|
Post by michael1969 on May 31, 2019 18:15:09 GMT
Hello to all, new guy from Indiana here. Been lurking/reading for a few days so I decided it was time to introduce myself. My name is Michael, I am 50 years old and have been fascinated with Japanese swords since I was a boy. After finding the forum and deciding to finally obtain a few Katana, I ordered a Ryujin Shirisaya as a cheap entrance into the fray. My thoughs were to use it mainly for decoration, but also as a base to do some customization as I am a definite hands on tinkering kind of guy. Also to better determine dimensions I may be more comfortable with on future swords...such as blade length, Tsuka length, etc, without having to spend $300-1000 on something to find out "well i dont like that blade/tsuka length".
Anyway, I have learned a lot in the past few days and look foward to learning more as time passes. This seems to be a really nice forum an I enjoy the material and information.
A question I have concerning the Ito...what purpose do the Hishigami serve? Do they just insure a more crisp and better looking job by helping the Io wraps hold their shape over time?
|
|
AndiTheBarvarian
Member
Bavarianbarbarian - Semper Semprini
Posts: 9,809
Member is Online
|
Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 31, 2019 18:51:19 GMT
Hi Michael and welcome to the forum! "Future swords"? - You have now entered the twilight zone! (50+ rulez!!)
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on May 31, 2019 19:12:31 GMT
A question I have concerning the Ito...what purpose do the Hishigami serve? Do they just insure a more crisp and better looking job by helping the Io wraps hold their shape over time? Others are more knowledgeable on this than I am, so if they say otherwise, go with them; but my understanding is that hishigami both maintain shape of the fold and add some thickness, to better "fill things out," if you will. Welcome aboard, at any rate.
|
|
|
Post by michael1969 on May 31, 2019 19:22:23 GMT
Hi Michael and welcome to the forum! "Future swords"? - You have now entered the twilight zone! (50+ rulez!!) It has been a long time coming, decided I wasnt getting any younger, and was pleased to learn that there are actually decent japanese style swords out there that arent pot metal.
|
|
|
Post by michael1969 on May 31, 2019 19:23:46 GMT
A question I have concerning the Ito...what purpose do the Hishigami serve? Do they just insure a more crisp and better looking job by helping the Io wraps hold their shape over time? Others are more knowledgeable on this than I am, so if they say otherwise, go with them; but my understanding is that hishigami both maintain shape of the fold and add some thickness, to better "fill things out," if you will. Welcome aboard, at any rate. Makes total sense to me, I figured it would be something along those lines, thank you.
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Jun 1, 2019 17:32:34 GMT
Welcome.
|
|
|
Post by snowbite on Jun 1, 2019 18:06:50 GMT
Welcome! I joined for many of the same reasons as you.
Beware: once the sword addiction takes hold, this place is like a heroin den!
|
|
|
Post by Lancelot Chan on Jun 1, 2019 18:18:23 GMT
Welcome to our small circle!
|
|
|
Post by maewyn on Jun 1, 2019 18:40:33 GMT
Welcome to this group
|
|
|
Post by markus313 on Jun 1, 2019 18:53:39 GMT
Welcome, Michael!
|
|
|
Post by Adrian Jordan on Jun 1, 2019 21:50:16 GMT
Welcome to the forum, Michael.
|
|
|
Post by michael1969 on Jun 1, 2019 22:01:11 GMT
Thanks to all, I'm currently researching, trying to make a desicion on a sword. As stated in my original post I have ordered a Ryujin 1045 Shirisaya as a cheap entry into the fray. Mainly as a decoration piece, but also to get a sense of what Tsuka, and blade length I may be more comfortable with in future purchases. Also, I like the idea that the Shirisaya gives opportunity to do a custom project on as an attractive decoration piece as well. Ive already been looking up vendors for tsuba, fittings, and Ito wrap. I am no stranger as to what makes a serviceable blade as I used to forge straight steel (5160), and pattern Damascus knives. (L6/Nickle, cable, and chainsaw chains mainly). I was about to test for my Journeyman Bladesmith test under the guidance of Ron Claiborne of Tennessee (Ron was the man who taught me how to forge weld pattern welded Damascus steel) when an accident at work took me out of the forging game. Getti g back into it now would be impossible unfortunately because of life responsibilities and work...maybe one day. Anyway...im rambling now, thanks again for the welcome, I hope that one day I may be able to contribute to the forum in some way.
|
|
|
Post by csills2313 on Jun 1, 2019 22:13:48 GMT
Welcome Michael. I am 58 years old and still enjoy this fascinating hobby. Look forward to seeing your contributions on the forum
|
|
|
Post by bonezmcnasty on Jun 2, 2019 0:58:19 GMT
Welcome!
I lurked for awhile myself. I too am in awe of the Japanese Sword, and the wealth of knowledge here.
42 years of age, and still as fascinated with the katana as I was in my much younger years!
|
|
|
Post by pellius on Jun 2, 2019 14:44:13 GMT
Welcome to the forum
|
|