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Post by Brian Weiss on Feb 15, 2018 2:37:24 GMT
I'm in the market for a new tsuka core with rayskin & ito wraps. Cottontail Customs, my first choice, is unfortunately out. I've gotten suggestions from other board members about this company, but am having trouble finding examples of their work. I'm especially interested in hearing about how well their cores turn out and the quality of their samegawa work. Since my sword was bent, I'd also like to get it thoroughly checked to make sure it's true and my eyes and my squares aren't playing tricks on me. If if you've had any work done there and and wouldn't mind sharing a few pics/advice on things to watch out for, I sure would appreciate it. Thanks!
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Post by Brian Weiss on Feb 17, 2018 0:55:41 GMT
I'm actually leaning towards just having them do the core and checking out the blade for me, then trying to send it off to Josh for the rest. I've seen more than enough of his work to know that it's worth every penny.
Thanks, James!
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Post by Matthew.Jensen on Feb 17, 2018 3:36:59 GMT
These are two examples I have. The first is Bugei Wave that was redone some years ago. The second is one that I did not have done but was supposedly done by Nihonzashi more recently.
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Post by MLanteigne on Feb 17, 2018 15:30:31 GMT
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Post by Roscoe57 on Feb 17, 2018 16:44:34 GMT
Bad link. Security issues.
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Post by strigoil on Feb 17, 2018 18:23:25 GMT
Damn those diamonds look terribly uneven, I would definitely go for Josh for the wrap if that is what Nihonzashi put out on a regular basis, just have them do the core as you said I guess.
I have a Feilong Higo with a wrap by Josh and it is amazing, recommend him for sure, there are pictures of the wrap in my collection topic...Need to get around to taking better pics of it soon.
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Post by Robert in California on Feb 18, 2018 1:11:50 GMT
Or ask Sinosword to build a tsuka or wrap one...can't hurt to ask.
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Post by treeslicer on Feb 18, 2018 1:16:49 GMT
Damn those diamonds look terribly uneven, I would definitely go for Josh for the wrap if that is what Nihonzashi put out on a regular basis, just have them do the core as you said I guess. I have a Feilong Higo with a wrap by Josh and it is amazing, recommend him for sure, there are pictures of the wrap in my collection topic...Need to get around to taking better pics of it soon. I do my own untwisted drumhead-tight wraps of 1/8" suede leather lace over palm-positioned menuki and a wrap-and-a-half of lacquered same, and let the diamonds fall where they may in the Sengoku-era fashion seen in period paintings and surviving examples. My standard of beauty is that nothing ever shift, slip, or fly out of my hands. Wrapping the ito before the same lacquer is dry sets everything into an interlocked whole, as far as I can tell.
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Post by MLanteigne on Feb 18, 2018 4:26:35 GMT
Bad link. Security issues. Works fine on my comp and mobile.
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Post by strigoil on Feb 18, 2018 12:28:28 GMT
I do my own untwisted drumhead-tight wraps of 1/8" suede leather lace over palm-positioned menuki and a wrap-and-a-half of lacquered same, and let the diamonds fall where they may in the Sengoku-era fashion seen in period paintings and surviving examples. My standard of beauty is that nothing ever shift, slip, or fly out of my hands. Wrapping the ito before the same lacquer is dry sets everything into an interlocked whole, as far as I can tell. Certainly, as long as it is tight and functional and nothing shifts, it is good enough and nothing wrong with it. I've never had a wrap by Nihonzashi but I have heard they are tight, just not pretty, so nothing wrong with using them or going by that sentiment. Personally I just like to be spoiled with both beauty and functionality, maybe I am a snob, but I like what I like and to each their own.
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Post by Brian Weiss on Feb 18, 2018 13:29:49 GMT
I was actually pretty happy with the wrap that came with my sword. Seems pretty tight and even, and it definitely takes some effort to move.
I've gotten alot of PMs with great information and suggestions, and think I know which way I'm going to try and proceed. Thanks so much for all your help. I'll post up some pics when its done!
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Post by johnwalter on Feb 20, 2018 13:18:13 GMT
Look pretty bad.Everyone I've seen recently.I wouldn't send them a tsuka to wrap and wouldnt have them make one either. Those poor swords.
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Post by Jordan Williams on Feb 20, 2018 18:52:27 GMT
Here is one that Nihonzashi did for me last year. Took them 6 weeks with no status updates. They won't be doing anymore for me. Picture not showing up for me?
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Post by Roscoe57 on Feb 20, 2018 19:03:03 GMT
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Post by Brian Weiss on Feb 20, 2018 19:05:28 GMT
Looks like your picture posting privileges have been revoked, Roscoe.
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Post by zabazagobo on Feb 20, 2018 20:10:37 GMT
Man, seems like the overall consensus is pretty negative for nihonzashi's tsuka work. Feel kind of bad for suggesting them in your review thread since I was going off of Richard's positive feedback and not firsthand experience.
I'd probably do what you were thinking, have Nihonzashi make a core and have Josh handle the good stuff.
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Post by johnwalter on Feb 20, 2018 20:37:28 GMT
Their core shaping isnt good either.
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Post by Faldarin on Feb 20, 2018 20:52:28 GMT
Who's your other options in the CONUS though?
Fred Lohman? Wally Hostetter?
I know I've heard that Cottontail Customs isn't doing these currently... And the cost to ship it to Sinosword and back would probably more than wipe out any possible discount that you could be getting. There's not a great deal of choices out there that I know of - though this obviously isn't my specialty.
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Post by Brian Weiss on Feb 20, 2018 21:19:10 GMT
I was given another name... nice dDude in Arizona who prefers not to have his name passed around. I hear he can teleport.
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Post by Faldarin on Feb 20, 2018 21:45:50 GMT
Cool. I was just curious and trying to be helpful. European swords are more my speed. Glad you found someone to work on it!
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