Jump to content

GARY WORTHAM

Members
  • Posts

    153
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by GARY WORTHAM

  1. I can't count how many times I see posts for swords for sell where the owner quotes the high price they paid, but now are selling at a loss !

     

    I think, what has happened here ? Did they buy too high, or are they now selling to a market that is out for the bargains only.

     

    The mind set of the purchase of these expensive and exclusive items marks  them to be in a territory that is not of many's concept of future ownership and purchase.

     

    Why one buys at such high prices, and decides to loose such a value; is a mind blower. 

     

    After 20+ years of being a student / collector; I maintain the constant focus to buy a treasure that I would never want or need to sell.

     

    This releases me from the pressure that so many display in their stress to unload an item that they really should have never purchased.

    • Like 3
  2. Interesting responses !!!

     

    From logical to ridicules. 

     

    If you don't take a mature and concerned look at your future investments, then !!, you will sow what you reap.

     

    Tried to set up a reality check for many, to look at what they are doing. I know I have talked to many at the shows, and the smart ones have answers that matter.

     

    Evaluate what you have and is it insured. Homeowner insurance has a designated limit, and it's not swords. If you talk to you agent, you will find you are not covered.

     

    Big safes are great, and off site safes/vaults have their merit.

     

    Still waiting for the light bulb to turn on for many.

  3. Brian, and others;

     

    Just a follow up since I have a moment. We insure our home, our car, our health, our life, etc. To ensure our swords is not a fear factor, just common sense.

     

    My swords have written appraisals for the insurance company on file.

     

    Firearm protection; we have loaded at all times; Berretta 92FS, Colt Trooper 357, Smith & Wesson M&P15T 5.56, and a 12 gauge shotgun in the house, rounds in chamber. Good if you are home, useless if not. Criminal laws may protect your use of deadly force, but civil laws are a can of worms. No good out come to be sure.

    Yes, I have my firearms insured.

     

    Security system: why not, since the wireless forms are easy to install your self, they monitor 24/7, can check when out of town, lower your homeowner insurance.

     

    Do I worry, not at all. Full replacement insurance means I can take the money on a new hunt for treasurers.

    • Like 1
  4. As I watch people talk and show what they have collected, I wonder at the fore site they have for their collection security.

     

    I myself have the coverage for storage as well as transportation of the well established, Collectables Insurance, which has been highly recommended over the years.

     

    However, monetary return of investment can never replace the unique item you sought so hard to find and collect.

     

    So, as the second line of defense, I have the wireless Frontpoint Security, with a 3 to 4 prong approach, all linked to your phone.

    1- entry point alarms.

    2-glass breakage.

    3-motion detectors

    4-live video monitoring

    5-know your local law enforcement by name and phone.

     

    As I see many proudly show how their collection looks and is displayed, i fear they set themselves up to the dark side of those who would exploit their situiation.

     

    Words of thought, advice, and welcomed response.

  5. Ok, took some good advice from some of the NMB folks, and went to Home Depo, also presenting them with the problem.

     

    They refered me to their on staff specialist in this type issue who was very knowledge, and full with many similar stories from customers with other items of this type problem.

     

     

    His recommendation was a product called DampRid manufactured by Airscapes, which fit nicely into the floor of my safe / vault.

     

    If anyone has had experience with this product, I would appreciate their thoughts.

  6.       After 20 plus years of study / collecting, I have a sword in mounts that after 15 years of ownership has developed a light coating of film that looks to be rust on the last 4 - 5 inches of the blade. It cleans off with ease with chogi oil and uchiko, but has reappeared each time upon examination. It is a 1536 koto KIyomitsu that was polished over 20 years ago, and has since my ownership, never been anything but in perfect condition. 

     

         I used a cleaning extension, deep into the end of the saya, and produced no oil residue, corrosion, or contamination. This is a mystery to me, as I have not seen this with any of my swords. My cleaning efforts are routine and spot on.

     

    Any and all thoughts and guidance are deep appreciated

  7. Well;

     

    As this was another great show and even pushed thru a convention obstacle; all ended well; With the blunt of the thanks to the super human effort of Fred Weissberg; president of the NCJSC.

     

    Yet, I see no thanks for the show, pictures, or efforts to reward all those who labored to make this show happen.

     

    After 20 years of participation, study, and attendance; I always come away with increased knowledge, friendships, and appreciation for my study; not to mention the hard-earned purchases I so love to find.

     

     

  8. Ok, got a moment to reflect on the shows, and why we go:

     

    Think about why you go or want to go ???

     

    To see the only source of a vast selection of unique Japanese swords and fittings.

     

    That can be yours !!!

     

    To meet the network of great and unique folks that make this a reality for you.

     

    To study, grow, and educate yourself.

     

    To expand the quality of your collection.

     

    To get a table to recycle your early years of collecting for the new students.

     

    To get out of the house, away from the TV, and enjoy yourself.

     

    If it's all about the money and cost, I think you have lost site of what it's all about.

     

    And much more !!  Friends you could never find elsewhere !!

    • Like 2
  9. Ok, I must add my 20 years of influence and experience.

     

    This is a 2 direction effort. Fully polished blades, are not uchiko material !!! I agree to the max !!!

     

    However, blades in poor polish, little polish, and maybe old polish or no polish; a different critter.

     

    The break down even extends to era; koto as to shinto as to shinshinto.

     

    When I use uchiko on the koto blades [ not in polish ] ; I see the removal of oxidized metal; to a greater degree than the shin shinto blades; which i believe is due to the construction being less tight in the koto years as to the improved techniques as the years pass.

     

    This lack of metal preservatives, inherent to the metal, leads to the natural degradation by nature.

     

    The diligent and cautious use of uchiko, does keep the metal of the blade in it's most prominent status,as well as the preservative use of the choji oil.

  10. Interesting segment on the Soshu Akihiro;

     

    Yet, one that needs further study and explanation to all; with many questions to be asked and answered.

     

    Was the blade in such bad shape that the polisher, who has been referred to as professionally and traditionally trained, only capable to bring it to the described condition as wavy and over cast, with too much and an irregular, kesho dressing.

     

    This would be an excellent opportunity to have the polisher describe what was involved in it's restoration.

     

    When was the polish done, and at what point of the career was the polisher at. We all know that time and experience, hones and develops talent

    to it's fullest.

     

    Why has the name of this polisher not been reveled, as indicated that would be done, so as to let all know and understand who it is; as we all know and have experiences with this professionals, or will in the future.

     

    For the huge expense of polishes by many in the years to come, any and all ranges of knowledge in our choice is of most importance.

  11. I must say and reply;

     

    A most intriguing and challenging adventure in life.

     

    Here we have a pursuit of justice and resolve, just no end in site.

     

    I myself, feel that honor and glory, is but one of the few remaining rewards of life.

     

    If I were one of the many who are involved in this quagmire, i would make it my main mission in life, to rise to the event of success, what ever that may be. Talk has always been the dilution of direction, and those who savor the achievements of life, should follow this to the just reward of all.

     

    A great drama and mystery unfolds before our eyes. The monetary significance in the scheme of life is small to the over all knowledge and education that will revel itself.

  12. This has been a most interesting, if not sad topic of discussion.

     

    I am wondering as to the total number of swords involved as well as the dollar value, of the bad ending to the investment with this subject.

     

    Seems like this is an international involvement, on a scale that would bogle the mind, if put to paper on an accounting scale.

     

    A great lesson of study, for those over extending the trust and reasoning factor.

     

    How to ever retrieve money or swords lost, is a beyond concept.

     

    Those involved need help, and a direction for a joint effort in mass.

  13. FYI;

    Bought a nicely mounted tachi from Eric, several years back; and met him in person for the transaction and sale. Perfect and professional encounter. Had a second sword of interest a year later, again, met him in person; but this time it was not want I wanted, so passed on it.

     

    Bottom line, in the world we live in, you must cover your bases, and know what and who you are dealing with; and most of all, how to handle the situation, as well as how to prevent any problems.

     

    I always deal with those individuals that I can get a face to face contact with, know where they live, and would be willing to drive and be on their doorstep, for a resolution of a conflict.

  14. Well, it's finally dawned on me, that the great days of Ebay have come to an end. Have purchased a few wonderful deals, over the years, with excellent contacts. I remember the early days, where Japanese swords and fittings, were from the USA, and you could get a phone #, call the seller, discuss the item; and then bid with confidence.

     

    As I scan the offerings, the vast majority are from unknown Japanese locations, or from China. These contact / items are not a confidence building endeavor. It seems, that now the last of my sources will be the USA shows; where I know the seller, see the item, and come to an agreement on a fair price to all; pay and walk away with confidence.

     

    Just my opinion, and wondering, how others are evolving, in their purchasing directions.

  15. Greetings Nick;

     

    Well, a very diverse and controversial topic; with no clear rules to follow; as each sword would be a case within itself.

     

    I would personally, only have a god awful signature removed, that defaces the quality of the sword; and only after consulting with several authorities, before creating an unreversable act.

     

    If the gimei signature [ and are we sure it is ] is in the plan to have the blade papered, with an opinion; how important is that to the individual.

     

    The blade is the blade, and opinions change over the years. Papers are great, if your plans are to sell the blade; as they, naturally, give more reliability to the sale.

     

    Yet, a well cut signature, that is part of the blade's history, is a part of it's history; and a serious line to cross in tampering with a historical artifact.

     

    I myself, would be interested in the thoughts of others, who have a clear concept of this.

  16. Hi Mike;

    I see you each year at the San Francisco show, enjoy your great table of treasurers, and the warm hospitality of your conversations of genuine sword exchange. I myself, over the years, have been put off by the occasional rude and sarcastic comments, from those that hide behind their computer screen.

     

    Please, do not stop your valuable contact and contribution to this site, as well as any other place where you may encounter the one's in our society, who feel the need to be less than they were meant to be. This study is so difficult, with so few who know much, and the many who know pieces; to bring it all together; to make some sense of it all.

  17. Greetings to all;

     

    Ok, I've thought over the many concepts and aspects of this discussion on " a proper polisher ", and feel compelled to add my thoughts.

     

    Yes, to send off your sword to Japan for a proper and trained polish my be the logical choice. Yet, the 2 > 3 year wait, is a stretch on patients.

    In addition, how sure I am of the polisher being that good, or the sword even being passed to a student for the work. They have their good days, and I'm sure their bad.

     

    We expect perfection in our contract for the work on the blade, but this deviates dramatically from our real day to day life. How perfect is your choice of a doctor, a CPA, an attorney, your auto mechanic, your friends, your spouse; you get the point.

     

    If the time comes to polish the 20 year collection of my various blades; it comes done to trust, friendship, and tenure; of which I have a Japanese trainer polisher / friend on my mental retainer. So many seem to look for the easy way, the economical way, the blind way. This is a serious choice of serious finance.

     

    Even more to the thoughts, are the huge number of friends, show members, collectors I have spoken with; that do their own work with " fingers stones " !!

    I wonder how many swords that come up for sale, that have been altered, abused, or screwed up by these amateur attempts.

     

    Who said this was an easy study; and i remain just a student / collector of Japanese swords & fittings.

  18. Matt;

     

    I hear and feel your pain. That's why I have learned to do my homework on occasions such as this, to prevent the headaches that seem to evolve in life. I am a firm believer in being face to face with a transaction, as I did, or maybe it is just not in my cards to be involved.

     

     

    When you see Eric's website, his before and after work; one can believe that it looks to be great work. But, in the real world, things can and do go off center. Would I deal with Eric again, yes, but in the same fashion as the original purchase. I did seek to buy a second fully mounted koto tachi from him at a later date, and again met with him in person with the item to be examined. At this time, it was not what I wanted, once I saw it, yet was a decent item. He has shown himself to me to be straight forward, and honest.

     

    I find that in this diverse world, communication & understanding are not so simple; as the internet allows us to communicate with culture diversity that we still do not understand.

×
×
  • Create New...