Toryu2020

http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/shinsa-information/ You'll find all the info on the Chicago Show and Shinsa via the link above, hope to see you all there. Chris et al - Since this is from the general section on Rai workmanship and not an article about the unfortunate appearance of muneyaki in Japanese swords - I think he is just stating the facts as he sees them and not aiming away from any one theory or other. Also since he is talking in comparison to the earlier Sanjo and Awataguchi schools, I think he is saying their "tempering" is just so strong in comparison to those schools. -t

Interesting discussion - I for one look forward to seeing the sword in Chicago. On the subject of muneyaki, I always find myself referring to Tsuneishi's Nihonto no Kenkyu to Kantei. There are priceless gems on every page. In the section on the Rai school we find; "Within the works of the Rai school we find many works with what looks like muneyaki, something not seen in the earlier Yamashiro schools, the Sanjo and Awataguchi. This muneyaki is not that at all but is in fact an expression of yubashiri. In other words in the instance we see this yubashiri it is because the "Rai yaki" is just so strong" So here is one writer at least that doesnt see it as a negative... -t

Exciting stuff!

Robert - I have to agree with Malcolm, my very first thought looking at this was habiki. Then I read your description and it bears that out. Gekken as he mentioned involved "hard training" and you would be surprised at what those tough little guys could do even with a long sword. (at that time especially with a long sword) I would be very surprised if it has hamon, but certainly it must have been hardened. I personally would look into it's history, look for other examples, nail down just what it is before looking to polish it. mho -tch

Nice grouping, very kind of you to share, -t

THANKS JOHN!

Our complaints department - and before you leave don't forget to pick up your video!

more distractions...

I started out to look for saya-dome-ana but quickly got distracted...

lets try this...

Celebrating 24 years and one big birthday!

An awesome idea for exploration Piers! No time to photo tsuba at home but will look for examples at the show this weekend... -t

Sword Show starts tomorrow! Please stop by my table if youd like to register for the 2015 Chicago Shinsa - this is your chance to do so in person, and avoid those pesky Paypal fees! hoping to see you all there, -t 2014 SF Token-Kai Events: FRIDAY AUGUST 1 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Exhibitor Set-up, Main Ballroom E-F 12:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Public Show Hours, Main Ballroom E-F 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. NBTHK Board Meeting, Marina Del Rey 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Welcome Cocktail/Dinner Reception (Exhibitors Only), Foyer F SATURDAY AUGUST 2 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. Show Hours, Main Ballroom E-F 10:00 A.M.11:00 A.M. JSSUS Board Meeting, Marina Del Rey 11:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon JSSUS Etiquette Lecture, Ballroom C-D 1:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. NBTHK Exhibit for Members, Ballroom C-D 2:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. NBTHK Exhibit for Non-Members, Ballroom C-D 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. - Cocktail/Dinner Reception (Exhibitors Only), Foyer F SUNDAY AUGUST 3 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Public Show Hours, Main Ballroom E-F 4:00 P.M. Show Closes Place: San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel 1800 Old Bayshore Highway Burlingame, CA 94080 For further information, please contact: The Northern California Japanese Sword Club Fred Weissberg, President and Secretary 650-595-1703

Dan - Nice find indeed. FWIW there will be a polisher at the San Francisco Sword Show next week and for a small fee he could put a window in it to show you the potential of your blade. Bob Benson is expected to be in attendance as well. http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm -t

Nick - These have to be the best photos I have ever seen for a listing here! Hard not to want this one given the presentation, love that tsuba too. -t

Chris - While not especially pretty at first blush - I would leave it as is, at least until I was sure it was a cowboy and not an umamawari... -t

Our FAQ page http://www.toryu-mon.com/Toryu-Mon/FAQ.html If you have any other questions about this or future NTHK events Visit http://www.toryu-mon.com Or please email us at; nthk2015@toryu-mon.com to register please visit our shinsa registration page http://www.toryu-mon.com/Toryu-Mon/NTHK ... gistration

New Service!! For those who cannot attend - The organizers of this years show will handle mail in items For full details Contact Mark Jones http://www.chicagoswordshow.com 427 W Dussel #128 Maumee Ohio 43537-4208 USA For details on the fast growing Chicago Sword Show see; http://www.chicagoswordshow.com See details of the amenities and location of the hotel, as well as make your reservations here; Hyatt Regency Woodfield - Schaumburg, Illinois Hoping to see you all there! -t

The Nihon To-ken Hozon Kai (NTHK) is pleased to announce - THE NTHK 2015 CHICAGO shinsa April 24th, 25th and 26th 2015 Hyatt Regency Woodfield - Schaumberg, Illinois Yoshikawa Eiichi Sensei and the NTHK have are pleased to have been invited to Chicago with their team of sword experts to provide sword collectors in the U.S. the opportunity to have their swords and fittings examined and authenticated under the same strict conditions practiced in Japan. As this event coincides with the annual Chicago sword show held at the same venue, attendance is expected to be high, therefore early registration is encouraged. for details on the shinsa visit; http://www.toryu-mon.com/Toryu-Mon/NTHK ... gistration

Steve - I hope that you will tell all the folks down in the Ozarks that there is a Shinsa coming. Sadly not this year but next and not too far off. The NTHK (under Yoshikawa Eiichi Sensei) has accepted the invitation to hold a shinsa at the Chicago Sword Show next April. Full details will be announced in another posting, you may of course check here; http://www.toryu-mon.com for info. Your friend in the way, -t

"A few..."

I shall have to check my stock of cards - when I get up, Not sure why that text is there but, may be the ghost of Shinsa past. If it is any consolation we are talking Chicago in 2015! -t

Markus - Count me in on the revision - love your koshirae book but what it seriously lacks in the day and age is large, high rez photos that can be closely examined. A tall order I am sure but will love to see what you come up with. -t

Circle with the character Dai 大 inside most likely Osaka arsenal mark Fwiw -t

Grev - Do you have pictures of the signature itself? Might help to get to the correct answer. -t