A soldier's swords. Greetings from England.
Aug 8, 2011 5:23:26 GMT
Post by Rifleman Lizard on Aug 8, 2011 5:23:26 GMT
Hey SBG,
I'll double this thread as both a gallery of my humble collection so far but also as an introduction from myself.
First things first. My name is Chris and I'm from County Durham in the north east of England. My friends just call me Lizard so feel free to do the same. I make a living in the the British Army and saw action in Sangin, Afghanistan. I studied Kendo in my regiment during the short times I was not deployed on operations but for reasons I'll get to, I've taken a break :lol: I love the infantry and like my old man I was born to do it. Sadly on my last tour I got nailed by a command wire IED strike and took a gunshot in a heavy contact. It doesn't stop me doing much and since I've finished my rehabilitation earlier this year I'm looking to get back into Kendo as fast a possible. I've always believed any obstacle can be overcome with a fighting spirit, and this is no different. I'll be leaving the army through medical grounds next year. We all say "Don't play with swords" which is true enough, but I'll happily add "and stay away from explosions" to that ethos too!
Like many I've always had an interest in the fighting arts and japanese military history has always had a space in my heart. I'm always seeking to learn and meet others who share the same passion. I also like to get a kick from skydiving and basejumping for wounded charities British and American (such as the wounded warrior project) and well as looking after my pet bearded dragons. People at home (especially my wife!) often say I'm sometimes a bit full on and am too daft for my own good, but I think life is for living and if you're not getting a rush out of it, make a change! :twisted:
I've often been linked to SBG through other parts of the online sword community and decided to get involved, instead of just lurking forever on the sidelines.
Here are a couple quick shots I took of my swords and other blades while I was doing my housework earlier.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your community and here's to the fantastic passion we all share together.
This is a khukuri I was given by a friend in the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Standard issue and older model. It's also been used in combat but not by myself. He wrapped the horn handle in an adhesive desert tape but I've since removed it and repolished it to return it to it's older glory days.
This is a khukuri that was made in Katmandu, Nepal. It is fully functional and made from exquisite materials. The scabbard is hand carved and made entirely from a rare white horn, with a silver trim. The blade profile is huge and it is incredibly sharp. I've never used this for anything although I've no doubts it is a brutal yet beautiful weapon.
This is my favourite custom tanto. The blade is a Hanwei Bushido with excellent activity and an intense hada. The brass tsuka was scrapped and a new core made for the blade. The fuchi and kashira are the Hanwei Bushido fittings and the tsuka ito is brown cotton. The same is a very natural off-white which I prefer. The saya was sanded and reshaped to a slimmer, more elegant design and laquered a traditional black (still has that beautiful cashew smell to it, or is that just me? ). The sageo is Korai-Uragawari, two sided brown and white silk tied in simple Chu-Musubi.
This is my Bushido katana. I've kept it the sword itself as standard but I'm planning a new two colour tsukaito rewrap and menuki change. The sageo is silk brown/gold and tied in the forever controversial Ronin knot. This blade hasn't seen tatami or a milk bottle in a long time! I'm hoping to crack this project next month once my post arrives from distant shores.
My Tori Elite. An absolute monster of a sword. I don't plan on changing this. I've always thought it was simple and handsome. The only think I did change was due to my love affair with japanese silk sageo, and added a matching brown with gradient gold, tied again in Chu-Musubi.
The Qi-Jian. I've never seen such perfect balance on any blade. One piece forged and a blade that flows like water. Wielding this is like moving with a whip. My favourite modern production Chinese blade.The same is of great quality too and gives a very professional finish to the natural wood and iron.
Just a little further back to get a better look. Can you spot the lizard? It's very late here so she's pretty much out cold. Yes, I have a soft heart for animals and always have done. You can also see my classic bamboo mat in this pic as well as the others, but it's going to undergo a massive makeover soon. I'm still waiting for customs to give me my materials!
These last three are dress swords since the days of charging the enemy with sharpened steel in hand are over. None the less they are still swords and are cared for as such.
This is my own regimental sword and it's missing the leather sword knot at the moment. The handle is the traditional shark skin with silver wire and the guard bears my regimental cap badge. The reverse shows my family name on the name plate and I'll pass this down to my son when he's old enough to understand what it means to be given it.
This one is very similar but isn't the same. It's significantly older and if you look close you'll see the resemblance in cap badges, they aren't the same but that's due to military history but the regiment is the ancestor my own. The etchings have darkened given a very proud impression to the blade. It retains it's original leather infantry knot.
An old Royal Navy Master at Arms sword. Gold plated with a well kept silk and gold knot. I don't know who this belonged to but still, whoever did would be happy it is looked after.
Finally thanks again for letting me join you guys in the community! I'll have fun here and I'll be sure to get back into my armour, grab my shinai and kick some arse. Not to mention sneak into the back yard and give it my best war cry when the mrs is in bed I'll post some videos soon, gents.
Be strong in everything you do, but above all always cut safe!
I'll double this thread as both a gallery of my humble collection so far but also as an introduction from myself.
First things first. My name is Chris and I'm from County Durham in the north east of England. My friends just call me Lizard so feel free to do the same. I make a living in the the British Army and saw action in Sangin, Afghanistan. I studied Kendo in my regiment during the short times I was not deployed on operations but for reasons I'll get to, I've taken a break :lol: I love the infantry and like my old man I was born to do it. Sadly on my last tour I got nailed by a command wire IED strike and took a gunshot in a heavy contact. It doesn't stop me doing much and since I've finished my rehabilitation earlier this year I'm looking to get back into Kendo as fast a possible. I've always believed any obstacle can be overcome with a fighting spirit, and this is no different. I'll be leaving the army through medical grounds next year. We all say "Don't play with swords" which is true enough, but I'll happily add "and stay away from explosions" to that ethos too!
Like many I've always had an interest in the fighting arts and japanese military history has always had a space in my heart. I'm always seeking to learn and meet others who share the same passion. I also like to get a kick from skydiving and basejumping for wounded charities British and American (such as the wounded warrior project) and well as looking after my pet bearded dragons. People at home (especially my wife!) often say I'm sometimes a bit full on and am too daft for my own good, but I think life is for living and if you're not getting a rush out of it, make a change! :twisted:
I've often been linked to SBG through other parts of the online sword community and decided to get involved, instead of just lurking forever on the sidelines.
Here are a couple quick shots I took of my swords and other blades while I was doing my housework earlier.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your community and here's to the fantastic passion we all share together.
This is a khukuri I was given by a friend in the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Standard issue and older model. It's also been used in combat but not by myself. He wrapped the horn handle in an adhesive desert tape but I've since removed it and repolished it to return it to it's older glory days.
This is a khukuri that was made in Katmandu, Nepal. It is fully functional and made from exquisite materials. The scabbard is hand carved and made entirely from a rare white horn, with a silver trim. The blade profile is huge and it is incredibly sharp. I've never used this for anything although I've no doubts it is a brutal yet beautiful weapon.
This is my favourite custom tanto. The blade is a Hanwei Bushido with excellent activity and an intense hada. The brass tsuka was scrapped and a new core made for the blade. The fuchi and kashira are the Hanwei Bushido fittings and the tsuka ito is brown cotton. The same is a very natural off-white which I prefer. The saya was sanded and reshaped to a slimmer, more elegant design and laquered a traditional black (still has that beautiful cashew smell to it, or is that just me?
). The sageo is Korai-Uragawari, two sided brown and white silk tied in simple Chu-Musubi.
This is my Bushido katana. I've kept it the sword itself as standard but I'm planning a new two colour tsukaito rewrap and menuki change. The sageo is silk brown/gold and tied in the forever controversial Ronin knot. This blade hasn't seen tatami or a milk bottle in a long time! I'm hoping to crack this project next month once my post arrives from distant shores.
My Tori Elite. An absolute monster of a sword. I don't plan on changing this. I've always thought it was simple and handsome. The only think I did change was due to my love affair with japanese silk sageo, and added a matching brown with gradient gold, tied again in Chu-Musubi.
The Qi-Jian. I've never seen such perfect balance on any blade. One piece forged and a blade that flows like water. Wielding this is like moving with a whip. My favourite modern production Chinese blade.The same is of great quality too and gives a very professional finish to the natural wood and iron.
Just a little further back to get a better look. Can you spot the lizard?
It's very late here so she's pretty much out cold. Yes, I have a soft heart for animals and always have done. You can also see my classic bamboo mat in this pic as well as the others, but it's going to undergo a massive makeover soon. I'm still waiting for customs to give me my materials! 
These last three are dress swords since the days of charging the enemy with sharpened steel in hand are over. None the less they are still swords and are cared for as such.
This is my own regimental sword and it's missing the leather sword knot at the moment. The handle is the traditional shark skin with silver wire and the guard bears my regimental cap badge. The reverse shows my family name on the name plate and I'll pass this down to my son when he's old enough to understand what it means to be given it.
This one is very similar but isn't the same. It's significantly older and if you look close you'll see the resemblance in cap badges, they aren't the same but that's due to military history but the regiment is the ancestor my own. The etchings have darkened given a very proud impression to the blade. It retains it's original leather infantry knot.
An old Royal Navy Master at Arms sword. Gold plated with a well kept silk and gold knot. I don't know who this belonged to but still, whoever did would be happy it is looked after.
Finally thanks again for letting me join you guys in the community! I'll have fun here and I'll be sure to get back into my armour, grab my shinai and kick some arse. Not to mention sneak into the back yard and give it my best war cry when the mrs is in bed
I'll post some videos soon, gents.Be strong in everything you do, but above all always cut safe!
