Alex A

Aye, would have wanted clearer, more informing images. Saying that though, usually don't get a reply when you ask, if Ebay. Its undesirable, what matters is what you think, and learn.

Did you ask if there was any marks on the blade when you were buying it? If not, you should in future.

Good find Piers. Have you got a polisher in mind?

Thank you. Adam, good swords don't come cheap. I'm not wealthy either but don't think this sword is expensive.. Folks put collections together with various cheap mediocre swords that add up to a value far greater than what i ask for this sword. This is a sword, where you only need one sword. Competition entry so the smiths best 100% effort. Just to repeat, it does say BEST OFFER. I'm open to offers but don't have time for time wasters and silly lowball offers. Payment in £ Also, would prefer it if folks don't state "PM SENT" in this sales thread. Appreciate the comments, thank you.

Edit, not getting involved, sorry

What's the bloopers, Piers? Just guessing, but anything to do with these guns having regional characteristics?

Come across antiques dealers in the past in the UK, LAPADA etc It does not stop them selling fakes. Best way to be sure, if you don't know, ask someone that does.

Had a look online as to how they were made, very little. All i could find was a Forged in fire tv series where a guy said they were made from one piece of steel. The first guy made one from a piece of steel, split, and bent the two side spikes out. I wont add the video here as don't know if that's how they were made. They appear very technical with all the angles. Did read that they can be a pain to polish. Actually, will add the video. They are not accurate to the yari above but maybe spark some more discussion as to how they were made.

Piers, See the hand gun type size and the long guns, but appears to be a types in the middle size? Reminds me something in comparison with the Paget Carbine maybe. What I'm asking, do they come in all lengths and bore size?

Must admit, i now would be tempted by these guns. They have become very interesting. Think I've only ever seen a few at arms fairs here Cheers.

Those are great. Anyone got any info as to how these were made?

Something like Edo Jumyo

Thanks gents. Will add some information i forgot and some photos, did my best and as usual just took them in sunlight. Forgot to mention this sword was made with a Bizen influence. Its large and heavy, further measurements as follows. Not bang on accurate but close enough as used a tape measure. One thing i like about modern Shinsakuto. Your owning the sword the way it was made, without it having seen many polishes etc that effect appearance. Width at Habaki 35mm Width at Yokote 21.5mm Kasane (thickness of blade) at habaki, 8mm Plus donation to NMB upkeep if sold.

Its rare to come across swords for sale that were entries into the NBTHK sword making competition, this sword was entered in 2007. In hand, its a large sword, i would describe it as magnificent. The sword was bought direct from the smith by its previous owner, a well known collector here. Akamatsu Taro Kanetsugu is the current head of the Kimura Nippon Bijutsu Token of Yatsuhiro, Kyushu. His real name is Kimura Kanesada, born 1951. He is the oldest son of Kimura Kaneshige. He is recognised as a Kumamoto "important traditional craftsman". The tachi is large, it is signed and dated 2007. He made it at the age of 56. It was entered into the 2007 NBTHK Shinsakuto competition and received Nyusen-Sho. In hand, the quality stands out. Fine Ko-itame hada and a consistent hamon in Choji. See his other NBTHK results below. I'm confident any future owner will cherish this wonderful Tachi. Price is £5500 or best offer. That's a fair price for such a sword. Payment via bank transfer or paypal (buyer to cover fees). Folks are welcome to come and see the sword. Shipping likely to be with UPS, i will need to get a price for anyone interested. I am bad at photography, until i take some pictures i will use some by the previous owner. Type... Tachi Ubu.... Original condition competition blade, Mei... Higo Kuni Yatsushiro Ju Kanetsugu Saku Papered...Copy of Nyusen-sho, copy of Torokusho, and original statement/oshigata by Kanetsugu. Age..."Heisei ju ku nen ni gatsu kichi jitsu" (lucky day 2nd month 2007) Shrasaya.. With horn mekugi/mekugi ana, Comes with a bag made by the smiths wife. Total length 108cm Nagasa/blade length.. 78cm, Total length of blade and nakago is 101cm Sori.. 2.5cm Hamon.. choji Jihada...Ko-itame with Jinie Flaws...No, its a competition sword. Habaki..quality 2 piece with gold foil. Location..UK Plenty about the Akamatsu Taro smiths online. They make their own Tamahagane from Kumamoto river sand, their hada has a darkish appearance. Akamatsu Taro (japaneseswordhigotsuru.com) This is a robust tachi with finely carved Bo-hi. This sword would make one hell of an addition to any collection. Lots of information comes with this blade which is a nice bonus, ask for more details if your interested.

Just been reading various online news articles on the topic. Main discussion mentioning machete and Zombie knives being too easy to purchase. Personally, not bothered if they ban all that, including modern Chinese replica Japanese swords. To be honest, surprised that's all still available. Some in government talking sense. Like as mentioned here, if someone intent on harming others then its easy just to use something else. Like Brian's spoon analogy. Did mention in the letter to the MP that our Antique swords are very valuable, very old and been passed down through many generations. Had a reply,, will update with any further discussion with the MP, Lisa Nandy. Thank you for your e-mail. I receive hundreds of e-mails, letters and telephone calls every day, as well as meeting local residents at my advice centres and on the doorstep. I try to respond to all queries and problems as quickly as possible and I hope to respond to your e-mail shortly. Parliamentary protocol states that Members of Parliament can only deal with issues on behalf of their own constituents so please ensure that you have included in your e-mail your name, full postal address, a contact telephone number and any relevant reference numbers.

Just hope someone sees sense regarding valuable antiques/ART swords. Even a permit system for serious collectors. Guess we will see.

Just wrote to the local MP, happens to be Labour. Ps, a lot more straight forward than anticipated.

If anyone ordering from Japan, probably best to make them aware of the situation. A reply from Aoi. Hopefully the swords they send via EMS will continue to be received here, we will find out. Mentioned that to them and maybe if there are issues then receivers could pick up from Customs. In the meantime, they are looking into using UPS......................... Thank you for your reply. We sent swords to the UK two times by EMS this February and they arrived safely. Do you know when did the system change? We think it is possible to send a sword by UPS, but we have never used it to the UK. Kind regards Aoi Art ps, in a further email they state..................... "we have sent swords to other European countries by UPS." "we hope they recognize it as work of art"

Been said before, but think sometimes its a case of who is on duty. With regards FedEx, i thought they did a great job, accurate tracking all the way. All very hit and miss. Never been a fan of stuff coming into the country with Parcelforce, due to miscalculated customs fees and them holding stuff at Coventry. Shipping out with them was never an issue. Regarding UPS, they seem experienced at dealing with such items, sending the importer the forms to fill in. All seemed very proper the times i have dealt with them, even paying the import duty whilst the item was still in the original country. Hoping they will continue to do so. Had a reply from Aoi. I don't think they yet have a grasp of the potential issues that may arise. They just said they deal with EMS which they know ends with Parcelforce. They say they cant ship via FedEx and as they did not mention UPS, then i take it that likely is not an option there either. Who knows, perhaps Parcelforce will still continue to ship the few antique swords that come in every so often, perhaps not. Time will tell. Perhaps as Michael pointed out, one could collect it from UK customs.

Russ, its vague, i was hoping the "art" might swing it for us too. Meanwhile, Arms and armour society Zoom meeting last night and the topic was brought up. Briefly, a gent that sends modern replicas around the world stated he has used the following, mentioning they all have their own customs clearance. UPS (apparently, now forms to fill in, used them for antique guns, they did have their own clearance) FEDEX (last sword arrived with this courier, they were very good, had their own clearance) DHL (Though length restrictions, cant remember using) As a Society, they are looking into further action, that needs time. They are also looking for new members, would urge folks to consider, as going forward with collecting in the UK, it may be wise. Especially those that collect an array of varying antique arms, not just the Japanese swords. Contacted Aoi Art this morn to get their take on the situation and see if they can come up with alternatives that don't complete with Parcelforce.

Would forget them and look for alternatives. Another mail, after i replied to their robot reproduced mail that they sent around the country to others. I wont be risking importing anything that finishes its journey with them, can see it heading back to sender. I guess its up to folks if they want to go collecting from the hub, rather than another firm delivering to the door. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this is going to caused you . I am really sorry about this statement but all customer had to receive the same and I do hope this has help you understand why we are no longer carrying these bladed items . It is decision that has been made by Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) and unfortunately it will not be changed. Once again, please accept my apologies

Seriously, when you think about it, its beyond belief. Their job is solely to deliver a "LEGAL TO OWN" item from one place to another. As other couriers do.

Hope that's the case. Maybe they have realized that their mission to clear their muddy name, coming up with such lines as........... "we strive to positively contribute to the well-being of our communities" Actually wont achieve their goal. and do more damage to their reputation. Besides, sure their will be another courier (maybe lower tier courier) just waiting to take advantage, like a coiled spring.

Just to add. Even before this latest episode with Parcelfarce, would have tried to avoid using them anyways. There are better couriers. Maybe look at using UPS, they have their own customs and avoid the dreaded Coventry hub (at risk of sounding like a broken record) Last sword arrived with Fedex Sod Parcelfarce.

ps, what a reversal, after what they did to all those folks, throwing them in prison and what not,. we strive to positively contribute to the well-being of our communities.