Gilles

Dear Eric, I've also asked for some details about the nakago. The guy told me that he does not know how to put it out and that this blade was from his father private collection. This kind of gambling is like playing Russian roulette with your wallet. Too bad, this kind of yari is rather scarce.

Hello, According to my experience, you have a early Meiji dagger, possibly a police type one. This kind of sword/dagger was made for the rank and file between 1870 and 1900 when strict regulations were not yet enforced. All (that is to say the materials used) seems to indicate that it is really Japanese and from this period. Just my personnal feelings. Hope it helps.

Dear Piers, About arrowheads, I learnt like you, that is to say the hard way. You are right, if the nakago is too wide or thick that is a sign which goes in the wrong path. Real nakago have yasurime and can have 4, 6 or even 8 side. The whole arrowhead must appear "balanced".

Congratulations to both of you gentlemen.

I went there few times and I must admit that I saw quite a lot of antiques which were not older than me, including Japanese swords and armour......... :?

Just incredible and like Stephen said, a very serene atmosphere. Such a mastery is quite astonishing. Congratulations,

Dear Ian, I fully agree with you. I already dealt with this seller and his honesty is beyond doubts. Like you said, in that case, he does not know what he is selling.

Brian, I have the feeling that the hamon is fake. The base of the blade (kerakubi) has a strange shape and I think that I see like a faint line in the sixth pictures (from top to bottom) running all around that base at a few millimeters higher than the tube itself (which can be a sign of a weld). To make sure, you have to take a look into the tube to see how the blade is attached to the tube. Those yari are usually made of one piece. Fakes are not rare and just a glance here can save you the day and your money also. Hope it helps :D

Gentlemen, Please see some pictures of a shin-shinto Osoraku I bought a while ago. It is not a top quality tanto but I like it anyway. The previous owner should have spent quite a lot for the polish, the shira saya and a brand new habaki. Hope it helps.

I've ordered the two last books of Markus. Had some problems with the discount code but it worked at last. I have the vague feeling to spend all my money on markus books, but of course, that is just an impression :D

Terrific, thank you for that book Markus,

Dear Markus, Please excuse my friend Jean. At his advanced age, he is becoming quite anxious to know everything about KOTO swords. Quite an interesting pathology for the medical corps. :D

Dear Markus, Would it be possible for you to tell us when an english version will be available of that nice book ? Best regards,

Gentlemen, Thierry, Georges, Pete, thank you for your comments and of course a special thank to you Ford for your explanations which translated in words what I felt about the general impression of that tsuba. I have bought it like I buy my swords, with my feelings. But as I am not a tsuba guy (I already try to be knowledgeable on sword), I asked you guys to know what I've bought. Ford, your technical knowledge is quite impressing and very welcome.

Dear Jean, You've got a point my friend but I only found two exemples so I still hope that there is a slight chance (which is shrinking I admit).

Gentlemen, According to the different mei pictures of that tsuba maker, I agree that the kanji(s) are usually sharper but on the few exemple I've gathered on the net, the tsuba(s) are made of shibuichi, copper or shakudo. I am inclined to think that on a thougher base as this tsuba which is made of iron, the engraving can be harder to make, thus this blurred effect ??????? What do you think ?

Thank you for your comments gentlemen, I really appreciate. Here are my answers. David, this tsuba is quite big, 8 cm X 7 cm. John, I've tried to take a close-up of the mei. Hope it helps. Kaigunair, it is a Vajra, the gold is a little worn out at one end of the Vajra and the left nostril of the temple guardian show also some wear. They are very prominent. All the best,

Dear all, I acquired yesterday a tsuba at an action sale which is signed KIKUCHI TSUNEKATSU (please see the pictures). I've made a quick research and the signature looks good. I just bought it because I like it. Please tell me your thought about it. Good signature or gimei ? Quality ? Please bear in mind that I am not a tosogu man. Best regards, PS : there is no hole in the nyo figure (white spot). I think that a piece of paper was on the tsuba when the picture was taken.

Hello Thierry, Thank you for your post but the book on Grey's site is not the same. The book I am talking about was edited in 1970 and the cover is different. The size is also larger. Must be another edition with more details but that is what I am trying to figure out.

Dear all, Does somebody know this book and can tell me about the presence of illustrations ??????

Dear all, Can you give me some infos about the book SATSUMA NO KATANA TO TSUBA written by FUKUNAGA published in 1970 (in Japanese) ? Is there some pictures or some oshigata as my Japanese reading is quite basic to say the least ? Please note that this book is bigger, larger and have a different cover than the one previoulsy sold on Grey's site. Thank you for your help.

Dear Keith, You raise a very interesting question here. I've been told by an antiques dealer in Japan that some very thick wakizachi size tsuba made of iron could be used on naginata. Moreover, from time to time, I stumble upon such tsuba which are definitely not made for regular size wakizashi. I've also heard about rectangular nakago ana made for naginata but did not have the occasion to see one on a naginata yet. Is there some knowledgeable person in this particular field who can explain that to us?

The tassel shown is the type used for parade swords of the current Japanese navy. Regards,

Dear chris, Thank you for your help. I appreciate a lot.

Dear Curran, The point is that I don't even know if what I have is a kind of microdear cloth :? I bought that cloth in a reputable sword shop in Tokyo but I had only few explanations except that it was safe to use and the results were surprising. Not even a word if I have to wash it before the first use. Moreover, I was in a hurry to take my plane so I was not looking for full explanations