Getting fittings made for a bare blade?

[cmjohnson]

Can someone point me to a few recommended artisans who can make a full set of mounts for some of my blades?

 

I have a 23" wakizashi and a 14.25" tanto in shirasaya and I'd like to get them fully mounted.

 

Cost is a factor. I need to keep prices reasonable. I'm not looking for an elaborate and highly decorated set of fittings, either. Something basic but elegant is all I'm after.

 

 

CJ

[cabowen]

make a full set of mounts and reasonable cost...that is an oxymoron....

 

Anything custom made is going to be very expensive.

[Brian]

Yep. Understand that it is going to be easier and cheaper to purchase antique fittings and have them fitted, than commission newly made fittings.

Unless you get some of the repro fittings such as from Lohman. For new and traditional fittings, someone like Ford Hallam can do the job, but it is not going to be cheap. I suggest looking for antique tosogu and getting someone to mount them.

 

Brian

[Grey Doffin]

CJ

Even taking the route suggested by Chris & Brian will cost more than the mounts will add to the values of your blades. For example, if a sword is worth $3,000 in shirasaya and you spend $2,000 having it mounted (cost of antique parts and labor to make and mount the tsuka and saya), it will likely be worth $4,000, not $5,000 when you finish. Difficult to believe, I know, but that's the market; collectors want original koshirae, not something put together yesterday by you (or most anybody).

I think a better plan would be to leave well enough alone (leave these blades in shirasaya) and spend your money on something else with original koshirae. If you shop wisely you won't lose money in the process. But it's your call; you can do as you wish.

Grey