe as a true Sokan sword I can understand the boring comment but look at a perfect circle that by definition is perfect but another would call it boring Prior to buying I wanted a straightish hamon (re my circle reference) which I have and the hamon only reveals itself (like many other good swords) under close scrutiny The other features are understated but this is it's appeal Grev UK

A wonderful very well defined explanation that I enjoyed reading The tank analogy was brilliant Thanks Grev UK

Hi Grant No dumbasses here just clever members and very very clever members! I asked some questions on using the Haynes Index so when you get your books (well worth the cost) do a Haynes Index search on this message board for some more pointers Grev UK

Thanks for your comments and images Grev UK

Hi Darius T109 is available but T186 has been sold Grev UK

Hi John I've taken 100's of tsuba pictures so it may just be a knack Always outside ideally on an overcast day If it is sunny then using a piece of card you can move it around so direct sun light doesn't make the tsuba surface to bright Never use a flash I've used the same coloured card for ages as it doesn't influence the colours so the tsuba is more natural Any colour is OK but it needs to be a muted uniform colour that is not too bright Initially try one tsuba against different colours and see which gives the most natural tsuba tone I used a canon compact for years to good effect but now use a DSLR but sometimes my old camera gives me a better image Good luck Grev

Hi John I copied the mei and tried to photoshop it better but without success You could either try to copy the signature as you have it in hand or look up the kanji for shigetsugu and yasushige saku and see if they resemble your kanji mei Grev UK

Hi I wonder if anyone wishes to add any comments about these two tsuba? None of these will win a beauty competition so I'm not expecting any kind words just an honest opinion School: Ko Shoami Period: 1700 Size: 77 x 75 x 3.5mm The only shapes I see are leaf-like It has condition issues School: Myochin Period: 1750 Size: 59 x 50 x 4.3 and 7.1mm Fake kanji? I'm guessing the shapes may be clouds that may be a later addition Grev UK

Hi I have just purchased a Tairyûsai Sôkan katana from James Lawson and after doing a bit of research I found his early works are made in much the same style as his teacher, Munetsugu. In 1854 he changed his name to Tairyusai Sokan. At that time, he also changed his style of workmanship and created his own individual style. I was wondering whether collectors prefer his early or later style of workmanship Grev UK

That's the one - Thanks Andi Grev UK

Hi Can anyone give me a youtube link to a katana quenched were the water bath has glass sides to you can see the sori being created? Grev UK

Enrico Let me assume you only want to pay $250 - $500 Everyone will say save up and buy the best you can. Good advice but only you know what you can afford I bought many tsuba some OK some not so good I always (and still do) find books difficult to understand Some of my tsuba have been bought from eBay (dangerous), antique fairs (some of my biggest mistakes) and this board (I've always have good value tsuba from Thierry - his images are never a good as the actual tsuba but I have never had one I didn't like). Obviously there are other great sellers. Without doubt I've always had value for money buying from here and there have been no fakes! It may be heresy but I'd buy a tsuba you like from here then buy a book that shows the type of tsuba you have bought so you have something to compare an actual example to the book Before buying PM the seller and find out as much as you can and (I assume) all sellers will take it back if it is not to your liking Once bought but an image on this board and ask for opinions but always except some hard words but hopefully it will be constructive criticism The best advice is use this board to see if there is a collector in your area who you can meet and discuss your tsuba. My mentor has been invaluable We all have our own views so just cherry pick from these posts Grev UK

Tsuba 184 has been sold Hi James, sales OK but still a lot more available May help to pay for the katana I've just received from James Lawson Grev UK

Tsuba 198 has been sold Grev UK

Hi Markus Add me to your list Grev UK

Hi Jason When I put my first tsuba I was blasted out of the sky but thankfully someone gave me a parachute! After my initial put down (it was a crap tsuba) I've learnt so much from this message board so don't be afraid to ask questions as everyone started as a novice As a learning exercise you could try this free website http://jisho.org/#radical If you find the kanji for kanemoto then put the kanji and something like nihonto or katana into an internet search it will show you a load of info If you are new to collecting then please add a picture of the whole blade and you may get some useful advice You will find most swords are not very desirable and someone will shoot it down but it is only words Grev

Update Tsuba numbers 155 and 161 have been sold Grev UK

Hi Kurt 198 is still available Grev