Another restoration disaster. UUUUUGLY!!

[Jimmy R]

I left a Saya with a self proclaimed restorationist in the Netherlands 5 months ago after the man told me he would have it "perfectly restored" in no more than 2 months. I sent email after email asking him for the last 5 months when it would be done. He finally sent my saya back after he asked me for more than the original quote and the pictures show what I got back.

I have been a woodworker for my whole adult life and when a fellow craftsman takes on a project I just assume that the quality will be a striving for perfection. I understand that perfection is not possible but what I received in the mail yesterday is a complete and utter insult. Look for yourself. Not only is the Koiguchi a complete massacre but the patina on the Kurigata was removed and, well the rest speaks for itself. Let this serve as a warning. Does anyone know where I can end this to be redone by a reputable restorationist?

5 MONTHS!!!

JIM

[sanjuro]

A very amateur job! Local experts are seldom what they claim to be and I guess you are the victim of one. My commiserations. The patina on the koiguchi is what it is and only an experienced hand can restore it. Ford Hallam springs to mind, and a word to him may be in order here. The saya is another matter, and I leave it to others in Europe to recommend a quality restorer close to home.

I really hate to see this sort of malpractice, so once again , my sympathies and I hope you find a competent craftsman to rectify the situation.

[kusunokimasahige]

Jimmy, again I am sorry for your loss.

 

You should have taken your saya to Zenon van Damme from Belgium. He knows what he is doing :

 

http://www.japaneseart.be/

 

Feel free to name the Dutch hoaxer who says he restores saya. There also is/was a guy in NL claiming to be a togishi and when I asked to see photos of his works it immediately proved that he did not know what the heck he was doing anyway.

 

Please ask on the forum next time before you have a restoration done....

 

Best wishes,

 

KM

[Robert Janssen]

I too would be interested in knowing who this self-proclaimed restorer is, since I'm in the same area and might be in the market for some restoration myself... Would be nice to know so we don't make the same mistake, no offence...

But if you are reluctant to share his name for any reason I understand of course...

 

greets,

 

Robert

[Jimmy R]

Well, the culprit is no longer afriend of mine. His name is Ron Van Stee of the Rotterdam area. What a shame. I hope it was worth the 260 euro.

Jim

[kusunokimasahige]

Recently I spoke to a dealer who told me he knew a togishi who had trained for 20 ears, and according to him delivered fine work. I asked whether he was trained in Japan, on which the dealer stated that the man was self-taught.

 

This immediately made me decide never to put a blade up for restoration with this particular togishi. I would only go for the highest class of work, as well as a solid background in Japan.

 

Better pay more and have quality than pay less and see your items destroyed.

 

KM