Ben9806

Does anyone know where's a good place to start collecting information on specific swordsmiths?? About their lives, possible drawings of them, that sort of thing

I can't really slate it, he's quite a character but if you can get over that. I guess if you find a blade from a maker you want then you've just gotta go for it whichever site it is.

It's in a pretty bad condition

Yep will do. I'll pop some on later today.

Wow.... that was quick! Thanks guys. Let's see if I can get some history on him now... thanks again.

Evening everyone, spent the last 3 hrs searching index's of smiths and I've come up blank, time to ask the great pot of knowledge, I really need to learn this language. Can't find him anywhere I know of.

It was pretty amazing yeah, and met some good people. I'm hoping to to get there often, maybe not every month but yes I won't be a stranger. I've a lot of interest in the polishing side too, and looking forward to seeing his set up. Thanks again for everything

I too really like this line, sadly I'm a noobie and can't really help you, but there are hundreds here who could. If you start a new thread on this you'll no doubt get loads of help

Cheers guys, There was something there very special so don't worry Ian. As far as I'm aware it's 'izu no kami' 2 gen from the kinmichi mishina school

On my way back from the armouries in Leeds now, thanks again Dave and it was great to see you. The general feeling is that the marks were not cracks but deep scratches that someone has tried to polish out. And there are signs of a polishing wheel being used to do this. Also looking forward to seeing it after John's given it the polish it deserves. All in all a very relieving evening. Next to apologise to Mark for causing him so much stress.

If anyone has any info for me but doesn't want to pop if on for everyone to see please feel free to pm me, everything pm'd will of cause be treated in the manner you request it to be.

Dave, is Stuart Ivinson the guy I'd need to contact for that meeting or will you be there yourself?

The last pic is the best shot of one of them I've managed so far

Dave, that's brilliant, just a short train journey away, do they have these often? Maybe a struggle for me this evening but I'm going to try my best to get there. That's great thank you.

That's great, I'll have a look at that. Yes I did ask and even in the full size photos they can't be seen, I only saw them two days after purchase when I sat down to clean it and the light caught it just right, now I know they're there they stand out every time I look at it. It's hard to photograph them as the light needs to be just right. Having someone to take a look would be really helpful, I'm in Skipton, North Yorkshire and will quite happily travel to anyone offering their help close by. The polishers I've spoken to don't really want to get involved as they may loose future work, which in my eyes is totally understandable.