robinalexander

Hello Grev, Along similar lines of Matt H. not peoms, but in my research I have read quite a number of 'final' letters from IJN and IJA officers and NCO's convicted of war crimes at Rabaul, New Britain immeadiately after WW2. Most written on the eve of their execution. Moving. They provide an insight into certain aspects Japanese culture (particularly) at that time. If you, or anyone, was interested I could dig up the link. Rob

Oh well ...tks for looking...seems like this particular 'tassel' remains a mystery. Rob

Hello all, Just wondering if anyone can shed some light this tassel. Came as part of a job lot but despite my best efforts and references, I have not been able to work out if its real or fake or what type of sword it may attach to. It came from a legitimate (passed) gunto collector and no reason to believe it is fake or even that it may have come from a country other than Japan. Seems to have previously been attached to a sarute judging by the discoloration, stiffness and shape at the end of the tassel. Any information or ideas would be welcome. Thanks Rob

Thanks Bruce, Thanks for the insight..glad its not mine. Was the first one I came across on Google pics. And wouldnt Steve to race off and spend hard earned $ on the incorrect knot. Quicker and easier than taking a pic of my two. All good. Rob

Hi Steve, Nice example. In regard to the leather NCO sword knot, to the best of my knowledge (and I am newish) the sword knot you included is meant for the later iron tsuba sword as per your picture. I believe the knot to match your brass tsuba is the earlier NCO knot that includes a small brass buckle and actually threads through the tsuba. Pic attached. From my experience they are harder to find and more 'expensive' than the later version you have shown. If I'm wrong, ( but I really dont think so) I am sure we will both read about it very soon. Regards Rob

Do I see brush marks? If so, was that normal practice rather than spraying? Maybe not? Also, is the (variation) reddish brown colour normal .... rather than the 'olive drab' which I realise comes in different shades but its still olive drab colour. Rob

For the interest of members, an article from 'Morning Bulletin' Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia 15th Feb 1946 titled "Jap Sword Makers Unhappy" https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/56434572?searchTerm=Jap Swords Regards Rob

I must be blind...civilian tsuba with hole for leather retaining clip? Rob

Hi John, Just saw this myself, very different all right. The paint markings look in very newish compared to most I have seen. And the hot stamp....again very diffefent and very clear/clean. Tsuba could be late war configuration ? as I cant make out the normal rising sun karge seppa. Do you believe it is all genuine? Rob

Job done. I have decided that the 'prototype' will become the permanent inserts for my (sad but loved) 95. They fit well and are functional although the final fit was way (WAY!!!) more in-depth and time consuming than the lead up work. Im happy with the result. In the end this turned out to be a custom made job (sand, measure, fit...sand, measure fit...etc etc etc)..... I really think that a complete saya (as per Jean C's video) would be easier and maybe more fun....easier anyway. What I have leaned..... The final stage can take a long long time to finalise My expression "how hard can it be" is now a known thing Correct/good tools can make or break a job But onwards and upwards...still loving it and have a job copying an 'actual' insert so we will see how that goes. Decided on Australian Red Cedar (different from Western Red Cedar). Regards Rob

Meant *Bruce* not Brian sorry. Rob

Dave thanks for the tip in the Honoki and links to supplier and other suitable timbers. All noted. I am lucky to have an old work collegue in my town that has an exotic timber business so will make a visit. Balsa is great to 'cut your teeth on' but something slighty heavier would be more suitable. Hi Steve, I have to be honest and say that I am not looking for business. I will finish the prototype today and its been so enjoyable but also so time consuming. For me, this came out of necessity as I had none in my 95 saya, and, I just loved the challenge. Having said that and while Im still enthused, I would like to have a crack at making a matching insert for Brian's missing piece if he wished (Hi Brian, you have been very helpful..another great member). Again, it would be a challenge to copy a real one, gratis of course, bearing in mind that my motto with these things is 'all care taken but no responsability accepted' As mentioned, I hope to post my finished inserts today if all goes well. Ive learned a lot as this is essentially custom made and its getting quite thin in certain areas but will still be quite functional for a non-operational 95. Maybe not nihonto though! Regards Rob

Happy to do that for you Bruce. Blade is seated very nicely Mune to Ha. Forging ahead with the finer aspects of the exercise. Rob

Hello Bruce and all, On the final sanding fitting stages of the balsa 'prototype'. Im happy with this so far although something a litle more robust than balsa would be a plus. Might have a look at Paulownia as an upgrade as it has better (anti) insect & water properties and is an asiatic timber. But I suppose the new inserts will only be protecting the blade and will not be subject to the rigours of operational use so with minimal oiling the soft timber may do the job. In regard to your inserts with 'paper' glued over the outside, I wonder if cracks or holes appeared in the insert during the final sanding/fitting (can get very thin) and the paper was to repair or strengthen the insert? Fingers crossed for my final stage. Regards Rob

Hi Dave, just dont have any to take out but would certainly have been easier if had. Tks Hi Bruce, what can I say. That was really great of you to do that. I now know what they look like and thats a bonus. I can pretty well understand your measurement points but if I need clarification on your pics I hope I can PM you. This dosn't look totally un-do-able (he says confidently ) and I'm looking forward to a start ... hopefully tomoz. Regards Rob Will post results, when I finish