Oldman

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I am another "lurker", check the NMB almost daily, and learn something every time. I am not knowledgeable enough to contribute much, but very much appreciate the forum and the generosity of those who share their expertise here. Special thanks to Brian, Jean, et al for keeping this site alive and well. Michael

I have had nihonto shipped from the U.S. to Canada and have found USPS Priority Mail International to be reliable and avoid broker's fees. There are import duty exemptions for certain antiques (but be sure to check how old they must be to qualify, 300 years comes to mind). However, don't overlook, as mentioned, the tax of around 13% (GST PST or HST), and Canada Post charges a fee to collect that tax. On the example $10K sword, the tax would be around $1300.00, plus the Canada Post charges.

Relying in part on the experience of other members on the board, I recently completed a transaction with David McDonald (website montanairon.com). I purchased a somewhat rough katana from Mr.McDonald, and arranged for him to do some clean-up work on the blade and re-wrap the tsuka. He did a terrific job of cleaning up the blade, actually a careful touch up polishing, and a superb job of the tsuka wrapping - all at very reasonable cost. He is a reliable, professional, provider of nihonto goods and services who reflects well on the calibre of people associated with this site.

Thanks, Grey and Guido, that is very helpful. Michael

Hi All: I would like to know if there is any reason to prefer the earlier versus more recent editions of Sato's book "The Japanese Sword"? Are there differences between the editions, or has the same book just been republished with a different cover? Thanks, Michael

Thanks for the suggestions, and the charming story, George! I'll keep looking for similar motifs. Cheers, Michael

Hello Ford, and thanks for your thoughts on this. I bought the wakizashi from a well-known dealer and restorer of nihonto, who described the koshirae as "inspired" and of the Edo era. The wrap appears fairly aged and the same as well. That having been said, it was a lower end piece pricewise and is mumei and out of polish, although healthy and with a decent older polish allowing some features of the forging to be seen. I haven't seen any similar fuchi kashira, although I haven't been searching for very long. I appreciate your interest and expertise. Cheers, Michael

I'm hoping someone will be able to help me identify the theme/subject matter of the fuchi kashira on a wakizashi I recently acquired. To my inexperienced eyes it looks like a bird theme, with a flying bird and also a feather, and some sort of plants (bamboo? rice?) in the background. Any more informed opinion on the theme, any idea of age or school, etc. will be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Michael

Thanks, Gents, for the interesting and illuminating discussion. While this may be my first posting, I have been a devotee of the NMB for quite some time and appreciate the wealth of knowledge in the membership and willingness to share it. Cheers, Michael

I have an early Shinto wakizashi which, like many, is missing the kozuka. It is a decent, but by no means high-end, sword and I'd like to complete the fittings, however cost is a consideration. The fuchi kashira match and are good quality and in good condition. The tsuba does not match the other fittings, and is in less good condition. My question really is whether I should be seeking a kozuka which matches the fuchi kashira or one which matches the tsuba? Or does it matter? I'd like to be consistent with how such fittings are traditionally coordinated, if possible. Thanks in advance for any help or ideas. Cheers, Michael