When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

Top is a Koto Period 16th Century Kodachi aka Wakizashi which was originally a Katana cut down.

Lower is a Tonto aka Yoroi-Doshi (armor piercing) 17th Century.

Family heirlooms collected in the Korean War. Neither have extreme values but the craftmanship and history of these authentic pieces makes them a centerpiece of my living room.

Anyone else display Japanese Swords?

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

I would not mind having them on my wall. And if everyone is out of ammo, I guess the saying "Don't bring a knife to a sword fight" pretty much says it all.

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

I like swords, and have a couple of the cheaper "good" ones, not the $75 junk. But if the ammo runs out I go to the bow, or cross bow.

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

So true, the Samurai gave way to the bow after being out gunned.

I had these sitting in my closet for 40 years and a couple of years ago I decided to see if they had history connected to them. I was shocked in finding they were almost 400-500 yrs. old.

The Wak has the family and their address who owned it on the shirasaya. The Japanese cultural center and sword club experts felt the swords were owned by an occupying officer when Japan occupied Korea. Officers would bring their families most prized possessions with them. Upon a hasty retreat they felt they were abandoned.

If I were ever to visit Japan, I might look them up. I would probably return them if they could document a lineage of the swords.

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

Did they come without Tsubas or were they removed?

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

No Tsubas, I guess I could commission "ironbrush". heh heh

If you have never watched this video, it is one not to miss.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ironbrus.../0/wGMj7o6AwnM

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

Thank you jyantkilr that was 13:30 of jaw on the desk amazement.

If you return them to the rightful heirs, you MUST post pics! Beautiful weapons, sir.
If I run out of ammo before I run out of food, water, etc, I'll be stunned, right before I die. :)


That man is an incredible artist. Wow.

Re: When Ammo Runs Dry...
 

13:30 ?

You miss part two the finished piece?

Anyway, my understanding is that the cost for the Tsuba was $25k. A steal considering over 4 months of work.

If you find an old tsuba laying around in an old barn drawer somewhere, don't throw it away !