Clive Sinclaire

Mariuszk Please do not think that I am issuing any admonition, I am merely expressing my own individual point of view. If others such as Chris Bowen, whose opinion is to be respected, think differently, then of course, I accept that there are other ways of doing things, though they are not for me. I have never used any alcholic substance for cleaning swords, reserving it exclusively as a libation! Regards Clive S

Hi Mark - hope you are well. It is my understanding that a newly polished swords might tend to "sweat" water for some months after the sword is polished, due to water being "absorbed" during the polishing process. Of course, if this is left or ignored, it will rust and deteriate drastically from the finish of the polish. I was advised, therefore, that applications of uchiko should be applied regularly (say once a month) for at least the first six months following a full polish. It is also interesting in this discussion, that there is something of a concensus, that the best uchiko comes from togishi, including dear old Bob Benson, so I doubt they would warn against using it! Finally, it has been said here that newbies do not understand uchiko and are are unable to use it. As with all things, these beginners should be taught the correct way of all things related to the Japanese sword rather than find easier ways to accomodate them. This includes sword preservation, cleaning, handling and etiquette, all things that make the Japanese sword a distinctive Japanese cultural asset. Call me old fashioned if you will, but without these things, I do not think that it is possible to come near to understanding Japanese swords. I apologise for this diatribe and I will now shut-up! Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I know we have had this discussion before, but I am somewhat surprised to see the strong anti uchiko statements here. I have used uchiko for over 40 years and never had a problem with it. It is sometimes necessary on newly polished blades for example, when the hadori may be hiding some of the hataraki in the hamon and providing it is a) Good quality uchiko b) Applied correctly then I see no problems in using it. I only use good uchiko that comes from Japanese polishers and certainly use it if the blade is oiled, in order to remove the oil. Actually, as the UK climate tends not to be very humid, the need for oil is questionable. I keep my blades dry as they are in a constant temperature controlled environment and the occasional wipe with one of the new cleaning cloths suffices. However, these cloths are no good if there is any oil on the blade. I do know of collectors who enjoy the "ritual" of oiling a blade and the smell of choji-abura, but I am not one of them. I wonder why uchiko, which has been used for sword cleaning for many decades, is now seen here in such a negative way or have I misunderstood the discussion? I am eager to be enlightened on this matter. Clive Sinclaire

Eric, thanks for posting the excelent pictures from Bob's site but, as I am sure you will agree, the brightness and the full impact of the jihada, can only be fully appreciated by viewing it "hands-on". Chris, I had not considered mixed metal forging, but now you mention it, it is a distinct possibility. Brian, I have seen Enju Kunitoshi in the UK and even drew an oshigata for the owner. The sugata is certainly elegant and graceful but the more compact jihada is unlike this Kanenori. Finally, I would say that the jihada on this Kanenori has a passing resemblence to the Matsukawa-hada of Norishige - what do you think of that? Also are there any comments of the Azu Nishitane Kun Komoe inscription that I mentioned earlier? Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I crave your indulgence for re-activating this old thread but, this week I rather unexpectedly acquired a sword by Kanenori which was made in 1911 when he was 82 years old. When I first saw it, I was immediately impressed by the slender and graceful sugata which looked like, as indeed it is, a tachi sugata. I took it home and was somewhat casually inspecting the slight damage and rusty patches when I was amazed to see the spectacular jihada and immediately understood the terms "Hadatatsu" and "Hadamono". The jihada was simply full of Chikei throughout its entire length in a way I do not recall seeing before and this must be a very important characteristic of Kanenori. Interestingly, the date of "Meiji Yon-ju-yon Nen" was written with the 2nd character "Yon" in the 4 single cut style and seperate from the date was the inscription, which I believe reads "Ozu Nishitabe Kun Komoe" which I also believe means " to the taste of Ozu Nishitane" ? I am unclear as to the significance of this which seems to be quite a familiar way of addressing a customer, if that is what it is. Or maybe it was inscribed as it was being mounted to go to war, but I doubt this. I know of other Kanenori swords have similar inscriptions and I am interested to hear any other suggestions as to what it may signify. For the record, this sword, which will require a polish, is in gunto mounts and the hamon, which is ko-midare-notare in nioi-deki is signed tachi-mei "Teishitsu Gigein Sugawara Kanenori Hachi-ju-ni Sai Saku" and is dated on the other side Meiji Yon-ju-yon Nen Ju-ichi Gatsu Kichi Nichi" as well as that previously mentioned. Although I am rather late in saying so, I am also grateful to Mr Morita for the pictures he posted of Kanenori. Clive Sinclaire

I have a very similar little book that is dated Taisho 6h year. Whilst of interest, it is of little practical use as a sword book. I see that I offered it for sale years ago at the San Francisco show and a note inside it says that I was asking $50, but I still have it. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen This is an interesting subject and, as an older collector, I respectively tender the following comments. In Japan, where the culture of the Japanese sword is still important, there are many concerns from the older generation of those involved in Japanese sword-collecting, particularly togishi. It seems that fewer swords are being polished, both from abroad and even at home. This, of course, is understandable, as there is a finite number of swords that require polishing, and once polished, they are unlikely to need this to be done again. Fewer deshi are undertaking apprenticeships and so there is the danger that the art will not be preserved. This, of course, effects all the ancillary arts such as shira-saya, habaki, koshirae making etc. Further, I understand that even the shinsa system is under threat as fewer swords are being submitted, presumably for the same reason as there are fewer swords needing to be polished. I think that this reflects the general apathy of the younger generation in Japan who, maybe, are more interested in Western culture than in that of their own. I noticed over the last few years that very few restaurants in Japan now have tatami seating, which I always thought was quintisensually Japanese. I am trying to say that, even in Japan, the native culture is generally seen as being under threat and if it is so there, the likelyhood of it surviving abroad, seems slight. As for sword collecting by Westerners, all the tools available such as books and internet sites, have their uses, as a published author on the subject, how could I think otherwise? However, I am firmly of the belief that to truely learn and understand Japanese swords, there is no alternative than to study them in Japan - there is no otherway. By this I do not mean just a visit to the DTI once a year, but close study under a good teacher - difficult but very necessary. Like I said, I am now an "old collector" (I prefer a "Mature collector") having bought my first sword in 1969, so you might think it has been easy for me but this is not the case and sword collecting has always been a rich man's hobby. Learning about Japanese swords is a far greater area of study than the simple acquisition of them. In the future it will be difficult to collect Japanese swords, but the point I am struggling to make, is that it always has been. (Brian : I hope this is not too much of a ramble and departure from the thrust of this thread). Clive Sinclaire

Morita san Whilst you are correct in that there are no photographs of Honjo Masamune, I have seen what is supposed to be the sword in a rather crude oshigata. I think Albert Yamanaka may have seen the sword in Japan and does not seem to have thought it was so good! Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen Have just seen a trailer on UK TV's "Yesterday Channel" about a prog due to be aired on Friday this week (Nov 30) at 21.00 hours. It is, I think, about a lost Masamune "surrender sword". I am not sure if I was interviewed for this or another similar one, but it looks pretty awful even without my input! Clive Sinclaire

Jean It is a very interesting point that you made and it has crossed my mind before. The problem is that I wanted to reproduce the magazines exactly as they were originally published, rather than change them in any way. Even when we published them in about 1994-99, this may have been a problem, but we do say that they are taken from the Heisei 5 issue of Rei magazine for instance, which should put everything into context. However, your corrections to my inacurate and careless typing errors on the other swords is most welcome - keep it up! Regards Clive Sinclaire

Christian - sorry no hard copies available, hence we are putting it onto the website. Jean, well spotted - we will correct it asap - what would I do without you! Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen GentlemenWe have an AGM coming up soon and there are a number of things we need to discuss regarding the website. As the annual membership is only £10 (£15 for the first year) it does not seem excessive but I feel that we should give members something more for their money, not available to non-members. Making Nihon-to available to them exclusively may be just such a thing. Some of the up-coming issues have some really great stuff in them (such as National Treasure swords and translations from To-ken Bijutsu). A discussion on whether or not we should have a commercial section, in which members might buy and sell, is another area that needs to be explored. Such weighty questions need many glasses of the amber nectar to help focus the mind and consider fully! Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I have pleasure in informing you that Issue 2 of Nihonto Magazine is now on our website at http://www.To-ken.com. There are 20 swords, 6 tsuba and interesting comments from Robert Haynes. At the moment this is freely available so I hope you find it useful and informative. Let me know your thoughts. Regards Clive Snclaire

Mark Welcome to the NMB. Hizen blades are a good place to start. There are many of them around, they are of superb quality generally speaking, there are many reference books on these Saga swords, and they don't generally cost too much, etc. etc - you can't go wrong on these Hizen-to! Regards Clive Sinclaire

Hi Peter As Stu has already said, they were signed as good luck. I think they were usually signed by neighbours and friends at home and then sent to the soldiers on the front, who carried them into battle, similar in many ways to the sennin-bara. I once donated one to Yasukuni Jinja in what I considered an appropriate gesture. Clive Sinclaire

Andreas I am afraid I do not have precise dates but Iit will be the latter part of October / early November. I am sure we will have plenty of notice. I think Mike Y has more info. Clive S

I meant to say that there was 1 SHINshinto - sorry for the typo Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I got home last night and of course the Dai Token Ichi was a great place to be last week, especially the Yakatabune dinner, the social event of the year, so well organised by Robert Hughes. Also, the opportunity of meeting other collectors from all over the world, should not be under-rated. As for the 3 Shintogo Kunimitsu (mentioned by I Barry (I only recall seeing 2) they were good but I have seen better. I managed to not buy a shodai Tadayoshi, Juyo Token Naginata and so saved Yen 2.5 million, which was lot for a naginata, I felt. Similary, displaying my constant poor taste in tsuba, it was a daisho of Soten tsuba of warriors design, which took my fancy. As it was shakudo (rather than iron) it was priced at a mere Yen 600,000. Suprisingly, I was immediately offered a discount that took it down to Yen 500,000 but I will live without it. There were many fine swords , many of which are illustrated in the catalogue which is well worth getting your hands on. Generally, it was thought that prices were very high, exasperated by the strength of the Yen. The DTI ended on Sunday and I am very grateful to the American branch of the NBTHK, which managed to have the Japanese Sword Museum specially opened on the following Monday, when they are normally closed to the public. This was for a special sword study session with some marvelous blades that included a Hoki Yasatsuna tachi and amongst others and a stunning Rai Kunimitsu tachi, complete with faint nie-utsuri. I am pleased that I got atari on the rather obvious Sukehiro "unofficial" kantei blade. Actually, on the following day (Tuesday) the newly designated Juyo To-ken blades and tosogu from the 58th shinsa were on display at the museum. Of the 28 blades, 23 were koto, 4 shinto and 1 shinto. Considering that the weekend previous to DTI was an NBTHK - European Chapter seminar at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, I think that I have probably had my money's worth from my annual membership fee!. Next year, at about the same time as the 2013 Dai Token Ichi the NBTHK To-ken Taikai will take place in Shinjuku. As this takes place every 5 years it is definetly not one to miss, so I am starting to plan and save right away. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I have just posted tonight Part 5 of The Diary of the Restoration of a Suit of Japanese Armour onto the new Token Society of GB's website at http://www.To-ken.com. As this armour is being restored by Mr Robert Soanes, you may care to see further examples of his work. As always, your comments will be most welcome. Regards Clive Sinclire

Dear Chaps Thanks for the positive feedback. I have noticed a few spelling mistakes which we will correct asap. The second issue of Nihon-to Magazine is ready to be put on the site and in this one, Robert Haynes the well known Tosogu expert, with his unique insight makes comments on Issue 1 tosogu. My thanks go to Steve Hughes our new "webmaster" who has done the redesign of the site and processes all my ramblings! I think you will find that most of the swords featured are not famous Kokuho etc, but for want of a better expression, "ordinary swords" that we might encounter in the West. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen Recently we have given our website a bit of a face-lift and re-design, as well as to include some exciting new material described below. The first 'Nihon-to Magazine' is now on the website and the next 2 are ready to go on, depending on how the first is received. Your opinions would be welcome as this is a time consuming and labour intensive project. "Beginning in 1994, the To-ken Society of Great Britain, published a magazine entitled simply “Nihon-to”. It was intended that this publication would be a top quality production and that there would be sufficient international subscriptions to make it break-even financially. Permission was obtained from the leading Japanese sources in the field of sword study, to directly translate material of our choice and much valuable material was published. We felt that it was the best on offer outside of Japan and we felt that no sword collector in the Western world could fail to subscribe. Unfortunately, subscriptions failed to cover production costs and the publication was heavily subsidised by To-ken Society of Great Britain, but after 9 issues we decided that there was insufficient international support and that continued publication was no longer viable. It is now 13 years since the last issue and it cannot be denied that there is a great deal of useful information in “Nihon-to”, and so we have decided to put it onto our website so that it is again available to all. It will be put on exactly as it appeared in print, albeit in a web format. The introduction in issue 1 explains where all our material is sourced and translated." Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen Some may rou may recall me mentioning on an old thread, that I met Keanu Reeves for lunch some while ago as he wanted to see some real Japanese swords. I showed him my favourite Hizen Masahiro which he waved about. Also presemt at the film studio, was Sanada Hiroyuki, the kendo instructor from The Last Samurai. As I understand it, this film is all "Hollywood" and little Japanese history or culture and you will be disapointed if you expect anything else. Clive Sinclaire.

Gentlemen It may be of some passing interest to see some of the articles etc that we have recently updated http://www.to-ken.com with. These include 4 Hizen Tadakuni blades under UK Sword Register, a meeting report of our last meeting, under Meetings, and progress on my armour restoration, under Articles. As always, your comments would be most welcome, be they good or bad. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Hi Brian There are parts of the book dealing with sword appreciation and a section on the old swords and gokkaden which is beutifully illustrated with Tanobe sensei's oshigata. It is certainly a very good introductory book but may not be quite as advanced as you might wish. Personally, however, I like it but then I am a succour for sword books! Clive S

Gentlemen I have just received a new book written jointly by Yoshindo Yoshihara and Leon and Hiroko Kapp, entitled The Art of the Japanese Sword. Especially as the authors are personally known to many of us, I thought you might be interested in my review of the book at http://www.to-ken.com under Articles I believe it is in a rather limited edition but will be available on Amazon very soon. Regards Clive Sinclaire