dhusker

Sorry.

I purchased this Kozuka from a well known forum member. He referred me to another post, but that post was not definitive as to a translation of the mei. I would appreciate any help anyone might give me. Thank you. Dan

I have a Tanto than needs a new ito wrap and Same application. I found a restorer named Randy Black of Phoenix by following the links on this forum. Has anyone used Randy for restoration work? If not, can you recommend anyone else. Thank you. Dan

I think Jabba the Hut is the leader of the guesses so far. How about Jabba the Nihonto?

Hi Shan, Here are some closer pics. This is as good as I can do with my current camera.

Can someone tell me what these represent? I can't tell if they are men on horses, horse on man, or Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (well maybe not). Please help...Thanks Dan M.

I hope this post fits here, if not mods please move. I am still learning, but hopefully I am succeeding somewhat. I purchased a lot of 4 seppa, 3 gold foil covered and 1 silver covered. The seppa are copper under the foil and they appear very old. Were these used during any particular period, region, etc. Thanks Dan M.

Thank you for your info and help. Nihonto is so complex that I feel like a first grader on his first day of school. This is the most difficult field of study I have ever attempted. The "tuition" is expensive also. :D Best Regards, Dan

I recently purchased this tsuba. Can anyone help me with i.d. on date, etc. The seller told me that is was a Shinto period oval iron tsuba. Applied village scene in gold with moon above in copper. Size is 2 7/16 x 2 ¼ inches. Thanks for the help. Dan

How about questions pertaining to ebay purchases i.e. "Are there any good buys on ebay? Can anyone recommend a reputable ebay seller? How do you tell if it is a fake"? Can I buy a really fine whetstone at ACE can I polish off some scratches or can I use this sharpening kit from ebay to get started . I know these seem ridiculous, however, I believe that these are what the beginner would ask. Questions about buying on line. There are a great number of us that cannot attend shows in Chicago, San Francisco, and Tokyo. I admit I got my start from ebay with a Amahide blade traditionally made and signed. Both times i bought, i had wonderful help from a Gendaito expert, so I made good purchases. Lets try to make this happen for newblies. Finally, a pronunciation guide for all the terms. The first time I tried to use Mekugi, I didn't know whether to say ma kug e, or ma coog e, is it Ta sooba or sooba? perhaps a QT audio file could be added to the page so the person could actually hear the correct pronunciation. Just a few rambling post dialysis thoughts, maybe in the morn, I will say "why did :lipssealed: I say that?"

I am having a shirasaya made. I can have it plain or lacquered with cashew lacquer. I always thought that they should be left plain so the wood could breathe. Also I have noted that several shapes are available. Is the traditional shape the oval one? Any thoughts on this. Thanks

I really like your idea to include articles be the experts in the FAQ section. The more accessible the information is, the better for all. Thanks again for your hard work. Dan

That sounds like a good proposal. After reading you last post, I believe that another section would indeed be redundant and a FAQ would help a lot of new members. Thank you for considering my proposal. I believe that it created some constructive dialog on both sides.

It might be a place for posting "how to" questions i.e. how can I replace my little wooden peg that holds my handle on, What would it cost to re-wrap the handle, my handle is stuck, how do I free it up, or how do I sharpen my blade? (heaven forbid, but I know a person that sharpened his grandfathers Gendaito with an electric grinder.) Perhaps it could be a section where a newbie FAQ list could be placed. From personal experience, I can tell you that when I first started I was intimidated by the Japanese terms used. This might be a section for the newbie to use the terms handle, wooden peg, hand guard, or spacer things without feeling overwhelmed....learning the correct terms will come sooner or later depending on the individual. Just a few ideas....thanks for asking.

You make a very valid point. A strong point of the forum is the stance taken by the moderators not allowing smart @#$ comments. Thanks Stephen , Brian, and Guido.

Thank you for the reply. As I said in my original post....."Over the past several weeks, I have met some wonderful people here and have been helped by all. Several members in particular have been great. You know who you are." My main point is that I suggested an area that would be a comfortable discussion group for those who might be shy about posting. I belong to other forums that have this feature and it seems to work well. Thanks again for your thoughtful reply and all of tje work you do for this forum.

Thanks Chris, this is exactly how I feel. Brian I understand your concerns also, but why not let the rookies post and if the experts want to jump in so much the better as long as there is no personal criticism or cynical put downs. I guess the teacher (retired) in me thinks that there is no such thing as a stupid question. I saw many students that were afraid of being made fun of....once drawn out they often became valuable contributors to the class. Thanks for considering my idea.

May I suggest a new discussion area be added to the forum. The first time I posted to the forum I was somewhat apprehensive about the response I would get. Fortunately, it was friendly. Since then I have observed what I would term less than courteous and understanding posts and replies by some members. I belong to other forums that have a category for beginners and posters that don't wish to appear as fools because of a lack of knowledge. Could we please have an area that allows no flames of any type....I think it would help to draw in new members Over the past several weeks, I have met some wonderful people here and have been helped by all. Several members in particular have been great. You know who you are. Just my Sunday morning rambling as I lay in a hospital bed with a brand new heart stent...plenty of time to cruise Ebay for Nihonto blades. :lol:]

Thanks guys, that is exactly why I wanted a handle.....to prevent the tip from hitting the bottom of the scabbard.

Alan, Here is the blade, it also came with the original scabbard

Thanks Brian.....I appreciate the help. I did it mainly as a stop gap until I can send it to Lohman for a shirasaya. I must admit that I also wanted to show off my blade. One friend said "you paid what for that, ...it doesn' even have a handle." I am actually proud that I did think about the sandpaper issue on the inside. Is American magnolia the same as Honoki when it comes to the tsuka, as both are of the same class and order but not species? Thanks again.

Can anyone identify the symbols on this old scabbard? The seller told me they were family mons. Thanks

If one is good, two are twice as good :lol: Actually I started with one and made an error so I went with two, I guess I should fill one.

My wife is worried. Two swords in two weeks, first a Katana, next a Wakizashi, and now i spent all afternoon carving a Tsuka. I bought a bare blade Waki, so I grabbed a two pieces of wood, some wood chisels, and sandpaper and 4 hours later my new tsuka. I am not a woodworker, but I thought I would try....I know it's not great, but I like it and my blade no longer has a bare butt.

Is there a Chicago show scheduled for 2009?