Gilles

I agree with Paul, Dick and Brian. The treasure here are the people and their willingness to share their knowledge. That is the best find I made on this forum (along with several swords that I really enjoy)

Thank you for your reply Jimi-san, any other opinions gentlemen ?

Gentlemen, Have you see that sale on Ebay ? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-hangin ... true&rt=nc item number : 321134806231 Was it really made by Hon-ami ? The tanto depicted seems to be well known as it seems to have a name, do you know that one ? Is this scroll supposed to be scarce ? Thank you for your answers.

One set for me. :D

Dear All, I would love to get one of those Japanese "sliding hooks" for scrolls made from bamboo as shown on the Rakuten site. Can somebody with direct access with Japan can buy me one ? Of course, all the expenses will be on me. PS : I don't even consider of making one by myself as I am not gifted for such manual work.

Dear Dirk, A rather strange story. I saw it for sale in Japan few years ago and wanted to buy it. When I asked the seller, he told me it was already sold to a fellow countryman without more details. About two years ago, one of my friend went to my house and offered it for sale. He was the men who bought it in Japan and was just living next to me. This time I bought it on the spot. Don't worry, in case I sell it, you will be the first to know. :D Best regards,

Here are some more details.

Gentlemen, I saw lately an interesting topic related to tessen in the TRANSLATION ASSISTANCE folder written by Piers and just want to add some pictures about two tessen which were supposed to be made by sworsdmiths. I let you guess who are those swordsmiths Hope you like it.

Dear Mariusz, I am not sure that you have an uchine even if the quality of that nice blade is unquestionable. The length of your nakago show that it could not be used as such. original uchine nakago are short. Some yari were also used as such and had their nakago cut in order to be fitted on the shaft. Here is a picture of what I believe to be a real uchine blade (only the blade) recovered in Japan (signed MUNETOSHI). I also join a picture of an uchine which could have been made a while ago (showa era). Last but not least, I also post some photos of two yari with a nagasa inferior to 9 cms. Please take into account that I am not an expert and that I can be wrong. Hope it helps.

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 ?