blades87 Posted May 31, 2010 Report Posted May 31, 2010 I wanted to pass along some information regarding the whereabouts of Jon. He has recently moved back to Japan and I had a chance to meet up with him prior to leaving. One last hurray at our favorite Mexican restaurant before he took off for Japan. His website is up and running and I know that he checks the NMB often, so please feel free to reach out to him and if you are in Japan, he will make a most excellent tour guide. I am already planning a trip to see him next year. I have some videos from interviews Mr. Bowhay conducted while he was in Japan studying the art of the togishi. Really interesting stuff. As soon as I get them converted, I will post them on YouTube. I will also post a list of some books he recommended on Japanese history. I have ordered a couple off of Amazon and have two in my collection right now. Cheers, Toby 1 Quote
Den Posted May 31, 2010 Report Posted May 31, 2010 Thanks for the update. I look forward to the vids. Quote
outlier48 Posted May 31, 2010 Report Posted May 31, 2010 Toby, There is a series of 5 videos on his website - are these the same ones you are referring to? They are also supposed to be available on youtube but I have not verified this. Charlie Brashear Quote
Brian Posted May 31, 2010 Report Posted May 31, 2010 Well folks, here is a fully trained, Western polisher living in Japan who probably isn't booked years in advance. Might be easier to communicate too, if you need to send swords there. Woudn't mind some idea of rates, but those looing for a polisher should at least investigate this option. I am sure he can arrange for blades to go to shinsa too? Brian Quote
blades87 Posted May 31, 2010 Author Report Posted May 31, 2010 I have three videos of Jon being interviewed by CNN, Teleport 6 (Japanese) and another news organization. I also have some videos from 8mm film of some traditional katana training by some masters Jon had studied under. Really cool footage. Just need some time to get the converted and uploaded to YouTube. Quote
Chris Osborne Posted June 11, 2010 Report Posted June 11, 2010 Last I spoke with Jon he was charging around $1600 for wakizashi and $2000 for katana length blades, pending evaluation of course. Don't know if his rates have changed since then but Jon does great work. Definitely a fantastic resource being back in Japan. Chris Quote
Julien16 Posted December 18 Report Posted December 18 (edited) I will dig out this old thread for some updates. I had the pleasure to meet Jon last week in Japan, he is sound and well ! Edited December 18 by Julien16 3 Quote
jesup Posted December 18 Report Posted December 18 Any update as to what he's up to? Rates? How many years backlog? Quote
Julien16 Posted December 18 Report Posted December 18 @jesup I will probably visit him next week. I will keep you updated about the rates and the waiting time ! Quote
lonely panet Posted December 18 Report Posted December 18 Im interested in obtaining his details too. Quote
Bazza Posted December 18 Report Posted December 18 Julien, Thanks for the news Jon is doing well. A very long time ago he did a beautiful polish on a godai TADAYOSHI wakizashi that I still have and admire. Barry Thomas Melbourne, Australia. 1 Quote
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