David Flynn

Namu Amida Butsu.

George maybe they were made before they were appointed RJT?

George, this particular Kanenobu wasn't RJT, I believe he died just before the war. The reason I mentioned this sword, was because many collectors tend to ignore Gendaito. Also, none of the other swords had Star stamps either. Although I'm pricniply a Gendai collector, :D I don't own one with a Star stamp. In fact, I have personaly steered clear of Star stamps, due to the conjecture. As well, we checked with the NTHK Yoshikawa grp. before the Sydney shinsa if Star stamps were acceptable and were told they were. Unfortunately none were submitted. Just another note on the quality of many Gendaito, I took one(Kanestune) to the NY Shinsa in 2006 and it recieved 75pts and was in top few of the whole shinsa.

Just another little tangent on Gendaito as a Whole. At the Sydney shinsa I entered 5 Gendaito. All passed and one, a first Generation Kanenobu (Niwa Kanenobus'Dad), was chosen as one of the best swords in the Show. At the end of the Show, Dr Gordon Robson, gave a talk on a few swords that the Team had considered, the best swords in the shinsa. It was said of my Kanenobu, that on a whole, Gordon did not like Gendai, but here was a good reason to collect Gendaito.

Eric, Peter is right about the Habuchi. When looked at closely, a "True", Habuchi shows individual crystals, whilst an oil Tempered habuchi looks like a long smudge. Also, this particular style of hamon is quite common on Seki made Showa, non gendai swords.

Eric, the top pic, looks oil tempered to me.

I think the NPO may be the only one. Anyone else had a mumei Showa period sword pass Shinsa?

As an Added note, the Japanese made swords for the Australian Light Horse in WW1.

I'm suprised. I was under the impression that mumei gendai wouldn't paper. Would you mind telling me it this was the NTHK, NPO or Yoshikawa group?

Due to the prolific production of swords during WW11 defining Which smith made a mumei blade is quite difficult. This is one of the reasons, mumei Gendaito wont recieve Kanteisho.

I would also agree with George, this is most likely an oil quenched showato.

George, no Star Stamp swords were presented at the Sydney Shinsa. The reason for me mentioning the fact that I checked with the NTHK, was because, Adrian Schlemmer and myself attended the NY shinsa in 06. At this shinsa, the Americans in charge, were accepting all swords. Many swords with Showa and Seki stamps were submitted and failed. We therefore checked to see what swords would be acceptable as we didn't want anything like what occurred in NY happening here.

And now for something completely different (sorry monty) How about Tan stamps? P.S. I used to believe there was something dodgy with star stamps. However, before the Sydney Shinsa, we in communication with the NTHK(Yoshikawa Grp) and asked if Star stamps would be acceptable and we were informed they were.

Moisture absorbing crystals. Buy in Bulk from hardware store.

Another note. I believe Star stamps were only on swords made in 1943-44.

I happened to meet him once in SF. My condolences to the family.

I remember reading, in an old issue of the JSSUS, I believe, that the WW11 smith, Yoshindo Kuniie, became and inspector, who applied star stamps?

Emura blades come in many styles. Some are absolutely gorgeous, while others are just poor old plain Jane.

I'm not sure Moss. Unfortunately, I believe internal politics destroyed the last attempt. Hopefully next year, we will be holding another Shinsa. As this is probably the place where most Australian collectors would be assembled at one time, maybe it would also be an appropriate time to ask for submissions. I suppose though, if enough Australian collectors were to discuss the possibility on this forum, maybe something may occur.

Maybe it's time to have another go at orginising a sword club. The last attempt, the Japanese sword soc. Australia, managed to last a few years, but never enough members.

cane Toads now found in Sydney!

I'll 3rd On Aoi arts. So tiny, a few of us went there to see a sword a friend was buying. Only 2 at a time could fit!

A couple of years ago, the NSW Govt. Asked for submissions with regards to following victoria. I believe the amount of submissions recieved against prohibition of certain edged weapons was overwhelming. Nothing was ever mentioned again. Let's hope this common sense continues.

Unfortuanately, there is a trend in Australia now for knife related crimes. Stabbings and Armed Robbery. Various state Governments are introducing Draconian laws, as an attempt to aleviate this situation. Unfortunately, there have been some nuts, who have brandished swords and even cut people. The big difference I see, is that knives are very easy to conceal, Where as a sword is a little more obvious. Again, it comes down to the majority of law abiding people, suffering for the crimes of the few.

G'day Cris and welcome.