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  • 3 weeks later...

Hello!

 

I guess I first got interested in Japanese swords when I was just a little kid growing up as an ex-pat in Tokyo. Naturally I was unable to collect then, but I began to seriously look into it during my teenage years. I took a break from it during my college years and started collecting firearms (much cheaper!). I'm getting back into it again and have a keen interest in naginata and koto blades.

 

Regards,

 

Adam.

 

PS: There used to be an annual sword show in San Antonio that I went to once but I can't find any info on it anymore. Are there any sword clubs/events in Texas?

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Hello,

 

I am Luc. I am a french specialist of sword fittings (a tsuba lover... :) ).

 

I lived @Nogent-sur-Marne near Paris. (Bonjour Jean ;) ).

 

I follow the forum since a long time ago but I was not registered. So the time is coming !

 

I hope that I could help the community to study the Japanese swords and fittings !

 

Regards,

 

Luc

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello all,

Been lurking for a while and finally decided to register.

I like old historical weapons as I have some old firearms. I had interest in the sword in general my whole life but in the Japanese sword within the last couple years when I got back into martial arts. I have several modern production katana but no nihonto. My interest grew when I ended up with a ww2 Japanese Nco sword. I was at the Minneapolis show in October as its not that far of a drive and it was wonderful to see so many nice swords in one room. A couple did want to come home with me :lol: It was nice to talk to the different people and I thank them for putting up with a complete newbie :lol: Maybe someday I will own a nihonto but for now I shall read and absorb the vast knowledge here on board.

nico

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello, my name's Melissa, and I'm a newbie, both to this board and to nihonto. I grew up with a passion for history and tales; I was the kid who sought out English translations of The Song of Roland, Gilgamesh and the Tale of Genji. When I was little I had to make "wish lists" for Christmas and my birthday, and without fail, every one had a request for a sword on it; for some reason, my parents didn't get me one ;) Anywho, I joined the Army and while I was deployed my grandpa died. As the only person to enlist and ever express any interest in history, military or otherwise, my grandpa left me his memorabilia from his time in the Marines during WWII. Among other things, this included two nihonto he likely picked up in Iwo Jima. So I've been enthusiastically learning all I can about them and had a very helpful person help me decipher the mei, and point me here. I'm pleased to get to know you all, and thank you for sharing your knowledge!

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Hello NMB,

 

I think the concept Chu Saku is a clever one as a starting point. It's very nice to be part of the Nihonto Message Board.

 

My name is Pablo Kuntz, and I am the founder of Unique Japan. I am originally from a town not too far from Montreal, Canada. I lived in Japan for close to 20 years and I have just recently moved to the UK with my wife and kids. We are about one hour from London.

 

I am a big fan of Japan, and especially Nihonto. For me, and I know many of you would agree, there is no greater treasure that encapsulates the spirit of the country.

 

Nearly all of our cherished clients have either worked, lived or visited Japan, or have family heritage from the country. I think to truly appreciate a Japanese swords, you ideally have experienced life in Japan, and ideally become close to some Japanese people.

 

Unique Japan is not exclusive to Japanese swords, although that is the driving force. In fact, the main mission for starting the brand in 2006 was to support modern day craftsmen and women carry on the traditions of the country. (If you like cooking for example, we represent Kirin Hamono - a company that started shortly after the Haitorei regulation in 1876, making some seriously sharp, dependable and beautiful kitchen knives.)

 

I am also a pretty big fan of the Daruma doll, and the power of goal setting. I began a more charitable focused website called We Love Daruma:

http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/

 

Offering the best customer service and experience is my (our) primary focus. I travel back to Japan a number of times per year.

 

To learn more about UJ and perhaps myself, please visit:

http://new.uniquejapan.com/about/

 

I look forward to meeting you in person one day. Feel free to get in contact with me at service 'at' uniquejapan.com.

 

Warm regards,

Pablo

 

_________________

Pablo Kuntz

Founder, Unique Japan

http://new.uniquejapan.com

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Clive,

 

Good morning sir. We are in a town called Thorpe Bay in Southend-on-Sea. My wife's family lives close by, which are helpful hands for our young kids at this stage.

 

I only have a couple swords at the moment here in the UK, I keep all stock in Japan primarily. One 17th century Echizen o-wakizashi and a 19th century Katsukuni katana.

 

I look forward to meeting you soon, I can easily make it to London most any time if I am in country. Paul Martin encouraged me to contact you, but you beat me to it.

 

Warm regards,

Pablo

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  • 2 weeks later...

https://sites.google.com/site/orsaihenrik/

 

My name is Henrik Orsai. I was born in 1963 which was the year of the rabbit. My faith is buddhism, anyway. I am a passional sword maker since my teenages.

My blades are machined of warm rolled, modern german springsteel. My sowrds don't have edge, because they are for practicing (iaito) or decoration purposes.

I make the mounts of my swords in traditional way, with handwork so my swords are individual pieces.

I would like to emphasize that I don't copy the industrial zinc-aluminum iatos. I had the honor to take in my hands and study some ancient Japanese swords, and my works are based these experiments.

My blades are usually slightly curved, because I like copying swords from the kanbun age.

The popular way of weaving grips is the hineri-maki technique, but I use naka-biku-maki technique as well, which is not so well-known. It gives a comfortable grip,stable and aesthetic.

Howewer, my portfolio is a little wider than making swords:

-chinese saber and sword making

-Painting in Japanese or chinese style

-Making sculptures and ornamental/practical things : geta, inro,kakemono, kanzashi etc.

-Interior/Outdoor decoration in Japanese style – both include making objects, too. I love Japanese gardens. I learned Kyokushinkai karate, and Muso shinden ryu iaido. Recently could I take a look to the secrets of Katori shinto ryu iajutsu, too.

I like simple, clear,elegant shapes.

I made my tsubas from steel,bronze or copper. I don't dislike from making copy from a tsuba, especially if the original piece is an ancient, noted and respected school's work.

I make sheaths mostly with red-black back-cut, so-called negoro technique, which was a rarity on sword sheaths in the old times. This technique was developed by monks living in Negoro temple, around the 12. century. It gives elegant, archaic effect.

Over the above, I make carved,cortical patterns as well,and in optional colours, of course.

Please take a look into my photogallery,where you can see a collection of my works.

Good browsing!

Henrik Orsai

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