goose710

Gentlemen Thanks for your replies, 1- a winter tea cup coolness 2- no other marks I can see 3- can I drink from it , with all those crackles? 4- "Chu" wish I had found the rest of the set ( if any more where there!) Thanks again for your replies Charles

Gentlemen I found this cup in a small shop, paid $7.00us. I like it, no matter what it is Can anyone shed light on the "mark" in the clay? Thanks in advance Charles L. Grusovnik

Now you've done it ! it never ends with just one sword! must have a wak to accompany it , oh and then there'll be fittings to dress it! Welcome to the club , I too waited for years to have the means to buy my first Nihonto We all understand your excitement too! It's a beautiful unit ENJOY! Charles L. Grusovnik

Dave No. Nagamaki I've seated the habaki only 1/4 in. You guys are great! Thanks for all the advice will keep a close eye on the unit. maybe block that vent first , it's closed but of course it bleeds through when the heat runs. Charles

Thank You Gentlemen for your rapid replies. The "Man Cave " in below grade. With a wood stove at the opposite end of the 18' room. I did note , the heating vent(hot air) above the sword rack ! weird how stuff like that isn't seen . I will leave the saya alone for a time and check it from time to time . Thanks Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen I have a very large sword I bought from AOI Art Sword , that is giving me issues. The sword is wonderful , it's in shirasaya , and there lies the problem. The sword is 33.5" long forged by higo kuni yatsuhiro ju akamatsu it's a big one! Ok , now for the problem, the shirisaya is so tight I can't close it ! didn't always be that way , I open to oil about 5/6 months, it's gotten progressively tighter I now can't close but a 1/4 inch of the habaki. I feel resistance at 6" of blade exposed. I don't see any "rubbing" on the blade itself from coming in contact with the wood. Is the shirasaya WARPING? Has anyone else experienced this ? All my swords are in the same area , so room "weather" shouldn't effect one more than another? What if any remedies can be recommended, I've thought to have the shirasaya opened and re worked to fit better (but it's a high quality unit from Japan) Charles L. Grusovnik Further pics if requested

Some of the stuff that's come to live with me Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen Your views mirror mine , the hamon looks very close to running off the tip, but then in different light I "think" I see it . one side is better than the other. I will leave it to the polisher to judge what can be done for it. The very point don't look right either I hate to say it but looks like some-one dressed it. maybe a broken tip or deep rust. Thank you fellows for your time, it will be my project to do for this blade the justice it deserves, I realize no grand prize here but would like to see it in better condition Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen I'm assuming the mei is gimmei , but can anything be seen in my poor pictures as to the real maker or age? I'm on a polishers list , and not a Hiramasa is no bother to me just want to save a piece of history, good/bad no biggie. It's more like I'm curious as to what lies beneath!! To educate me can I see a genuine mei vs my mei and subtleties of the difference , not arguing it's no false, just like to see differences. Your time and efforts are well appreciated by me. Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen You guys are great! Here are a few more pic's of the unit I have here at work . I must get some better and then will post .

Gentlemen I was told the tortoise shell handle would indicate a general's sword. I've looked on internet and can not find much info on this type of sword . Looks like diplomatic sword too! Any info would be appreciated , or directions to a site or publication that would educate me Thank you in advance Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen Have received the two items and will take some pictures of the mei and blade, then if it's found to be real Hiromasa, I think may require a polish and shinsa . My real concern is looks like the tip has been messed with! will take close-ups and then ask advice from the kind and knowledgeable members as to the next step. Charles l. grusovnik

Greg That thought has crossed my mind, have to get it into my hot little hands to see how it is . Charles G.

I couldn't believe mine (which I don't have in hand yet) could be like this one. we'll see after I get it and see what's what if only Charles G

Gentlemen Sensei has transferred me to the owner of the items , my offer has been tentatively accepted. Thank you guys for the information and support Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen I've been his student for 2.5 yrs. I've bought three modern swords (not cheapies +1k ) , one I use as Iai-to , through the school. I'm not rich or poor , just ignorant when it comes to the values on (old ones) swords . I buy by "eye" what I like, and usually with a price, from a board member or AOI Art Sword. He's offering to me I think because Shihan knows I collect and so few people, do in our circle. As to the paper, he's said that " according to Jap source 2nd Hiromasa signed with "nin" I can't read it. I don't believe he's very knowledgeable in this . He's selling for a family friend. He's also said I can show the pics to people who may be interested. He is only acting as a go between in this , and believe he has no interest in it other that that. So, $1000.00 on saber , and $750.00 on tanto (so as not to offend). Charles Grusovnik PS- I won't tell you his name but you would probably know his father (a swordsman)

Gentlemen a few of the saber pictures Charles Grusovnik Here are a few of the saber pics

gentlemen I've been offered this tanto but don't know the value to make an offer so-shu-ju-nin-Hiromasa also an imperial crescent saber . will have pics soon As the person offering the tanto is my Iai-do sensei, I don't wish to offend him with a stupidly low offer , I'd like to be in a comfortable range any idea's? Thanks in advance and if this is beyond my ability to buy price wize it may be available to one of you. Charles Grusovnik

Brian sent my annual donation in apreciation for all you do , and the boards great knowledge base You can't beat the deals you find here either!!!! Surfson, Thanks to you sir for the reminder! Charles L. Grusovnik

Just ordered one and klooking foarward to reading it !!! Thanks for the heads up! Charles l. grusovnik

Gentlemen Last night while watching television i found out Japan has black bears, i've never seen one depicted on a tsuba . Has anyone seen a tsuba with a bear on it?? Just a bit of curiousity is all. Charly Grusovnik

Here's one on the back of a katana i have Charles L. Grusovnik

Gentlemen I'd like to thank all those that tried to help me though . it is appreciated charly

aw nuts i'm feeling stupid now sorry guys charly

Gentlemen thank you Gunome i see it i"m saying it's So Heishi as the signiture YES?? Charly