New Koshirae

[simonjbinks]

I was wondering if anybody could recommend any contact in Japan who could fit a blade with supplied kodugu, including making a nice, ribbed saya with real urushi.

 

I realize we are talking different disciplines here: tsuka maki, whatever the Japanese is for actually making a snug saya to a supplied blade, and the urushi specialist.

 

I was hoping to find a good up-and-coming artisan or group thereof, who hasn't had the recognition to justify charging too much but whose work is tried, tested and recommended. A pot-of-gold-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow thing.

 

I've been out of collecting for a long while and just about to hit the road with Hawley, Fujishiro and as much cash as I can justify.

 

It's been over twenty years since I last had this done. Does anybody know a ball-park figure for how much this would cost these days? I know this to be a how long is a piece of string question, but any indication would help.

 

I am always hoping to find a nice katana in original civilian koshirae, but chances are more likely that I will find a nice blade in military mounts. If i find anything.

 

Appreciate any recommendations.

 

Simon Binks

 

simon@simon-binks.com

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Simon,

 

you could try contacting Pierre Naduea over at soulsmithing; here's a link. He's doing an apprenticeship in Japan and may be able to find the sorts of "struggling artisans" you're looking for. You will get what you pay for though

 

Alternatively if you're looking for a top notch job and are prepared to pay for it I can put you in touch with a colleague of my own teacher, a Mr Hiroi. He recently completed some koshirae for the Ise Shrine. Peter Quin, a South African member here, has had a number of koshirae put together under his direction and was very happy with the results. Perhaps Peter could advise you as to the costs.

 

regards,

 

Ford

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Simon,

If you already own the kodogu and blade this might make sense financially. If, however, you plan to buy the parts and pay to have them assembled, you would do much better to look for a sword with koshirae that you like. It will cost much less than what you plan.

Grey