HI
Thanks for your advise, and i am ready for a long study of the sword
MARK
Clive Sinclaire <
CSinclaire@...> wrote:
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am just picking up on this thread and wholly concur with Mr Helm regarding
the books. It seems to me that the urge to collect Japanese swords should be
curbed until a decent sword may be obtained. I think to collect anything,
you must buy the best quality you can with the money available. Therefore if
you only have �200-�300 you might be better advised to buy a reasonable
kogai or tsuba rather than a repro sword which really is not a Japanese
sword at all, only a pale facsimile. Early collectors are rather vulnerable
in this respect and should curb their enthusiasm until they can make
informed judgements. Now, although I am a lifetime collector of Japanese
swords, I know that the swords that I really would like to have, are way
beyond my reach unless a miracle involving the national lottery occurs and
probably even then, they are unobtainable. However, this by no means
prevents me seeing, handling, studying and appreciating these objects and
the need to possess them becomes less of an issue. As has been said many
times before, as the swords will outlast our lifetimes, we never really own
them and are simply caretakers for a certain time. Further, I would advise,
only look at good swords and do not waste your time on poor quality swords
such as Showa-to. Looking at poor quality swords will effect your judgement
in a negative way.
There is no short cut to learning about swords, even with the help of the
internet. The internet will provide vast amounts of information but this
will not give you knowledge. For instance, you may read that there is a
feature in swords by certain Rai school swordsmiths known as Nie-utsuri and
you will know this fact but until you see this on a sword, you will never
really know what Nie-usturi is or be able to recognise it.
Reading the above it sounds rather pompous and I don't mean it to be. Many
these days, influenced by films and other things, glimpse the fascination of
the Japanese sword but are not prepared for the long and hard study involved
in the subject. My concern is that they get their hands onto swords and
unintentionaly but through ignorance, impart ireperable damage on these
artistic and cultural icons. Ignorance is the greatest enemy of the Japanese
sword in the 21st centuruy.
Time to get off my soap box
Regards
Clive Sinclaire
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth Chase" <lizzirrd@...>
To: <samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 6:55 AM
Subject: Patience --- Re: [samuraihistory] Samurai Swords
>
> I'd have to vote along Mr. Wallis' line of reasoning.... learning all you
can by reading, going to museums, and politely pestering
> your sword-owning friends for proper viewings..... and remember... you
asked: you buy dinner and refreshments. Sword handling
> etiquette would help.
>
> In the meantime, tithe yourself each payday and hide that money. If you
pay attention to your environment, the sword you should
> have will make its way to you. Focus on just the one.
>
> Good learning and good hunting to you!
>
> Rizii
> (who is just tickled to have finally gotten a bokken w/saya in a short
persons' length.... much less a real blade (some day))
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: james wallis
> To: samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 18:47
> Subject: Re: [samuraihistory] Samurai Swords
>
>
> My first sword was a paul chen, although not brilliant the quality is a
lot better than the good awful things on ebay. You best bet
> would be to save , your uk based so if clive picks this up he maybe able
to help out. but like all good things you get what you pay
> for. Personally buy a few books and learn what to look for in a good blade
also check out the excellent sword display at the british
> museum. To cap it off better to invest in some good books on the subject
and save for a better blade that way you wont get ripped
> of. james
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
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