b.hennick

I came across this image of a real dragon fish today: You can see the original here: https://twitter.com/rfedortsov/status/877952444105236480

Welcome JP! We do have members from France and other French-speaking countries. I'm Canadian and can get by with my high school French at least in oral communication. One of our moderators - Jean - is French. I too am a teacher - now a retired High School Science teacher.

I would not be too worried if each group came up with a different smith as long as both were of comparable level of skill.

+1

I too like the hada.

Here are before and after photos of a tsuba restored for me by Kevin Adams.: BEFORE AFTER

Link?

So sad, may your memories be a comfort to you. Losses always come at a bad time. Perhaps this one is a mercy.

Good to see you posting again "Mantis Dude" aka Ken.

Thanks for adding images of these tsuba.

I think that you should have A window opened and if it merits the restoration complete the job.

A recent thread had an okimono of a shiachi. They tend to be a quite rare subject for fittings. I thought that you might enjoy some iron shiachi menuki.

There is a product called pallet tape that sticks to itself like saran wrap. You can wrap things easily and tightly. It comes in different widths from about 3 inches to 18 inches. I find that the smaller ones work best for me.

Glad to hear that they arrived safely finally.

Here is a link to an article on wabi-sabi http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20181021-japans-unusual-way-to-view-the-world?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits

Jo Ichi - good nickname for someone! Any guesses?

Crazy cheap prices. Everyone has a box - worth at least $15.

Guido the first blade shown was a tachi. I thought why should I bother.

Bob Coleman and Andy Quirt ran a sword auction called "Coleman and Quirt". They produced a catalogue for each auction that I still find useful from time to time. I think that Bob was also the President of the JSSUS many years ago.

In the martial arts, almost every black belt holder is called sensei by some students. When I was teaching karate and jiu-jitsu I was called sensei. I taught high school science for decades. None of my students called me sensei. Most called me Sir or Mr. Hennick. The only exception to that is when I was the staff sponsor of the school's martial arts club. With respect to swords, Arnold Frenzel, who wrote the post above was one of my mentors. I never called him or my other mentor Sensei. Arnold was a University Professor, and my other mentor is a medical doctor. In Japan, both professors and doctors are called Sensei. At sword shows, I learned from Cary Condel, Jim Kurrasch and Michael Hagenbusch. The three gentlemen have all died, I treasure the time that I had with them. They all were good teachers. I never heard anyone call any of them Sensei. Both Bob Benson and Mike Yamasaki teach at most sword shows. I have never heard anyone call them Sensei.

I am happy to announce: 23 Barry Thomas Congratulations to the winner and a big thank you to Rayhan for his generosity. Thank you to all who entered and made a contribution to NMB.

I would be happy to do it.

Dwain, I hope that you are right.

Hi Rayhan and Brian: If there are only 30 entries, we are looking at $900 for NMB. If you do not reach a reasonable amount, I suggest that you refund the money to participants, keep the sword and then make a $900 to the board. No entrant loses, your loss is much less than the value of the sword. This situation is a shame. I don't gamble, enter lotteries and the like or I would participate.

Welcome Henry. There is a lot to learn. Ask questions when in doubt. You should probably read the FAQ first.