Danny D

Thank you very much for your help, Brian!

I am sorry about the turned photos, but somehow the program successfully resists my attempts to get them here the right way up.

Gentlemen, So we all had a great time at Jean's workshop and tremendously enjoyed the experience of trying our hands on tsuba of our own. Here is a short synopsis of our exploits: TSUBA FORGING WORKSHOP TSUBA forging in Herrstein On July 26th/27th, 2025, we attended the TSUBA forging workshop offered by Jean Collin (ROKUJURO) for NMB members only. It was quite an adventure since none of us had any practical experience in forging or related crafts. The event took place in the small but remarkably well-preserved medieval German village Herrstein, located in the southern Rhineland-Palatinate region. The traditional forge is situated just in the middle of the historic center of Herrsterin. Walls and timber-work of he forge date from the 15th century. Learning the Way of the Tsuba (forge) The workshop aimed at creating a basic TSUBA blank out of historical iron in the style of ealy Japanese sword-guards. After a short introduction into the forge, its tools and the safety measures, we learned some facts about the special iron which is quite different from industrial iron produced today. After individually choosing a fitting hammer and tongs, the charcoal forge was lit and the workshop quickly got underway. We heated up our pieces of iron to bright red heat and shaped the outline to the individual form we had in mind while flattening it at the same time with the hammer on the anvil. Continuous guidance was provided by Jean who found a good balance between encouraging experimentation and solid support. The opportunity to use Japanese tools was a unique and enriching experience. Shaping the Tsuba This step was quite different from our expectations. While the shape was mainly created with the hammer and not cut out of sheet metal, other techniques like drilling, sawing, filing, and sanding by hand had to be executed. Some templates and a number of authentic TSUBA were at hand for comparison. We noticed the evolution of the metal and the subtle textures that emerged on the iron surface. Although we were all doing the “same” process, our final pieces each had their own distinctive pattern and shape. Shaping the initial metal piece into the TSUBA form took the entire first day. On the second day, we continued refining the TSUBA, using the techniques described above. We all recognized the challenge of sawing through several millimeters of iron while trying to keep the very fine saw blade intact. The Forging Experience Over the course of two days, we learned to forge simple iron TSUBA the traditional way. Basic design elements like UDENUKI-ANA or UCHIKAESHI-MIMI were tried, and we found out that with some proper training, the progress of he work could be much faster! While the first material – carbon-free bloomery iron from about 1880 – was described as „soft“, it provided some serious resistance after cooling down. The process of forging was accompanied by carefully watching and following the permanently changing shape of the iron, changing properties (= hardness and ductility) depending on the heat, and the traces of our hammer-work on the surface. Later, we tried our hands on 300 year old raw iron which still had some impurities in it. That material would have required forging at very high temperature, and we observed the effects of too little heat: The iron cracked and split under our hammer blows! Jean’s teaching style was methodical, patient, humorous, and encouraging — a style that suited us well. He also shared the Japanese approach to forging: slow, deliberate, and focused. He demonstrated different techniques with the hammer, pointing out the importance of closely watching the work develop. In the end, it was some hard work, but a very satisfying experience which led to a better understanduing of what iron TSUBA are made of, and how they are made. We created some quite pleasing TSUBA with slightly differing shapes. After finishing, they will be fully functional, and after some patination, they will look quite close to genuine Japanese ones made hundreds of years ago! Jean, Björn, Mark and Danny We had a blast - and I look forward to our next meeting at the forge As photos tell more than written text, allow me to present a few impressions

PM send. Best, Danny

And OP is very much a troll.

Hello Jean, This is a great offer. I hail from Aachen and would be game. Best wishes, Danny

Dear all, I am happy to report that the Sado island tsuba arrived safe and sound. To mirror Marius´s words: in person, the tsuba is ven more of a joy to behold and very pleasing to eye and hand. John has been a pleasure to deal with. This purchase has been one of my most pleasureable experiences in my time collecting. Best, Danny

Hello Grev, Thank you very much for your kind words. Indeed, John was gracious enough to sell the tsuba to me. I’m really looking forward to it in Germany and will report in, once it arrives. Best, Danny

Message sent.

I have recently received my "orange blossom and butterfly" style stands and have to congratulate Darren on i. his workmanship and ii. particularly on his professional communication and kindness. 5/5 throughout. Best, Danny

The tsuba I bought from Mike just arrived. He is a pleasure to work with and I recommend buying from him. Best, Danny

I just received my latest set of padouk / clear acrylic tsuba stands and would like to comment on Tobi´s friendly communication, excellent service and the quality of his artisanship. A definite recommendation - again - from my side. Best, Danny

In the meantime I - finally, after moving - got around to unpacking Tobi´s tsuba stands: impeccable work and extremely pleasing to the eye. I congratulate Tobi on his handiwork and encourage you to buy with confidence. Best, Danny

Not at all. If the courier / carrier agrees to transport knives, there should be no trouble whatsoever. I have been collecting kukris for decades by now and have shipped and received them from all over without any problems; and these look a heck of a lot scarrier on X-ray than a Puma knife.

In my experience, issues with customs in Germany are VERY province-dependent. A friend of mine stopped importing swords via his home City in North Rhine-Westphalia because of the constant issues with the customs officials there and now uses an address in another city instead. Same declerations, same categories, same paperwork - zero issues with the officials (so far). I never had any problems in years, but was stopped, thoroughly searched and had my background checked by the border police at Hanover airport upon declaring my oversized box at the check-in counter (I had included the usual explenatory letter in the box, with my phone number etc.) three weeks ago.They were not unfriendly, but rather completely out of their depths of what to to now (and to do with me), continuing to call in the next level of authority. In the end they let me off the hook; however, it really took some time, friendliness / patience on my part and repeated explanations. It is hit or miss, really.

Hello all The name is Danny, I am located in Hanover (Germany) and have been closely follwing the NMB for a couple of years by now, reading and learning constantly and making the odd purchase. I was repeatedly encouraged to do the right thing and introduce myself properly, so here it goes. I have been collecting European swords - mostly Napoelonic and early 19th century - for about 2 decades by now and am slowly (very slowly) getting my footing in the field nihonto. I look forward to learning much more. Have a good day and best wishes Danny

Hello everybody, The name is Danny, I am located in Hanover (Germany) and have been closely follwing the NMB for a couple of years by now, reading and learning constantly. I just had the pleasure of purchasing the remaining tsuba boxes from Grev and have to point out that a. he was true gentleman to deal with and b. he could not have been more considerate, something I am honestly grateful for. Best regards Danny