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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Mar 17, 2012 23:14:58 GMT
The bank charges in Japan can be high. 9000 Yen for bank charges is a lot when compared that Tozando does not take these charges, that's c.85€ just for the banks there. Also the Tozandos free shipping to overseas is a killer deal as postage costs easily get to 50-100€ range.
Yep there will be customs declaring pay too on side of VAT but that's usually pretty small.
I would suggest Tozando over Nosyudo on this case as the price difference is so big. That will leave you c.250€ to spend on other things (including the darned VAT...). No black or brown leather, this will be intresting, as I looked the Tozando colors for suede, I have a good guess on what color you may be going for.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2012 20:55:18 GMT
I absolutely NEED to which colour you think I've chosen!!!
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Post by LastGodslayer on Mar 19, 2012 0:02:26 GMT
Can I give it a shot? Blue
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2012 8:32:06 GMT
When I do or don't confirm that, will I still get an honest answer from Jussi? Or will he adjust his answer?? I'll wait a couple of hours more
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Mar 19, 2012 10:43:22 GMT
No adjusting needed, I was thinking green leather, with maybe black same. I have this same color theme (silk instead of leather) on one sword and I personally think it's good looking. The staining that has come with use has only improved the looks of this color.
I saw they also have pink(ish) suede but I think you might have had thought it's too flashy color. And you might also think it may be too stereotypely associated with women. Pink is a very bold color to choose and it's very rare, so therefore it would be very personal though.
This above is just bit tonque in the cheeck but shows why I guessed green in the first place. Only real information I can add to this post is the fact that declaring fee in finnish customs seems to be c.25€, so it might be about the same in Germany.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2012 14:20:02 GMT
So that was funny - and interesting, to get new suggestions for the tsuka! You're right, this pinkish one would be surely one of a kind, I didn't think of that. But it's just too...girlish. I thought of the green leather too, with white or black same, but I think that fits perfectly for a "bamboo theme" or nature theme in general. So, as Ten guessed right , it's the blue. With black same and kuroro saya. The "theme", if I can call it that way, will be Oni(kami). I think the blue works well for that. I know, these details aren't the important thing, but since I expect the quality to be real high and I have the possibilty to choose, I allow myself to choose thoroughly. And by the way, last week I had the chance to try some of my senseis katana to decide about the length and it turned out, that for our style and my arm length I need to go down to 2,1 shaku blade length, in order to have the best result, especially in the drawing techniques. And that's a blade length I don't get without the customization, even the light ready mounted Iaito (and there aren't many, not in the light blade category like Tozandos') are at least 2,2 shaku. Ah, and I spoke to the customs people here in Germany, it's like you said: 19% VAT and 2,7 % customs charges, that'll be around 20€.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2012 14:24:11 GMT
Oh and by the way, I'm already waiting for the staining. It'll work out great with suede leather, because it get's glazed (don't know what it's called in english, dictionary doesn't help much either, I mean the opposite of suede leather, the shiny one ). That will be a sign of my work with the Iaito
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Post by LastGodslayer on Mar 19, 2012 16:24:46 GMT
Ah! I guessed it! Now on to play in Euromillions!!! :lol: Actually, it was just a lucky guess. You were pretty clear that you didn't want something overly girly, so Ithought of blue. Glazed is the correct expression. Shiny blue leather will look pretty good if its not too light.
As you become more experienced, you'll be able to wield longer nagasa. If you think about it, its not that big of a difference in regards to length. As your muscles memorize the motion you'll find yourself struggling less with the draw and you'll be able to invest more on the body motion. In time this might help you draw faster or a longer blade.
We can't wait for some pictures Honey.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2012 20:15:13 GMT
To conclude this: All the details have been cleared, I have payed and "my" Iaito is taking shape with every hour (so I'd like to think ) I'm soooo much looking forward to it I can't tell!!!!It will be really "tiny" 2.1 shaku blade, 7.5 sun tsuka - these are the measurements that fit with me AND our Iaido style. But it will be beautiful I will post pictures as soon as I get it
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Post by Krelian on Mar 26, 2012 20:33:14 GMT
Congratulations! I can't wait to see it and trust you'll use it often and give it a good home! =D
Also, that is tiny when I think about the 2.5 shaku nagasa with 8.5 sun tsuka on my iaito... =)
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Post by LastGodslayer on Mar 27, 2012 12:50:45 GMT
It might not be to everyone's tastes, but I am quite curious about the blue leather ito. And I actually like smaller blades, although the balance tends to be too close to the hand for what I enjoy.
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Mar 27, 2012 14:47:44 GMT
Aah, the long wait has begun now... Well not sure how long it will be actually but it sure will feel a lot longer than it really is.
The blue leather will be nice to see as well as the 2 shaku 1 sun length.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2012 20:19:58 GMT
It will be a long wait: estimated shipping date is 4th of June! I was told, that it could be before that, but I brace myself and expect shipping only then... Why do you think, it's not everybodys taste? The blue tsuka or the black same or the combination? I saw some pretty colourful swords araound here But I'm only asking, it doesn't bother me or sth. And yes, it's really short, I would have liked to have a longer blade, I think it looks more elegantly doesn't it? But with our style (and my body specifications ) it's not possible. Did you poste pictures of your Katana in the forum Krelian? Sounds great, 2.5 blade! Ah, and Ten, they in fact "warned" me that the balance will be quite at the tsuka, but for me that's good because the Iaito will feel even lighter and will be easier to handle, especially with one-hand-techniques. Oh and one last thing, I got an answer of proswords - after over a month! - but I think in this forum I read that they were going through some difficulties. And so they wrote. It was actually a very nice email, with very good service opportunities and suggestions, but they also told me that the weight I was looking for (at that time I asked for 750g max., now I am at 650g max.!!) wasn't possible. So I liked the email very much but looking back it wouldn't have been the right thing for me... I made the right choice I think! Feels good Have a nice weekend all! I'll have another masterclass and do an exam in kendo - hopefully, the heavy bogu and shinai weigh me down so much and I have not so much stamina...I'll have to work on that for Jigeiko in future. Bye, Honey
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Post by Krelian on Apr 6, 2012 3:24:07 GMT
Not yet, I've been meaning to do a full review of it but until then the only pictures I have on hand are here.
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Post by LastGodslayer on Apr 6, 2012 16:03:29 GMT
I for one rather enjoy blue ito over black samegawa. I just haven't seen blue leather, but I am extremely curious. In fact, I believe its going to be awesome.
I think the overall aesthetic look of the katana cannot be narrowed down to blade length. Sure, a smaller blade might look stubby, but if all other dimensions are in proportion then it'll look natural and appealing. You might however want to give a 2.3 shaku blade a try. Even if 2.1 shaku nagasa is right for you now, it doesn't mean you cant wield competently a longer blade.
Good luck on your kendo exam!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2012 17:56:00 GMT
Hi all yeah, I passed my kendo exam, the first exam with bogu. As a woman and with only 166cm height, I have to fight really hard against all the men, but there are some strategies to win jigeikos. And there's one more detial on the Iaito I want to share: Tozando has changed the options for their Custom Workshop Iaito or rather they added options on the tsuka. Now one can also choose the maki (wrapping) and the shape of the tsuka (more slim or normal). Of course it costs a bit more, but I think, the fee is reasonable I saw much higher fees for extra wishes at other shops! I also chose my maki differently from what they offered at that time, so that was already possible, but now it's easier. In fact they changed their options right after I asked about my different maki The international free shipping remains, and also the pament method paypal without extra fees for the buyer which is really fantastic I think. So, I can REALLY recommend the tozando shop, I'm a completely stisfied customer so long - and I don't expect that to change Have a nice Easter weekend, Honey
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2012 20:43:24 GMT
Ah, and I forgot: Your Iaito looks great Krelian very classical design, very good looking tsuka maki. Is it cotton? Do you practice Iaido since you have a Iaito? Sorry, if you already told me and I forgot.... I didn't find it in the texts. Bye again, Honey
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Post by Krelian on Apr 6, 2012 20:54:15 GMT
No problem at all! Yes, it is a very traditional/conservative iaito. It's the Tokujo Jidai (heavyweight) from E-bogu (Koei is the manufacturer). I've been studying Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu for almost two years now and I've had this iaito for about a year and a half. The tsukamaki is black Japanese cotton and even after a year and a half of very frequent heavy use it's still the tightest most perfectly symmetrical wrap I've ever encountered. Whatever craftsman did the maki on my iaito has both my highest admiration and deepest thanks, I only wish I knew how to contact them to wrap/rewrap every tsuka I'll ever own! That's not to say that the iaito is completely perfect though. The kashira is upside-down and the tsuba has gotten a little loose but despite those minor annoyances I'm very much attached to and happy with it.
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Post by LastGodslayer on Apr 7, 2012 0:28:24 GMT
Actually, being 166cm you are of average height most everywhere. My gf is about that height and she kicked my butt when I went "play sparring" with her once... :oops: Range might be a problem when fighting most guys over 180 though. Smaller range usually means you have to have superior timing or speed. Its not all just about space, but also the time that it takes from beginning the strike to contact. You must be good if you are fighting guys with a lot of reach and winning Congrats on the kendo exam Honey! Happy Easter Everyone!
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