What's in YOUR Obi?

[Ultimate_Truth]

I have gone back and done a little research on the Yoshida family, Shidare Yanagi Ryu, Angier Sensai, etc. I really haven't found anything within this system applicable to customizing a katana, save only, say, using the Yoshida mons for the fuchi, menuki, etc. As such I am going to use personal preferece for customizing the swords.

I intend to use dragons on the Kiyomaro katana, partly because of the imposing size of the weapon, but mostly because dragons in eastern cultures are powerful guardian spirits who protect and watch over the people and I, as a (at least an armchair) warrior want to embody that spirit in my soul and in my weapon. That, as warriors, we preserve and protect everything we love and hold sacred, right and just. Consequently, the sword will embody both the spirit that I seek and strive to attain in my training as well as being a tribute and honor to the warriors, past and present, who have fought, spilled blood, and even gave their own lives for us and our causes. We owe them all that we have and ever will have.

The Medium katana will be done in the theme of Cherry Blossoms. I chose this for my interest in Japanese martial arts (Sakura are the offical flower of Japan) as well as represent the delicate beauty and fleeting nature of life. It reminds me always to keep my mind open and be observant and more alert of myself and my surroundings and to enjoy the life I live.

Thanks for the input, Brian.

[Doc-G]

Hi people,

I have been using this for a couple of months now. It is from Thaitsuki Nihonto (btw I realize it is not a real nihonto!). They are steel iaito and the dealer here in Adelaide, Australia can custom build for you as he has done for me.


The Ito is silk and is one of many different colours to choose from.


1700's Tomoe Shoami Sukashi Tsuba. The original is NBTHK papered. The Tomoe design has many martial connections and also is the symbol of Hachiman the Japanese God of War. There are loads of different tsuba to choose from.


The menuki are wild boar, apparently a popular animal for hunting by Samurai. As someone involved in the Australian meat industry, I felt a little connection with this particular item.



Fuchi and Kashira are sterling silver. Again there are many to choose from.

I know most people like to go for the Japanese brands but the fact that this guy is located in my hometown means that I have face to face contact for repairs and so forth which is almost unheard of for many people. He has already done one repair job on my saya which I cracked when learning nukitsuke. Overall I am very happy with the product and the service.

You can buy from him online at: Ronin Martial Art Supplies
(btw This is not an ad. I do not work for or have any sort of professional affiliation with this company).

He also deals in genuine antique swords and is a keen collector.

Anyway, have fun. This is a great thread.

George Ujvary

[Erik Tracy]

I'm using this puppy in my obi...it cuts *real nice*




Blade: Howard Clark L6/Bainite shinogi-zukuri

Tsuba: Antique Edo period from ricecracker.com
http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/t27...eiye_style.jpg

Menuki: relaxing farmers (notice the hats match the boatman on the tsuba!) from nihontoya.com
http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/peasant-menuki.jpg

Fuchi-Kashira: custom sized shakudo from Patrick Hastings

Tsukamaki: Jesse Pelayo

Polish, mounting, and saya: Keith Larman

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/fullkoshirae.jpg

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/gold.jpg

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/hamon.jpg

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/tsuba.jpg

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/tsuka.jpg

http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/L6/tsukaclose.jpg

Erik

[pgsmith]

And it's even nicer in person! Yup, I'm still really jealous over that one Erik!

[Erik Tracy]

Paul,
Thanks for the kind words.

It was a Loonnggg project finally come to completion - I'm very pleased at how everything turned out.

Hey - if you cut like you did at the Yuma taikai, then you'll be in the hunt for your own L6 at Big Tony's next West Coast taikai!

You're going right?

Erik

[pgsmith]

You're going right?

Yup!
I'd never survive the harrassment if I didn't! I've already begun looking at airfare and car rental to figure out how much I'm going to have to save up for it.

P.S. Have you tried mizu gaeshi since we talked about it?

[Erik Tracy]

Nope - cuz I'm out of mats!!

We have some on order though.

When we get them I plan on practicing mizu gaeshi with your tip in mind.

Stand by....

Erik

[aikiokami]

What is this groups oppionion of the cold steel katanas?

[pgsmith]

What is this groups oppionion of the cold steel katanas?

I have not held one in a couple of years, but the ones I tried then were poorly balanced, had cheap fittings, were not well made (sloppy ito), and did not cut worth a darn, even after sharpening. They are NOT a brand that I recommend.

Just my opinion based upon my experiences.

[aikiokami]

anyone else?
I'm not a fan I just can get them for cheap and I thought I could rebuild them.

[Liam Cognet]

Most of the reviews I've read say the Cold Steel swords cut very well, but they are heavy. Check out swordforum.com if you haven't already.

[Black and Blue]

Mine, Kunisada late 1600s
My wife, just sold her Gassan Sadaoshi now uses a Tadaahiro late 1600s

Phil Scudieri

[armanox]

Well, any one of these can be in my obi....


Top one is newest in my collection of weapons, and my first katana. Masahiro Forge.

Second one is a bokken that I bought at random (I liked the wrapped handle)

Third one is Japanese White Oak, bought because the one below it broke.

Bottom one was my first bokken, Red Oak, Made in Taiwan.











If any pics don't show let me know and I'll fix it.

[Brian Owens]

...Top one is newest in my collection of weapons, and my first katana. Masahiro Forge.

Hmm, that's an unusual katana.

Since a katana is worn thrust through the obi with the edge up, it only needs a kurigata on the saya into which the sageo is threaded. The sword pictured appears to be designed to be worn slung from a cord, edge down. (That would, however, put the kurigata on the wrong side.)

Did the straps come with the sword, or were they added later? The way it sits in the picture, it's actually a "left-handed tachi."

[armanox]

Hmm, that's an unusual katana.

Since a katana is worn thrust through the obi with the edge up, it only needs a kurigata on the saya into which the sageo is threaded. The sword pictured appears to be designed to be worn slung from a cord, edge down. (That would, however, put the kurigata on the wrong side.)

Did the straps come with the sword, or were they added later? The way it sits in the picture, it's actually a "left-handed tachi."

That's how the sword came.