johnb

I know where a general officers tassel is, in immaculate condition. Oddly, it's on Kai Gunto with a koto blade.I know it's legit because the family that own the sword have had it for years and had no idea what they had. What would that tassel be worth today? John

Overall length 40" Nagasa 28.5" Signed Minamoto Masakane...I think! Any help with that would be much appreciated.

So for most of us, having items restored professionally isn't an option so people will continue to do it themselves. Rather than frightening them off and turning them into closet restorers, going for a can of automotive filler and black two pack spray gloss, isn't it better to give advice and help? If it's the wrong advice I'm sure someone like Ian B that knows better will jump in pretty fast. Stef's lacing is pretty ordinary and people have been quick to tell him. he says he's going to give it another go and hopefully with advice, he'll do a better job. And at least he's consolidated all the parts of his kabuto!. Just food for thought. JB And at least he's consolidated all the parts of his kabuto!. Although, I wonder if the top band is missing from the shikoro? I'm by no means and expert.

I deleted my post. And I've been musing over your comments for hours. (Although I think my lacing was pretty on the money). I think there's another perspective. I read this a couple of months ago posted elsewhere by Dave Thatcher. I think collectors need to understand that having an item restored traditionally is no longer their choice. Katchushi have not been supported enough over the years which has prevented younger people wanting to learn the profession. The result is that there are now less than a handful of competent katchushi remaining. The good ones are fully booked for many years in advance which only leaves the dross who will not be able to make such a good job. Skilled Katchushi also know that they can make more money from buying and repairing their own items for sale rather than take on commissions from others. Discarding the cost of restoration even to have a skilled katchushi actually accept your item and work for you has now become a very luxury. My advice when buying is only to buy the best you can at whatever you can afford, or to buy something that has been restored. Katchu is designed to be maintained, with no maintenance it self destructs over the years and any investment you have goes with it. So for most of us, having items restored professionally isn't an option so people will continue to do it themselves. Rather than frightening them off and turning them into closet restorers, going for a can of automotive filler and black two pack spray gloss, isn't it better to give advice and help? If it's the wrong advice I'm sure someone like Ian B that knows better will jump in pretty fast. Stef's lacing is pretty ordinary and people have been quick to tell him. he says he's going to give it another go and hopefully with advice, he'll do a better job. And at least he's consolidated all the parts of his kabuto!. Just food for thought. JB

Thank you Ian. From you, fine praise indeed.

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The second one...blacker. There’s s a very slight browness to the first.

Loads of ground layers, lost count. Three or four to get the shape right. and loads to get all the lines looking good. (I’m sure Mr Thatcher does it a lot more efficiently) and then I guess four or five coats of urushi to finish. john

Hi Piers, thank you...you've seen it Before! Send me one of yours, I'll do it for you! just pay me for the cost of materials! John

Some months ago I bought a very sad Etchu Zunari Kabuto with the express intent of trying my hand at a restoration. I used all traditional materials (with the exception of contact adhesive to attach the leather to the shikoro. I would be interested in your opinion of the result. John B

Hi Brian...I want to check some old posts...and it only shows 5. Any idea what the issue might be? Thanks John

Actually, it's relatively easy to fit a leather cover to a different says. Assuming of course that it is relatively close in length and shape. All you need to do is saturate it in water and then fit it. You can stretch a fir mount and as it dries it will shrink and take on the shape of the new says.

Mine was a 1966 1500cc Simca. I bought it for 25 quid because I needed a car to get to work...it broke down almost everyday!

Just down the road Brian...easy...no waiting for the postman.

Horn's good, easy to work, polishes up really well with Brasso and you can glue it to the shirsaya. A good source of horn is salad spoons.