SAJSS

August 2009 saw the South African Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association once again hosting their annual 2 day arms fair. This is always a popular yearly event, and the SAJSS collectively decided this year to put on a display of tosogu and koshirae, and skip the usual blades for a refreshing change from the norm.

No-one expected the Siberian-type Winter that set in for the weekend, and combined with uncharacteristic rain and freezing temperatures, it was brave enthusiasts that dared to venture out of bed and make their way to the war museum.

However, in spite of the weather, people did indeed attend, and it was a successful show for all. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of people that did make their way out to the Military History Museum, and especially those that stood in front of our display watching the provided video.

We had 2 display cabinets, and for the first time we made use of modern technology in the form of a new lcd screen running video from a memory card. This is a very effective and visually attractive form of display, and the SAJSS posesses a number of videos that will be suitable for this medium in future. The screen will be of great assistance with demos and displays, and is a welcome addition to our resources.

The screen (showing 2 Nihonto videos) was exceptionally popular, and perhaps was the most popular display of the entire event. A number of people expressed an interest, and we increased our membership accordingly.

The actual display items were provided by a number of members, and were of a fairly high standard. Included were daisho koshirae, some very nice tsuba, fuchi/kashira, assorted koshirae and other fittings.

Overall this was once again a very successful event, and as an unexpected bonus, we were presented with a silver award for second best display of the entire show.

We look forward to next year’s event, and hopefully warmer weather.

In conjunction with the South African Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association swap and trade day on the 15th of March, the SAJSS will be putting on a small display of Japanese swords and related items.

There will also be a repeated screening of a short DVD on the making of a kogatana, which is a traditional Japanese sword accompanying knife, carried in the side of the scabbard. Paul Martin demonstrates on film the forging and folding of one of these blades. The DVD will be shown from 9am on the 15th, and every hour thereafter until 1pm. A display of swords, tsuba and related items will be on offer to be discussed and viewed simultaneously.

The SAJSS is holding talks towards affiliating themselves with SAAACA for the betterment of both societies, although both would remain indepenant of each other, and the SAJSS would exist and a complementary special interest group. Details of this will be discussed on the day.

Members of the public with an interest in the Japanese sword are welcome to attend this movie screening and display, and are wecome to ask any questions they may have.

Further info can be requested on the contact page. Times are from 9am until 1pm on Sunday the 15th March 2009.

November 2008 saw the hosting of the annual Tokyo sword show called the Dai Token Ichi. This is the largest sword show in Japan, and was timed one week before the anniversary convention of the NBTHK. Five SAJSS members travelled to Japan during this time. They were B. Robinson, P. Quinn, D. Volkwyn, F. Hallam and N. Curtis. Arriving at the end of October, there were a few days to get used to Japan and get to know the basics.
The Dai Token Ichi is a real eye-opener. 2 Floors with over 70 dealers, and wall to wall swords, fittings and related items of the highest quality. The first day was spent looking at items, getting to know the very friendly dealers, and meeting some important overseas collectors and Japanese contacts. This was a very well attended event by overseas collectors, and there were people from the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Sweden and other places. It was quite a novelty for them to see collectors from South Africa, and the response was very friendly.
The evening of the first night saw over 50 international collectors meeting for a night out. This was a great event, and ample amounts of sake and shochu were demolished. It was great meeting some of the important people in the Nihonto community, and many others that we only knew through the internet. The show continued for another 2 days, in which time some beautiful items were seen, discussed and some items purchased.

The next 2 weeks were spent travelling around Japan a bit, seeing many sword shops, markets and fascinating sights. There were other social events and acquaintances made that will be of huge benefit to the society. Most visitors returned with extra suitcases bulging with books and related items. The swords examined ranged from Sadamune to Yoshimichi to cheap project blades. Every budget can be catered for, and there is no shortage of quality if you can afford it. The buzz at the show revolved around the weakened global economy and it is clear that the strong Japanese Yen is having an effect on the market there. But in spite of this, there are many good deals to be had, and even more to just look at and learn.

Good contacts were made for the future with polishers, swordsmiths, dealers, restorers and metalworkers.
Of note is the excellent and reasonably priced food in Japan, and the many sightseeing places to visit. The Nihonto community in Japan is strong, and a lot goes on behind the online scenes. There were many shops visited that aren’t online and not well known, and it is evident that there are thousands of swords traded yearly within Japan.

This will no doubt not be the last visit to Japan for some members of the SAJSS, and hopefully more members will visit on the coming years. Overall a very successful trip with many advantages for the collecting scene in South Africa.

Entrance to the DTI, first floor, center row of many

One of many sword and fittings dealers at the DTI

DTI dealer specializing in fittings

Dealer at the DTI Tokyo with wall to wall swords

Some high end swords available for purchase with origami

More top quality swords with origami

Tokyo by day - Shibuya crossing

Tokyo at night - Ginza

Social dinner with many important Nihonto people

Another social event - Yakatabune on the river

Paul Kosta held a workshop at his home on the restoration and repair of Japanese swords. This was intended to enlighten collectors on the extensive processes involved in the restoration of a Japanese sword.

This was a very interesting and detailed event. Diplays were set up to show the various equipment and supplies used in restoration, as well as the tools needed when polishing swords by professionals and various other supplies needed in making habaki, shirasaya, urushi scabbard repair, fittings replacement, tsukamaki and other skills.

The workshop covered the importance of first being able to look at and identify a sword before proceeding with any restoration. The sugata, hada, hamon, mei, nakago and yakiba all have to be taken into account to appreciate the techniques that will be utilized. The characteristics of the various swordmaking schools have to be researched and the period identified. To kantei a sword takes many years of study, and is essential in most aspects of restoration to preserve the original identity of the sword. There was brief discussion on these traits that need to to be identified.

The workshop then went into depth on the work of the togishi (polisher) and the various stones that he has at his disposal. A decent set of stones can take a lifetime to accumulate, and can cost a huge amount. Discussion took place about the various qualities of the stones, and the order in which they are utilized. Examples were shown of many grades of natural stones, and the other supplies that are used in polishing.

Also covered in the workshop were the making of habaki, and shirasaya. Tools and supplies were shown, and discussion took place on the correct techniques and methods of use of the specialized impliments used in carving the shirasaya or saya.

The workshop ended with a talk on urushi and its use in laquering the saya, and methods of application. The attendees were allowed to inspect the tools and supplies and ask questions. Various blades in different stages of polish were also shown and discussed.

This primer on restoration is hoped to be followed by more talks in the new year, with the aim of demonstrating the safe, responsible and correct methods of restoration, and to promote an understanding of this Japanese art.

Swords and fittings in various stages of restoration

Various tools and supplies used in restoration

More tools and supplies

Tools and supplies used in shirasaya making

August 2007 saw the South African Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association once again hosting their annual 2 day arms fair. This was a successful show, and one of our founding members, Paul Kosta, put on a display showing the craft of the Japanese sword and the restoration processes involved in basic sword repair and restoration.

Display cabinet at the 2007 arms fair

Among the items on display were items to construct or repair shirasaya, polishing stones, various fittings, chisels and other tools, saya laquering ingredients, polishing supplies, tsuka components and other related items.
Interest from the public was considerable, and it was good to see Japanese swords getting some well deserved attention.

It was noticeable that there is a great deal of interest out there from the public who have never been exposed to this field of interest, and a number of people requested more info or expressed an interest in learning more. Some mentioned that they have Japanese swords at home, and wanted to know more about them, or how to care for them. Although this was pre-official formation of the SAJSS, the seeds had already been sown by then, and it was only the formalities that were yet to be worked out.

All in all, it was a very successful day, and the crowning moment was the fact that the display won a first prize for best display of the event. We look forward to the next event under the official name of the SAJSS.

Arms fair 2007 display by Paul Kosta

Arms fair 2007 display by Paul Kosta

Arms fair 2007 display by Paul Kosta

Arms fair 2007 display by Paul Kosta