Alex A

You may be surprised to see what some of these private shipping companies charge for a job like this. If you want to spend more time hunting around for more quotes then I suppose its the way to go. As said, no rush. Alex.

Print companies will offer fulfilment, usually expensive, one of these books delivered say, to the US, from UK, would be around £47...Local post office would charge me around £14 (recorded/signed for), although thinking about it, im sure theres special rates for books. If you can find an offset printers that offers fulfillment at a reasonable price, then obviously, that's the way to go. Alex.

Offset is better quality, obvious on full colour pictures etc, not so obvious on black only text. Digital printing as moved on, far better than it used to be. Most good quality book printers will offer both. For short runs they will advise you to go digital, its a lot cheaper. I would find a good printers that will print the cover to your original spec, the insides digitally. As you say Brian, the quality of the paper/finishing is paramount, if you want a bespoke job. Its worth noting that high quality printers don't usually need to advertise, so looking online may not be the best option. Alex.

As good as an idea as it was, its obviously a difficult thing to pull off. Knowing that, im happy in either direction. I cant see much difference in black offset text and digital text. Alex.

For a tenner a book Brian, I would :D . The printers would need to go a step further, aswell as bulk wrap, they would need to box each book for further distribution. I understand your concerns though. Alex

Just a thought, why all the logistical issues?, get the books printed in the US, get them delivered to a member in the US, that person then posts the books. Your thinking that's a bit ridiculous?... if that person got say $15 for each book posted, just as an incentive to make it worth there while. No rush. A nice earner. I wouldn't mind paying the extra, just a thought. Alex.

Considering the insides are black only, maybe its something worth thinking about. Digital is usually fine for black text. As far as the covers go, if the design is digital friendly, then that should be ok too. Most offset printers will give a good price when there slack, unfortunately, when there not, they will charge a very similar price for black only and full colour, its still down to the time on the press. Alex.

Lots, http://www.printondemand-worldwide.com/ Digital, I know, but maybe the only way you will make this idea viable. Alex

I use microfibre to wipe my swords, I prefer white cotton towels, so cotton is no good for a steel blade? Alex.

Hi Michael, i can what your thinking, new wrap maybe?, not too expensive?, its your call. Certainly would make it a bit more pretty, allthough i think leaving it as is, is best. Allthough not likely an original koshirae, i think what you have as a feeling of authenticity. Taking that away, i think may be detrimental and may put off future buyers who may be a little intrigued by the koshirae, new wraps are 10 to a dozen and of no interest, hope you see my point. In my opinion, dont change old. If you want to do some assembling, find a bare blade, usually cheaper and you will learn a lot from it. Alex.

Spooky lol, Shogun friday eve, shotokan sturday morning, them where the days Alex.

Hi David, this isn't for martial arts, its for a late muromachi katana. To be honest, I have shelved the idea, but the idea just keeps coming back like a boomerang :D. I suppose if I came across the correct parts I might one day follow it through. Alex.

Cheers Baz, but I think it needs to be more near 42mm, short in height, around 6mm, plain type, in shakudo would be perfect. May consider other materials. Thanks for your help. Alex.

parcelfarce LOL Alex

Thanks Pete!, appreciated. Alex.

Cheers Chris. Alex.

Cheers Chris, another good reason to leave a blade in shirasaya. As you know, traditionally made new ones are expensive, thats the only way i would consider going, if i couldnt find an old one. Alex.

Ive yet to come across a decent large fuchi, ive been looking for a while. Most are edo and seem to be around 37mm in length. Would anyone be able to tell me roughly what size a large fuchi would be for a stocky blade?. I know they made stocky blades in the late edo period too, where as all the large fuchi gone? Alex

Totally opposite for me Alex, Fedex have never completed a delivery, items always get held up,then the royal mail finishes the job with a charge for there assistance. The only time an item does not get held up is when there is a low value on the box. Stu, a good buy, now with hozen papers!, you done well. Alex.

Hi Stu, how did the papering go?, nice blade Alex

Rob, you just told my story, :D Alex.

I understand, no wories. :D, sure you have heard it before. There as been a lot of talk on uchigatana lately and its got me thinking on where they stand on a battlefield. I will look into it, then maybe start a post to try and find out more. Alex.

Hi Mariusz, i know what your point is, excuse my novice curiositys! When i say tachi/katana i was refering to length only, as you know uchigatana where used in the late muromachi period when the katana was in use, i was simply refering to sword length in a battle situation. As far as tactics go, again excuse my naiveness!, i cant help but wonder how fast tactics go out of the window in the full heat of a battle and when what you have in your hands is all that counts, a valid point, by my thinking, sorry to interfere with your intended responses my good man A

Interesting and good to be able to read across the scroll. Quite a few guys with naginata are carrying uchigatana in the pics. That seems to make sense, a smaller weapon as reserve. Ive always been slightly puzzled about the uchigatana being used in battle. Yes, if you have one in each hand i can see how it could be of benefit, but one, as in the pictures makes me wonder why the shield didnt really catch on, off topic, but hopefully someone will put me right on this. Is it also possible that a lot of the uchigatana where uchigatana because they where broken tachi/katana?. The point im trying to make is, was the uchigatana a reserve weapon for folk carrying yumi,yari and naginata?, if not, then id jump to the naginata que :D Alex

Hi Nick, i will presume that Fedex will not deliver all the way to the buyer. Deliveries from the US by Fedex are usually completed by our service (royal mail) in the UK. I have only ever lost 2 parcels abroad, on both occassions it was in Italy with recorded delivery. Italys postal system is not the most reliable (sorry italian folk), i dont post to italy any more, and i know a few folk who think along the same lines. The only advice i can give is be extra careful. Alex.