Rickisan

Adam- I think you did a great job on the pictures....nice blade! Rick

Mariusz - Thanks...I'm glad you posted this question. And thanks to the guys that explained it. I would have also called it fake...just because Ive never seen that type of hamon before. I love this site....get to learn something new everyday! Rick

Jean - Very nice ! If your cozy nest should ever come down with "crane flu"....I would kindly adopt 1 of your birds! Rick

Hey Robin - I like it,(nice pics) but cant help you with many details...because still learining myself. I do know the tsuba pictures on your web page are upside down. I'm sure the pro's will chime in soon. Cheers- Rick

Ford, Whatever your decision is...I'm sure we will learn to accept it. Just dont go out like Ringo Star....and ignore the fan mail. Rick

Dear NMB - Almost forgot to thank everyone who commented about my Katana. Yes, shes Machi-Okuri...and apparently not the best, but we all start somewhere. I really do appreiciate the knowledge and advice the board members share with the new guys! Thanks again, and if anyone else has any additional thoughts/comments...feel free to post them! Rick H.

Wow..I like that too...watch out Stephen, i'm gunning for ya! Rick

Shan- I think we are in the same boat....waiting for it to come in! Mine is also in the process...might be done about the same time as yours. I will try to dig up the "old rusty" pics... once I'm near my work computer. Will send them out soon. Rick

Guido, great, and again...thanks a bunch! Rick

Carlo- Thank you very much!! ....still wondering if there was an age limit,(so to speak) for a teen to carry a sword. Thanks again! Rick

Hey Gang - I have what I'm told could be a boys day sword, in the process of polishing. Now that I have a few months to wait....I started wondering about "boy's day swords". A search here came up with a few items, hoping someone might have a little time to give their opinion. If they made them just for boys, is it correct to assume a person/child would have to be a certain age,(back in those days) to have / carry a standard sized blade? Could it possibly be a right of passage to get one, or graduate to the standard size? Also, In the few examples I have read about it seems there were actual ones made by and signed by big name smiths. Possibly common for a parent to commision one for a child? Thanks for entertaining the question, I look forward to any answers or info :D Rick

I like that banner Stevo :D Rick

I can donate an extra book...The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords...in great condition. The items I have in my collection...not many here are interested in, I'm in that low price bracket...that doesnt seem to get many hits :D I'll just stick with buying lots of tickets! Rick

Brian- Thanks! Just wondered how far in advance you start things off, your reply answered everything. Stephen- I might only have "lint" in the bank at the moment... but I'm good at saving up for special occasions! :D Rick

Brian- When do you guys start selling tickets for the big Raffle...like last years event? Feelin' lucky, Rick