Sword Forum International http://www.swordforum.com/forums/ Sword Forum International was founded in June 1998 and has since served the international community as an information website, an educational organization and conservation society which promotes history and culture through the study of swords and swordsmanship. Here is a unique blend of collectors, scholars, sword makers, metallurgists, practitioners, artisans, blacksmiths, published authoris and more. en Wed, 16 May 2012 20:38:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.swordforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Sword Forum International http://www.swordforum.com/forums/ Grabbing (as opposed to parrying) a rapier? http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109197-Grabbing-(as-opposed-to-parrying)-a-rapier&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 19:30:26 GMT Greetings friendly forumites. I have a question for the more knowledgeable members on Swordforums.

I've seen various demonstrations for various different types of swordsmanship that demonstrate the use of the left hand to actively grab an opponents blade. I understand that this wasn't common and seems to be a "last ditch" type of thing, however I'm curious about the viability of this technique with a rapier? I know that chain mail parrying gloves existed, but is grabbing a rapier blade without one of these on your off-hand demonstrated by any of the masters in any texts anywhere? ]]> Historical European Swordsmanship Christopher Halpin http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109197-Grabbing-(as-opposed-to-parrying)-a-rapier Unknow Sword, German, Hannover, English or anythig? http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109196-Unknow-Sword-German-Hannover-English-or-anythig&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:40:17 GMT Hello, a friend from an collectors friend have a question to this sword. I think the blade and the scabbard is German, but the hilt looks like... Hello,

a friend from an collectors friend have a question to this sword. I think the blade and the scabbard is German, but the hilt looks like English. Can it be an Hannover sword? Or is it from an another country?

total length: 101 cm
blade length: 89 cm

Best regards,
Thomas
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]]> Thomas Fritz Zehe http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109196-Unknow-Sword-German-Hannover-English-or-anythig Making a home forge? http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109195-Making-a-home-forge&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:08:50 GMT I'm EXTREMELY new at almost all of this, and I'm wanting to have a home forge to eventually design and forge my own swords and knives. While this may be an extremely broad question, what is the most inexpensive home forge I could buy that can go outside, but still works well? Thanks for any answers. ]]> General Discussion Forum J. L. Wilson http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109195-Making-a-home-forge i need some sources of European style sword parts http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109194-i-need-some-sources-of-European-style-sword-parts&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:03:51 GMT Hi All
I seem to have misplaced my bookmarks for parts and pieces of swords, besides albion's moat could you post some places for fittings and such ]]> General Discussion Forum David Lewis Smith http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109194-i-need-some-sources-of-European-style-sword-parts Cheness Kaze Katana (US only) http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109193-Cheness-Kaze-Katana-(US-only)&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 11:48:13 GMT For sale I have my Cheness Kaze Katana 9260 Differentially Hardened. I just bought this blade a few weeks ago and have decided I want something... For sale I have my Cheness Kaze Katana 9260 Differentially Hardened. I just bought this blade a few weeks ago and have decided I want something different (the Bamboo Mat) so im selling this.

The only bad things about this blade is the fact its not super sharp. Its cutting sharp for what its made for, but does not cut paper. As explained to me by Paul Chen (Cheness) this is normal for these blades. I can provide the email with him going into detail with his reply regarding this.

Other then that its a great katana. Nothing is lose, nice hamon (real), nice tsuka, nice tsuba.

Asking Price: $225. The only reason I am selling so low is because Im sure im not the only one that would want to have it sharpened to be scary sharp. This is shipped to anywhere is the US only.









Thanks for looking! ]]> Classifieds (Non-business Users) Erich Wells http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109193-Cheness-Kaze-Katana-(US-only) Change... http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109192-Change...&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 08:39:14 GMT So how much does what you do and understand of your art differ now from what you were doing five or ten or twenty years ago? Just superficial... So how much does what you do and understand of your art differ now from what you were doing five or ten or twenty years ago? Just superficial changes? Or any big fat ones?

I know what I was doing pre-2006 was very different, that was before we trained with Thomas Stoeppler and had a radical shift in approach. But after that there have been small plateaus and changes, but more in terms of contextualising principles within a fight, or a more detailed appreciation of a particular principle for example.

I find change is a welcome part of the process (although the size of the 2006 change did nearly get me to give up for a moment) :)

I'd be interested to hear other people's journeys through the appreciation of their arts... ]]> Historical European Swordsmanship Adam R http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109192-Change... Sword valuers in Lancashire http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109191-Sword-valuers-in-Lancashire&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 06:23:29 GMT A friend of mine has just inherited a katana and would like to know if it is worth anything. Can anybody recommend an expert or shop in or near... A friend of mine has just inherited a katana and would like to know if it is worth anything. Can anybody recommend an expert or shop in or near Lancashire, UK?

Thank you very much.







]]> Anthony Asbury http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109191-Sword-valuers-in-Lancashire Is this blade British? http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109190-Is-this-blade-British&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 02:44:42 GMT I know you all thought this would never happen, but it proves that I do not know it all. I think this is an 18th century British blade married to a... I know you all thought this would never happen, but it proves that I do not know it all. I think this is an 18th century British blade married to a really great, modern German hilt. I bought it for the hilt and since a divorce is pending, I thought I would get some opinions before the judge signs the order.
Thanks.
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]]> T. Graham http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109190-Is-this-blade-British Found sword in loft........result!!! http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109188-Found-sword-in-loft........result!!!&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 22:01:45 GMT Hi guy`s and gal`s. I found this sword in my loft the other day and have been happily collecting information ever since. Having never heard of this... Hi guy`s and gal`s.
I found this sword in my loft the other day and have been happily collecting information ever since. Having never heard of this site and never really having any interest in swords I was pleasantly surprised to actually enjoy the whole process and have learnt an absolute shedload on British swords.
I will be looking to sell my sword at some point but am really intrugued to learn as much as I can about it`s history, perhaps even getting a name of the original owner would be cool.
From my research I have established the sword to be an 1822 British Infantry sword.
It has a safety latch on one side. On the blade are the words Lambert Brown & co, London Dublin. I am not sure weather these are rare markings as I have`nt seen these markings on other examples of the same sword.
There are other decorative patterns on the blade, on the ricasso I have noticed the star type marking does`nt have the gold stamp in the centre and I am unsure why this is.
Although I can`t say for certain, I have reason to believe that the sword was owned by someone of higher ranking than the norm.
I appreciate that my sword is`nt in the best of conditions but not to bad considering age, certainly the blade will need cleaning although I cant see any signs of pitting on it.
The fish skin handle is starting to wear but the copper banding is just fine. On the hilt there seems to be a crack/break in the brassware but am not sure if it is supposed to be there or not, there is a VR cypher on the hilt.
I do have a few questions that I would like answering and if anyone could help it would be much appreciated.
Are the swords with the safety guard a rarer breed than the norm?
Why does my sword seem to have no indentation and gold spot on the star symbol?
Would my sword be used for spares or restoration if sold?
After checking ebay there seems to be massive fluctuations between price, some selling for 3,000 dollars and some for as little as 150 dollars, why is this?
Is my sword a rare sword or just run of the mill?
Finally I would like to get a rough price and appreciate there is a private messaging function on this forum.
I can post more photo`s if req`d.
Any help and advice is honestly, 100 percent appreciated.
Enjoy my sword.
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]]> danny stevens http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109188-Found-sword-in-loft........result!!! testing in process http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109187-testing-in-process&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 21:12:34 GMT just testing..... just testing.....
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]]> Test Forum danny stevens http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109187-testing-in-process WTB A Darksword Armoury Italian Rapier http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109186-WTB-A-Darksword-Armoury-Italian-Rapier&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 17:49:16 GMT I am looking for the Italian Rapier that Darksword Armoury makes. It is the "1331 Italian Rapier". I would also be interested in a similar Rapier that is made by someone other than Darksword Armoury, but it would have to be of comparable quality. ;)

Please let me know if anyone has what I am looking for or if you know where I might find one! ]]> Classifieds (Non-business Users) anthony.sassi http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109186-WTB-A-Darksword-Armoury-Italian-Rapier WTB WW2 Japanese Sabre or Katana http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109185-WTB-WW2-Japanese-Sabre-or-Katana&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 17:27:05 GMT I am a fairly new collector of antique swords, and I am now looking for a sword from the WW2 time frame. I am not looking for something in fantastic... I am a fairly new collector of antique swords, and I am now looking for a sword from the WW2 time frame. I am not looking for something in fantastic shape that has a fantastic price tag to match. I would like a decent representative sword that I can put in my collection though. Please let me know if you have something that sounds like what I am describing, or if you know where I might find one. :p ]]> Antique Classifieds (Non-business) anthony.sassi http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109185-WTB-WW2-Japanese-Sabre-or-Katana <![CDATA[For sale: Bavarian M1788 chevauleger trooper's sabre]]> http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109183-For-sale-Bavarian-M1788-chevauleger-trooper-s-sabre&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:57 GMT Massive Bavarian M1788 chevauleger trooper's sabre with steel scabbard.
Photos on request.

No markings.
£600

Ian
n.bonaparte@ntlworld.com ]]> Antique Classifieds (Non-business) Ian Knight http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109183-For-sale-Bavarian-M1788-chevauleger-trooper-s-sabre For Sale: Japanese Sword Stuff, Part 3 http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109182-For-Sale-Japanese-Sword-Stuff-Part-3&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 14:57:38 GMT Back again with the third part of my “left over parts” series, and again, although some of these items have been offered before, some have not. ... Back again with the third part of my “left over parts” series, and again, although some of these items have been offered before, some have not. Here’s the scoop…


Picture #1 features a number of buffalo horn saya parts. If memory serves, all pieces came from Fred Lohman, with the exception of the first item, which was acquired via trade. Additional details are as follows:

1. Here is a slab of buffalo horn measuring 5 3/16” long, 1 5/8” wide, and 3/16” thick. Although suitable for a variety of uses, my intent was to make koiguchi “blanks.” There is enough horn hear to make two blanks, possibly three with careful measuring. Price is $22 shipped. SPF

2. Here is large kojiri “blank.” Price is $12 shipped.

3. These “blanks” can serve as either kojiri for small saya, or kashira. Price for each is $12 shipped.

4. Next are four large “round” kurikata sized for katana saya, although they would be suitable for any saya of appropriate girth. Price for each is $12 shipped.

5. Here are two large “square” kurikata sized for katana saya, but like the previous offerings, they will work with most any large saya. Price for each is $12 shipped.

6. Last is one small “round” kurikata. This one is most suitable for a tanto or slender wakizashi saya. Price is $12 shipped.


Picture #2 features a host of shitedome sets from a variety of sources, detailed as follows:

1. This set comes from Namikawa, and if memory serves, it is their “top of the line” offering, being constructed of gold-plated silver. Price is $27 shipped for the pair.

2. Another Namikawa set, this pair is composed of blackened silver. Price is $22 shipped.

3. Yet another Namikawa set, these shitedome are gold-plated copper. Price is $17 shipped.

4. Here is a Namikawa set that includes both large and small shitedome. Like the previous set, these are gold-plated copper. $32 shipped.

5. Salvaged from some production saya or other, this shitedome set is gold-plated brass. Price is $12 shipped.

6. Another set taken from a production saya, these are silver-plated brass. Price is $12 shipped.

7. This last set is a bit of a mystery to me, as I don’t recall when or where I got them. They appear to be gold plated, but I don’t know the base metal. Price is $12 shipped.


Picture #3 features a group of five sageo, detailed as follows:

1. This one is a standard katana-length sageo in black silk from Namikawa. Price is $17 shipped. SOLD

2. Another standard katana-length sageo from Namikawa, this one is made of purple silk (although it looks dark blue in some lighting). Price is $17 shipped.

3. This one is identical in all ways to the previous sageo, including price, which is $17 shipped.

4. The next one is another Namikawa offering, is intended for katana, and is blue in color. This one, however, is the sort that has the braid down the center of its length. Price for this one is $22 shipped. SOLD

5. Finally, this last one is the same as the first three, but sized for tanto saya. If memory serves, this one is from Namikawa as well. That being said, I believe the color is called “silver-green.” Price for this one is $12 shipped. SOLD


Last but not least, picture #4 features a basic katana bag, presumably made of cotton, with a blue exterior and white interior. Price is $12 shipped.


That’s it for Part 3. Note that all prices are firm, so I will not entertain counteroffers. Likewise, I am not interested in trades at this time.

Payment options include Paypal (add 4% to cover fees) or USPS Money Order only.

At present, I will only ship within the USA, although this could change in the future.

If you’re interested I can be reached through SFI’s PM system, or via e-mail at rsmwoodworks@aol.com.

Thanks for looking.

-RSM
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]]> Classifieds (Non-business Users) Robert S. Mullin http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109182-For-Sale-Japanese-Sword-Stuff-Part-3 For Sale: Japanese Sword Stuff, Part 2 http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109181-For-Sale-Japanese-Sword-Stuff-Part-2&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 14:54:18 GMT Here is the second part in the series featuring a number of parts and supplies left over from my sword-mounting days. Like the first part, I’ve... Here is the second part in the series featuring a number of parts and supplies left over from my sword-mounting days. Like the first part, I’ve offered some of these items before, but a few are new additions. That said, here goes…


The first picture features a quartet of tsuba, detailed as follows:

1. First up is a typical higo-style tsuba. I don’t know who made it, but it is cut from steel plate, and the finish appears to be something akin to gun blue. Price is $22 shipped.

2. Here is another higo tsuba, this one a take-off from some production sword or other. As the picture shows, the finish is wearing off in spots, revealing that it is made of brass. Price is $17 shipped.

3. Here is a simple round tsuba cut from steel plate. If memory serves, it came from a Hanwei practical katana. As the picture shows, the finish is coming off in spots. Price is $12 shipped.

4. Lastly, this tsuba features a pair of leaves that spiral around the seppa dai. It is made of brass and wears a dark brown patina (although the picture makes it appear black). It is sized for a wakizashi, although it might work with a short katana. Price is $27 shipped.


The second picture features a number of seppa sets, detailed as follows:

1. One pair of gold-plated copper seppa from Namikawa. Price is $15 shipped.
2. Five pairs of blackened copper seppa from Namikawa. Price $12 shipped per pair.
3. One pair of plain copper seppa of the sort used by a variety of production manufacturers. Price is $10 shipped.


The third picture features a number of fuchi and kashira sets, detailed as follows:

1. This first set features the common “stone texture” or “nugget” theme so common among production sword fittings. It is made of brass, but wears black lacquer (or a similar finish). Price is $22 shipped.

2. This set is virtually identical to the previous set, although the casting detail isn’t quite as clean. Price is $17 shipped.

3. Here is a wave-theme fuchi/kashira set made of cast steel (or iron) and wears a brown patina. Price is $27 shipped.

4. Next up is a silver higo-themed fuchi/kashria set from Fred Lohman. Note that, although the kashira is intact, the fuchi has a crack in the side (somewhat visible in the picture) that makes it unusable in its current condition. It may be possible to repair the damage, but that task was beyond my ability. Perhaps Fred will replace it, or maybe a buyer will want it simply for its silver. Either way, price is $37 shipped.

5. Here is an individual fuchi bearing a motif akin to vines, ivy, or the like. It is made of copper and wears a black patina. It is Japanese made, but I don’t know the specific manufacturer. Price is $22 shipped.

6. This fuchi is virtually identical to the previous fuchi, but this one has a brown finish. Price is $22 shipped.


Picture #4 features two more fuchi/kashira sets, but each has some extras, detailed as follows:

1. First up, we have a simple higo-themed set produced by Rick Barrett, which consists of a fuchi, kashira, and kojiri. All are made of copper and wear a dark brown patina. Price is $65 shipped.

2. This set features a dragonfly theme, and includes a fuchi, kashira, and a pair of menuki. All are made of brass, but while the fuchi and kashira wear a black finish, the menuki are gold plated. Price is $45 shipped.


Last but not least, the fifth picture displays four pairs of menuki, detailed as follows:

1. This first set is from Fred Lohman and features a samurai theme. One samurai wields a naginata while the other carries a bow. They are made of blackened silver with gold and silver highlights. Price is $42 shipped.

2. Another Fred Lohman set, these menuki feature birds flying over water (or maybe clouds?). Like the previous set, they are composed of blackened silver with gold and silver highlights. Price is $42 shipped.

3. This set features the common “coiled dragon” motif, and are made of blackened brass. I don’t recall the manufacturer, but the detail work is sharper than other coiled dragon menuki I’ve handled. Unfortunately, my camera didn’t pick up that detail in the photo. Price is $32 shipped.

4. Lastly, we come to a dragonfly set, which is made of brass. They’re virtually identical to the menuki paired with the dragonfly fuchi/kashira set described above, but without the gold plating and, therefore, better detail. Price is $32 shipped.


That’s it for Part 2. Note that all prices are firm, so I will not entertain counteroffers. Likewise, I am not interested in trades at this time.

Payment options include Paypal (add 4% to cover fees) or USPS Money Order only.

At present, I will only ship within the USA, although this could change in the future.

If you’re interested I can be reached through SFI’s PM system, or via e-mail at rsmwoodworks@aol.com.

Thanks for looking.

-RSM
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]]> Classifieds (Non-business Users) Robert S. Mullin http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?109181-For-Sale-Japanese-Sword-Stuff-Part-2