A cautionary tale

[mywei]

This is just kind of public service announcement plus an opportunity to vent.

 

I know that there have been some threads a few years back about a certain koshirae craftsman currently working out of Kumamoto, Japan by the name of Hans Koga.

 

Unfortunately it has come to point where I need to post this to warn any potential customers who may be wanting a koshirae made in Japan to NOT engage his services.

 

I do not doubt his ability because his work quality is actually OK, however his behaviour is unprofessional at best and that of a charlatan at worst.

 

He has been 'working' on my koshirae with my fittings for over 3 years. With multiple broken deadlines, a myriad of excuses and then being uncontactable for prolonged periods of time, I am at the end of my tether. When concerns are raised he becomes aggressive and accuses the customer of being unreasonable and in league with his mortal enemy who apparently is Paul Martin ( who I have nothing but praise for).

 

To put this time frame into context, within this period I have had a Mukansa smith forge a tanto, polished, and had shirasaya+koshirae made for it! Unbelievable.

 

I understand that there are several disgruntled people both in Japan and abroad, and I will be exploring other avenues to get my items back.

 

If anyone has actually had luck getting their stuff back, let me know.

[Ken-Hawaii]

There is a member of my sword club who is going through the same problem. I've heard him complain for at least two years, so it's not just you.

[16k]

I’ve in a documentary about (maybe on that board? Can’t remember). His stuff looked quite good. I’m sorry to hear he is unprofessional. Thanks for warning us, Matt.

[Stephen]

Do a search on board Matt.

Very long thread here. Btw i got mine back....long story.

[Peter Bleed]

I know nothing about this person or this matter. And maybe lots of other collectible areas have similar issues, BUT...

It seems to me that delay, confusion, and - well - sharp practice are extremely common in Japanese sword collecting!

I do this for fun and relaxation so I try not to let it upset me, but time and again I have become involved in long delays and cost overruns. Services provided even by big names and respected leaders rarely is managed with dispatch and full accounting.

Peter

[Rivkin]

I am yet to hear a story about something being done on a sword that did not involve at least "and though it took half (or two) years more than intended....", but possibly also cost overruns and often very unexpected results.

 

Kirill R.

[mywei]

I don't have a problem with the time frame per se, if I am told up front this will take roughly "x" amount of time.

 

What I do not appreciate is being told something will be done by a certain time, and then this not occurring to some reason or another....~5-6 times in a row. This makes me feel I am being lied to or just not taken seriously. Maybe some of you are more lenient I dunno!

 

Is it not reasonable to expect any professional to keep to their own time estimates? I would certainly expect this with any other profession.

I have found that other nihonto craftsmen do not seem to have a problem with being honest with their timeframes and sticking to them, whilst maintaining work quality.

[Rivkin]

Did not want to make it sound dismissive. Its more - been there, unfortunately, not once not twice. No, I don't work with these people after such experience.

 

Kirill R.

[Stephen]

long history

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/23689-its-time-to-clear-the-air/?hl=%2Bhans+%2Bkoga