Alex A

I like this one better.

No , I was intending to show you that you can get sword hilts/guards or whatever already made, and I'm ASSUMING if you look hard enough you will find them in STEEL or whatever, I didn't look hard enough. The saya could be late Edo, and again when I look at it, it could be 1985, like the one I have upstairs on my Ninja sword. I personally could not spend that much money on the sword, perhaps a polisher bought it, sees some profit. I watched a (potential) Sukesada Katana ending this morning, was half tempted, but as always with Ebay I didn't bother in the end, I find it too risky. I have trouble buying swords with clear pictures and a shinsa result

If not home made Luis, possibly bought somewhere, something along these lines maybe. http://usaknifemaker.com/knife-handle-parts/handle-hardware/pommels-and-guards-c-95-178/guard-small-14-th-x-62-w-x-3-l-slot-measurements-16-w-x-1-10-l.html Ps, looking closer at the saya, don't look so old, or worn.

I think blade is "possibly" genuine Saya genuine Habaki genuine, not sure about shakudo, I think possibly sprayed/lacquered black Everything else home made, including tsuba. I get the impression is was brought back by a vet and messed about by kids or whatever, parts lost, then ended up Mad Max style. Speculation.

Yes, but I wouldn't go crazy about overdoing it, I would speak to someone about getting the Kurikata replaced and possibly trying to sort out the missing lacquer, depends whether it can be done without having to do it all, you would need to speak to an expert. Best to preserve. Might consider shirasaya to store the blade, depending on the blade and state of polish. I like it. You would need to speak to someone like Mike Hickman-Smith or Robert Soanes, I remember he does repairs http://katchushi.com/restoration-2/index.html Someone will know an expert nearer to you.

Found a video on the Akamatsu Taro smiths

I tried this with my Son, thinking he would think its cool, then he told me it was junk Some great advice above, enjoy the hobby and take your time learning, learn as you go along (before you buy), rinse wash repeat

I don't know Ian, perhaps they should have just stuck to "antique spy tool" , although possibly also used by the average "peeping Tom" Looking at it again, I cant help wondering if it also could be just an hidden weapon.

https://www.aoijapan.com/ninja-goods-in-cigar-case A first for me.

I will pm you some over later today

Mike has done work for me in the past, friendly, reliable and does a great job.

Reminds me of some I once owned Ed.

Im so sure id bet a fiver.

Will do Malcolm, il get there in the end, thanks.

Be good to know what that 2nd sword was ?, Bizen Sukesada ? anyone know Mike for an answer?

Aye, they don't like it when when folk try and save money

Hi Chris, Not so much a "bad" experience, just a bit of disappointment and a few hassles thrown in. To cut a long story short, a TH sword arrived from Aoi in excellent polish, but some rust in the Bo-hi. I'm not talking full on "in your face", but under light, enough to distract. Aoi art have been good about it, apologized and offered to pay to get it polished in the UK. Tsuruta San then stepped in and offered full refund, even though its a consignment piece. Ive been dealing with Aoi a good while now but this is the first time I have returned a sword. As said many times, buying from images can be difficult. I spoke to a few gents at the weekend, gents with a lot more experience than me. After taking on board what they had to say I felt it best to return. I would need the bo-hi polished for me to be happy, but at a risk, as bo-hi go deeper. There is also a worry about rust returning, sometimes its there for good. I'm a few quid down on return postage and import VAT. It occurred a little earlier that I might be able to claim the VAT back, thought it may be as simple as speaking to someone at HMRC and giving them the card details and vat bill you get through the door and providing proof of return, but OH NO. You need to fill out a BO286 form with LOTS of details such as "customs black and white charge label on the box" and "customs declaration form from seller, also on the box" and "evidence of refund" etc etc, all stuff that's in the bin or heading back to Japan in the same box covered in brown tape ,I'm an idiot. Anyways, no hard feelings. I'm usually a pain in the ass when it comes to buying swords with questions and stuff, obviously this time I wasn't a big enough pain, live and learn.

Thanks Jay, left it with the Misses to post, lets hope all goes well, don't need any more palava with this one

Hello, can someone please confirm this as Aoi arts address, I read somewhere that they were moving. I need to ship an item and tomorrow is the only day I will get the chance. No point emailing them as they are not in until tues. I got this address from the site. Aoi Art 4-22-11 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053 Japan

Sorry Chris

Look on bright side Chris, miss three or four of these and you will have enough for a WW2 Koshirae with a gud un

Well, the smith certainly didn't go out of his way to recreate a Koto masterpiece, tourist piece maybe

A chance to own a large Ko-Katchushi, pity its not sold separate.

Yes Chris, I was just referring to the sword. Im not convinced in either direction with regards age, thats up to the new owner now.

Easier for him to judge than us, difficult from images, but educational nonetheless, and funny