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Another term would be "swordcane", actually a sword with shallow sori inside a walking stick. This device, even when it is antique, is illegal in many countries. In many states in the US carrying one is illegal. I do not know how customs handles import if they are antique. Best, Martin

Hi, employ a goldsmith or someone very familiar with metalwork to remove the habaki. The tin solder melts already at low temperatures and like any solder, flows toward the hottest spot. The blade has to be fixed in a vise and the habaki carefully heated and at the same time pushed towards the jiri. As soon as it becomes loose the heating must be stopped. When it is removed you will probably find remainders of the solder on the nakago and maybe the groove. Part of this can be removed by a glowing piece of metal or a soldering iron. Unfortunately traces of the solder will always remain on the surface of the steel and can ony be removed by polish. Off course a new habaki will cover it. Regards

To contribute to the original thread: Until further notice, there will be a suspension or delay at best for Japan Post/EMS parcels to these countries: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2020/0401_02_01_en.pdf This list is from the beginning of March and has not been revoked yet. I received a sword shipment via EMS on March 3rd, but Germany as US and UK is not on the list. I personally think that shipments will go out from Japan after a due delay, but I would not take the risk of sending any parcel there right now. Best, Martin

Careful, Brian, remember the Battle of Hastings when the "Norman" William conquered England! Cheers, Martin

Hi, folks, the NMB ist still the no.1 nihonto board shared by the western world. I do not think that this will change as long as Brian keeps the spirit of this institution alive! Thank you, Brian! Best, Martin

She is not bad looking, either! Best, Martin

Hi, Rodriguez, see this link: https://www.catawiki.de/l/30548117-Japan-kawahara-sadachika-katana-schwert Best, Martin

Your are right, Moriyama san, my mistake! It is not Kunimitsu, but as you said, Echigo no Kuni Mitsuoki Tsukuru. BTW, the mei is a tachi mei. Is this the rule with most Gendaito or just the personal style of the smith? Regards

Hi, Seth, it seems to be signed by Echigo Kunimitsu and dated June, Showa 17 (1942). it also carries a kokuin (hotstamp). Quality seems good so I guess it is a gendaito, a traditionally made military blade. i am sure the smith is listed in one of the books about showa swordsmiths. Best Regards

Found the daisho picture:

I think, later, from Keijo well into the Meiji Period they made a lot of decorative Daisho for export and used these tsuba. I had one long ago, fitted with a pair of papered Jumyo blades. I try to include some old pictures but they are not very good. Regards

Hi, Simon, these are Kinko-school tsuba from late Edo and no fake at all! Tis style is very decorative and they are normally high priced. If you see one cheap, please let me know! Best, Martin

The company who issued the paper is the JTK (Jyuho Token Kenkyukai). The basic paper is light blue, the higher grade paper is light brown. Best, Martin

Hi, all! I think this is a great idea and would suggest Germany(Berlin?) or the Netherlands. I could bring 4 swords for myself and several more from my customers. As soon as the whole thing is seriously considered I would advertise this on my HP and offer my help to support this event. To begin with, an organizer is needed and somebody has to inquire at NTHK about the exact requirements for a shinsa team to come over including a possible date. Jean, most airlines will carry a sword in a locked guncase, which is anyway required for transport in Germany. If somebody is not able to tbring it in personally, I might be of help to arrange a transport by a licensed "transporter". Even though edged weapons are subject to federal laws in Germany, you can buy and own swords of any type, old or new, if you are at least 18 years old. Cane swords are forbidden if mounted. Cheers, Martin