nagamaki - Franco

Mariuszk, thanks for your thoughts. To begin with my objectives in posting were simply in order to; update information on cost; make clear that a properly made habaki should absolutely have zero play; make clear that in the case of a solid gold habaki it is possible to reuse the same material; offer a visual example of Brian's work. That's all! Reading anymore into it is the result of one's own imagination. Personally, I agree that one should be most attentive and discriminating when it comes to the selection of "materials" attached to nihonto. And in saying so I strongly recommend that before making decisions one should always consult a number of 'experienced' and 'wise' nihonto people to broaden one's own perspectives. This is also one more reason why it is essential to build a 'good' library and visit things like formal displays to learn.

Calling a solid gold habaki vulgar goes beyond dictating tastes, it ignores functional reasons for the use of softer metals, it ignores history, and least of all it stands as being judgmental without knowing or understanding the circumstances behind why it was done.

Thank you for the insult Dr. Fox! Now, please explain? Vulgar? Vulgar in what sense?

Welcome, yes, Brian is quite gifted and very dedicated to his work and nihonto.

A properly made habaki will have zero play, and in fact it will take steady increasing pressure until you reach the point where it releases. Current pricing for solid gold habaki thru Brian Tschernega is; $800 to $1000 for labor depending upon one or two piece, plus the current market price (which today 12/2/2013 is ~$1220.00) for the gold. It takes approximately 1 oz. to make a habaki. Below is an image of a solid two piece habaki that Brian Tschernega re-made using the previous solid gold habaki by melting it down.

One reason habaki become loose overtime is due to mishandling, in particular when placing the sword back together excessive force is used to reseat the tsuka, which in turn drives the habaki farther on to the sword than it should be, which then spreads the habaki apart resulting in looseness. A solid gold habaki can be melted and reformed into the new habaki as long as the pureness of the gold is correct.

Brian Tschernega, Seattle, Washington, 1-425-771-6339, he can do both habaki and shirisaya.

How appropriate that these should end up in your hands!

http://www.nihonto.com/5.10.12.html

Thank you John for saving me from having to repeat your words.

Perhaps then you should listen to his request and consider alternatives such as books, visiting sword shows, museum displays, or even all 3 for as long as his sight allows.

Yes, he is trying his very best it seems, but then again look at how much Markus is saving us from having to buy the actual collection.

Hello Barry, thanks for sharing!

FYI, http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2013/10/portland-art-museums-samurai-takes.html

There is a type of utsuri, sorry, name escapes me at the moment, that appears on tired blades and strongly suspect that is the case here. See Yamanaka's definitions and descriptions of utsuri.

1) Blade should be studied in hand, difficult to know what the story is from these images. 2) It would be a mistake to use this blade in iai, tameshigiri or not. A damaged tip (easily done), would finish this blade. 3) Not impressed with polish. If I were buying this piece this would be one of the issues that would need to be addressed.

Congratulations, even from pics this blade looks quite interesting, thanks for sharing.

Hmm, a signed Sa, alarm bells are ringing, books, buy books.

Early in the blooms one could see similarity, later, no.

Hello to All, While I luv Lotus flower and have grown them, I have some reservation about this fuchi representing a lotus flower as the leaves are much more aligned with Japanese tree peonies. Will post images of both for you to make up your own mind. Thanks.

Just keep in mind that you could end up owning what others like. And then what do others like? Sometimes it is difficult to tell if others know what others like.

Food for thought; buy knowing that if things go south you would still be happy and content owning the piece in question. Don't spend the mortgage money, nor food money, nor your children's education funds on such things. Better pieces tend to maintain their value, but are still subject to fluctuations. Also, if purchasing heirlooms make sure those receiving are fully educated and appreciative which includes responsible recipients. Buy low, there are great deals out there in tosogu for those willing to take the time to invest in learning and attend shows. An important part of collecting is learning to let go.

Quite simply as one polisher put it, why bring out the detail in only half the sword when it is possible to display all of the detail of the swordsmith's best work all at the same time, in speaking of a hadori polish. In fact this polisher felt it was his obligation to do so. Also, from a personal perspective one of the great ideals that comes out of "samurai" is the idea of impermanence, and yet we see so much Westernism inserted here into the conversation of permanence, tsk, tsk. P.S. Please also don't misunderstand, this polisher on more than one occassion has recommended not polishing a sword in order to preserve the work of a previous polisher.

Did someone say chocolate! Like Guido, I have yet to purchase a sword online. My last two purchases were both done by verbal descriptions with a return policy before final approval. As for hadori swords for sale online, there will be clues that point towards the quality of the sword, as well as details that should raise flags of caution. Regardless, there is no substitute unfortunately for sword in hand, which still requires the knowledge, ability, and skills necessary for a proper evaluation. The better collectors I now stick carefully to kantei basics maintaining a very methodical approach in evaluating swords. In the 1st years of collecting I favored sashikomi, but now especially after learning how to properly look at a sword, simply favor an excellent sword in excellent polish.