SOM Prototype Katana

[Jason Moore]

I have spoke with some manufacturers lately and we will be sent a prototype katana soon to our specs. This is what we have so far:

27" 1095 Carbon steel blade
Clay tempered
11" Tsuka
Black Silk with black rayskin wrapped tsuka
Iron tsuba (Design to be done yet)
Wood saya with black lacquer

When I receive the prototype, I will put up a pic. The price should be around 200- 250$ We will be doing some mods to the saya possibly with sharkskin or buffalo horn accents.

[FrozenIpaq]

Sounds interesting, can't wait to see the pictures. So many possible Tsuba designs possible, good luck with choosing one :)

[goose710]

Jason

COOOOOOOOOL!!! I WANT ONE!!
DA GOOSE710

[69NINJA]

=D>OH now this is exciting!!!!!!=D>

[Jason Moore]

This guy that owns a factory in Lonquan (Pardon my spelling) contacted me and wants to make a line of swords for SOM. I was like, OK! He is the maker for Ryumon and Masahiro and just about every other brand out there besides Paul Chen. I am quite excited as pricing will be much cheaper than I could have hoped. He invited me to China to visit his factory and to hang out with him and zhou zheng wu! (Chris Zhou) They are best friends....

I am so excited I can barely contain myself! Anyways, I will let you know more as developements continue.

@Frozenipaq - I am not choosing a tsuba, I am designing one! :ohyeah:

[Brian Brazier]

sound good, if I may make a suggestion, if your going to do one with a standard black saya you may want to look at doing one in Kuroishime (also know as the textured finish found on swords like the PC PPK). IMO the textured saya finish is allot tougher and resists denting and chipping far better than a Kuroro (standard black laquer finish)

[FrozenIpaq]

This guy that owns a factory in Lonquan (Pardon my spelling) contacted me and wants to make a line of swords for SOM. I was like, OK! He is the maker for Ryumon and Masahiro and just about every other brand out there besides Paul Chen. I am quite excited as pricing will be much cheaper than I could have hoped. He invited me to China to visit his factory and to hang out with him and zhou zheng wu! (Chris Zhou) They are best friends....

I am so excited I can barely contain myself! Anyways, I will let you know more as developements continue.

@Frozenipaq - I am not choosing a tsuba, I am designing one! :ohyeah:

Oooh, very nice then :) Congratulations on all of this, quite an honor to have them approach you I think!

[69NINJA]

Jason my friend, Im sorry but I cannot alow you to make this trip without an accompanied body guard, the world is way to crazy right now.
Sigh...I suppose I can move my schedule around, i'll start packing but your buying the takeout.



seriously though.....YAY!!!

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the idea! I am open to any others as anything is available from this maker. As for you ninja, I may not need a bodyguard, but definitely a driver!

[69NINJA]

dibs

[Firehand10k]

When are you going? Korea is most of the way there anyway. I'll be close.

Kidding really I won't be able to get leave to soon after arriving. Sounds like a great deal. You're on your way to a line of your own.

[jwilliams]

That is the coolest thing I've heard on this forum. What goes around comes around. You are being blessed for the way you treat people and your good business practices.

And like everyone else I congratulate you, and offer my services in any way that I can. I've driven in Guadalajara and I think I can make it in China.

Someone needs to go to bobO's house and check on him, I think he must have passed out from the excitement.

[bobO]

OOOOO!!! What a day this has been, just got back from picking up my tanto, got a call from a GIRL on the way back, and now this!!! Gotta go buy a lottery ticket. Jason this is awesome, and proof of karma. Can we do lay away? Pebble saya, a must! The tsuba, should in some way represent S.O.M. lots of sori for tamashigiri, no bo-hi. And I want to be the guy who stands behind you and goes YEAH! This is to cool!

[menukisan]

Exciting news, J. But I really think that you should rethink not taking a entourage with you, myself being included in that entourage. You know I'm free to do anything at anytime for any reason. Nothing would impress the Chinese more if you showed up with a group of guys looking like the United Nations!

[bobO]

Thanks for the idea! I am open to any others as anything is available from this maker. As for you ninja, I may not need a bodyguard, but definitely a driver!
Well since Mr. Big always rides in the back, I'm calling SHOTGUN.

[Jason Moore]

LOL you guys are awesome and I thank you for your offers. I am drawing up a tsuba now and I will post my design for you as soon as it's done. This is just a prototype and can be changed in any way before I get my first run. This is more just to see the quality. Of course Bobo, the payment plan is always in effect for anything. As for the Bo-hi, I am going to have some with, some without.

[RedZorak]

This sounds amazing. I will definitely be getting one eventually. Any idea of when this will be ready? I might just hold out on some other purchases so I can get this.

[jwilliams]

LOL you guys are awesome and I thank you for your offers. I am drawing up a tsuba now and I will post my design for you as soon as it's done. This is just a prototype and can be changed in any way before I get my first run. This is more just to see the quality. Of course Bobo, the payment plan is always in effect for anything. As for the Bo-hi, I am going to have some with, some without.

Is it going to have something to do with the SOM creed, Honor, Loyalty and Brotherhood? Something with the 47 Ronin would be cool.

[Jason Moore]

This sounds amazing. I will definitely be getting one eventually. Any idea of when this will be ready? I might just hold out on some other purchases so I can get this.

He is sending the prototype (not the end product) and should be here around July 3-10. As far as the tsuba I have many ideas and will post my design for you guys as soon as I get it done. (I am a terrible artist) =(

Edit: see my idea below:

[bobO]

Great Idea's J! I do like the 47 ronin idea!

[69NINJA]

As for the Bo-hi, I am going to have some with, some without.

great, now I have to buy two!!!;)


heres a tsuba representing our forum sometimes=))

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/dragonsbrew717/tsuba.jpg
~

[Jason Moore]

Wow, that tsuba is awesome!

[bobO]

=))LOL, ninja, your on a roll today!

[Taygrd]

SOM Special Sword that sounds awesome! Waiting with eager anticipation.

[tanukimario]

Wow this sounds really awesome! Maybe you should have a contest for katana designs. xD

[Jason Moore]

I thought about it...if anyone comes up with a tsuba design that I use, I will be glad to give out a gift voucher!

[IvoryShogun]

I thought about it...if anyone comes up with a tsuba design that I use, I will be glad to give out a gift voucher!

Heck, I will throw my hat into that ring.
Attached is a file I put together real quick. It is a mokko-gata style and would probably look best with a sukidashi or dote style mimi. The kanji reads buryoku (Martial Might).

If you give me a little more idea about what you would like I could work up a few designs. Let me know.

Regards.

[Jason Moore]

That is pretty neat, but you must remember the seppa will cover alot of that in the middle. I am looking for a way to have a simple, clean tsuba and in some way incorporate SOM into the tsuba.

[IvoryShogun]

That is pretty neat, but you must remember the seppa will cover alot of that in the middle. I am looking for a way to have a simple, clean tsuba and in some way incorporate SOM into the tsuba.

Actually, I used a pretty standard seppa dai so, while it will be covered, the detail of the shape will show up pretty easily. I tend to design in the sukashi style so silhouette features show up pretty well. I will play around with the SOM idea and see if I can come up with something that is simple.

Would you prefer a round design?
Do you want Nakago-ana and/or Kozuka-bitsu?
Sukashi style or no?
Are these questions anoying? :)

[FrozenIpaq]

@ IvoryShogun: Looks like I have no chance with your amazing skills :)

I was fooling around with a design and ended up creating a face...or atleast that is what it looks like to me.

http://jbaillargeon.googlepages.com/FaceTusbalol.png

[bobO]

I was wondering if doing a base relief, is cost prohibitive on a small run like this. I never thought kozuka-bitsu was appropriate for katana, only waks. But that's just me.

[IvoryShogun]

Looks pretty good FrozenIpaq. It looks like a face to me as well. Since it is all about personal taste it really depends on what Jason likes the best and what fits his needs.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the designs guys. I am looking for something close to yours Frozen. Ivory Shogun I do not know what

Do you want Nakago-ana and/or Kozuka-bitsu?
Sukashi style or no?

Means. I think Kozuka-bitsu is the little hole to the right/left for a kozuka. I know that a nakago is the tang and ana seems to mean hole, but please elaborate for the uniformed.

[IvoryShogun]

Sorry, actually I was typing goofy. Of course you need the Nakago-ana (the hole for the nakago). What I meant was Kogai-bitsu and Kozuka-Bitsu (Hole on the Right and hole on the left).

Sukashi style is the pierced ironwork method as opposed to a relief case method. The musashi-style tsuba and the typical crane style tsuba would be considered a variety of Sukashi.

[bobO]

IvoryShogun, If I wasn't afraid of you beating me severely about the head and shoulders at the get together, I'd call you a smartas#. lol. I did like the design though. Gotta figure a shorter way to type your name, for the typing impaired.

[IvoryShogun]

Thanks bobO. I will gladly respond to smartas# if that would be easier to type. :) Perhaps, IS would be a suitable abbreviation.

[69NINJA]

I found what I like:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/dragonsbrew717/tsuba666.jpg

or is this too much?=))


~

[IvoryShogun]

Okay, so I am not very good at "simple" but here is a sakura style I did for a friend of mine. I modified it with the SOM. Is this closer?

[IvoryShogun]

Okay, so not only am I NOT very good at simple I am also not very good at just leaving well enough alone. Here is a variation on an old theme, not simple at all though. Sorry, I will get simplified, eventually. hehe :)

[FrozenIpaq]

Ivory, nice tsubas, I'm a big fan of bamboo so I like that one :) Also, do you have a psd/template for a blank tsuba? I had to make mine by hand and am not satisfied by the template I made at all, your's is great

[Dotanuki]

My printer/scanner is down, I like Shogun's last one, but with the Kanji I gave Jason for Swords of Might, Instead of the English letters.
A tomoe design with the Kanji for Honor, Loyalty, and Brotherhood in each of the 'commas' would be nice also.

Edit, I meant the example in post 38, with the flowers, you guys are typing too fast for me.

[IvoryShogun]

Ivory, nice tsubas, I'm a big fan of bamboo so I like that one :) Also, do you have a psd/template for a blank tsuba? I had to make mine by hand and am not satisfied by the template I made at all, your's is great

Frozen: I do everything in Illustrator so I can send you an EPS if you would like. Just PM me with your e-mail address.

[IvoryShogun]

My printer/scanner is down, I like Shogun's last one, but with the Kanji I gave Jason for Swords of Might, Instead of the English letters.
A tomoe design with the Kanji for Honor, Loyalty, and Brotherhood in each of the 'commas' would be nice also.

Edit, I meant the example in post 38, with the flowers, you guys are typing too fast for me.

Dotanuki. It would be no problem for me to include the appropriate Kanji. Can you send me the specific ones you sent Jason?
Edit: I can work on a tomoe design tomorrow. I have worked up the kanji for Loyalty and Honor before but I have not done Brotherhood so that my take some work to get it looking good.

[Dotanuki]

I don't understand what is going on with my computer, at one time it would let me do pictures, then it wouldn't let me, then it would, now it wont. I keep getting pop up blockers every time I try to do a picture.
If you send me a PM with your personal e-mail, I could send it to you that way, just won't let me through this Forum.
If you don't want to do it this way, Jason should still have the Kanji and you can always get it from him.

[bobO]

Oh Yeah, I like the direction this is going. Really like the bamboo one, with the kanji would be awesome.

[Taygrd]

These are some tsubas that I like. The first two are my favorite and will end up on some of my swords someday. They are cast locally by Japanese Swords LTD.
http://www.geocities.com/taylorhandmadeknives/t_skull.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/taylorhandmadeknives/t_tiger.jpg

[tanukimario]

Hmm I leave from Korea and return to the U.S. in less than a week. Hopefully if there's any time left before a design is chosen, i'll hit up on Photoshop and 3D program and make a cool design.

Besides the design for the tsuba though, is there anything else that is needed to be designed like the habaki or something?

Also, what is the kanji for brotherhood? I can't seem to find the translation for that.

[IvoryShogun]

Okay, here is a mitsudomoe design as suggested by Dotanuki. I still haven't had a chance to work up the kanji for Brotherhood but Honor and Loyalty are included in the design.

[bobO]

Circle of three. That works for sure! Also easy to manufacture. I think this is the one to beat! Tay, very nice.

[IvoryShogun]

Just playing around while the laser does its thing so I put this together. Kind of a "Goth" treatment with the SOM included.

[Jason Moore]

Very Nice! =D> I will look into for sure.

[Jason Moore]

Wow man. Awesome stuff!

[Brian Brazier]

Those are some great looking tsubas, I especially like the 3 commas one

[tanukimario]

Hey Jason, when do you think this little tsuba design contest will go for? If it won't go for that much longer, then i'll have to draw out a design on paper and scan it onto the computer. When I return to the U.S., i'll be able to make it look nicer on Photoshop and render it in 3D to make it look all cool. :>

[FrozenIpaq]

Here's my Tsuba with the Kanji characters of Respect, Honor, Loyalty (just noticed there's a little black area at the top that goes out of the tsuba, that's just a minor mistake on my part)

http://jbaillargeon.googlepages.com/KanjiTsuba.png

[bobO]

I like this. Can you extend the sides so they touch the sides of the tsuba?

[IvoryShogun]

Nice one Frozen. That one reminds me of a design I did for one of my students. He like the typical chrysanthemum style but wanted something more angular so this is what I came up with.

[Jason Moore]

Hey Jason, when do you think this little tsuba design contest will go for? If it won't go for that much longer, then i'll have to draw out a design on paper and scan it onto the computer. When I return to the U.S., i'll be able to make it look nicer on Photoshop and render it in 3D to make it look all cool. :>

I didn't realize there was a contest??!! I can tell you if I use any of these ideas, I will give the creator his due. These are fantastic designs and I intend to use one, so which one maybe can be voted on.

[FrozenIpaq]

I like this. Can you extend the sides so they touch the sides of the tsuba?

Yeah sure, that's exactly what I wanted to do after i made this post but didn't have time - was thinking about this when I woke up actually, really left an unnecessary gap there and extending it to the sides would fix that.

http://jbaillargeon.googlepages.com/KanjiTsuba2.png

[IvoryShogun]

Oh, while I am thinking of it, I worked up the brotherhood kanji and added it to the mitsudomoe design (as suggested by Dotanuki). Here it is.

[69NINJA]

Oh, while I am thinking of it, I worked up the brotherhood kanji and added it to the mitsudomoe design (as suggested by Dotanuki). Here it is.

man I love this one, has my vote, and some rep to shogun too.

[Jason Moore]

Man, they are all sweet. After I get this prototype in, I will choose one, but if anyone has a vote, cast it now!

[bobO]

The circle of Three from IS and the last one from FI, can't decide which one I like the most. You got your work cut out for you Jason, I'd buy either one.

[tanukimario]

lol I think of this as like a mini art contest to myself. I really like designing stuff so anything I draw, I want to make it look interesting. I'll have to draw mine out on paper and take a pic of it and i'll have it up hopefully by tonight which in the U.S. would be early in the morning.

[FrozenIpaq]

Was bugging me that I saw the comma tsuba before and couldn't recall on what sword. It's on one of Ryumon's sword, it'll give you a good idea of how the design looks already produced (granted I can't do the same with mine since it is a unique design)

http://www.swordsofmight.com/ProductImages/ryumon/Practical_Okinawa_2.jpg

[Brian Brazier]

that is also featured on the Paul Chen Great Wave Katana

[Mako]

Yep,that design seems to be quite popular Brian.
It's on the fuchi and kashira of the Wind & Thunder too...I don't know what it is but I've always called it the 'Yong Ying Yang'.:)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9895/paulchenwindandthunderkee7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Dotanuki]

My votes fot Shogun's! [obviously]

Ivory Shogun, I noticed in one of your posts, you mentioned waiting on the Laser. Do you work with Lasers?

[tanukimario]

Okay, whew! Here is my design. Unfortunately I didn't have access to use my own computer so I drew it by hand and took a digital pic of it.

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/5360/tsubadesign1wd4.png

So basically in my design, I didn't want to just stamp on there "Swords of Might", so I went with a more abstract way of representing the company. If you look at the tsuba design, you'll see that it has the letters "S", "O", and "M" around the tsuba. Also in each of the corners, which isn't very visible, it has Kanji written which are Honor, Loyalty, Brotherhood, and the fourth isn't part of the Swords of Might name, but it is "Katana". Also if you look carefully at the design, it represents the elements. Water, Fire, and Air, but no earth? I didn't want to add any type of detail to the tsuba so that the base of the design can be seen, but the tsuba would have a "rock-like" design, similar to the "Assemble your own katana" tsuba. So yep, that's my design which was fun to draw. Comments and criticism please? :)

[Jason Moore]

A very nice design. I kinda see the som, but not too much.

[IvoryShogun]

Very interesting design Tanukimario. I like the level of abstraction.

Yes, the Mitsudomoe design is extremely popular for sword fittings as well as being used as mon for a number of families, individuals, and organizations. I like it for it's simplicity while still being quite dramatic. I think the addition of the kanji Dotanuki suggested for the design would really make for a unique and powerful implementation that could represent SOM quite honorably.

Dotanuki: Yes, I have a 30 watt CO2 laser system that I use for custom engraving/etching on various items (mostly decorative pistol slides and custom grips). I also do some 2D prototyping in delrin and leather as well as a few other select materials. For example, I have produced a number of leather tsuba for shinai that are customized with the user's name, mon, or other custom design.

EDIT: HEY! I just got promoted! I am no longer a "New Member" but have achieved the vaunted status of "Foot Soldier". SWEET!

[IvoryShogun]

So I decided it might be interesting to see a Mitsudomoe design in reverse so here is what I came up with. The first one is plain and the second one has stylized kanji per Dotanuki.

[Jason Moore]

Wow, those are nice!

[tanukimario]

Well i'm back in the U.S. now, and with wonderful jetlag, I have a lot of time on my hands since there's not much going on at 4 or 5 AM... So, I took the design I originally had, made some slight adjustments, and I decided to make it into 3D so that it has as better look.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/9667/tsubadesignpics1lh4.jpg

I clearly have too much free time. XD I would appreciate suggestions though of what I might need to change. Thanks!

[Dotanuki]

Tanukimario,
Wow, that last post blew me away. It was like looking at a finished product.
Both yours and Ivory Shogun's designs are FANTASTIC!!! Jason maybe instead of just selling swords you should start selling your own companies tsuba's, and pay these guys royalties for their designs, with their creativity I know they are not done yet!!

[Jason Moore]

OMG I think you are right! That is amazing design work! I am totally blown away by that 3d design....=D>

[IvoryShogun]

Wow, it's hard to compete with that kind of presentation! Great 3D.

[FrozenIpaq]

Speechless...besides...what program did you use to accomplish the rendering? I'm fully impressed by the quality and depth to your render and am unaware of a good commercial program (or freeware) that could do that.

I like how you clarified the SOM - I saw it in the original design but was difficult to make out to the naked eye not looking for SOM (You've got to be looking for it to see it I think)

[Taygrd]

That is truely amazing. =D>

[bobO]

Boy does that look awesome. I'm some kinda impressed! Well done!

[tanukimario]

Thanks everyone for their comments. I made this with 3ds max, and it took about 4-5 hours to make the 3D tsuba.

What I did to make this was take that drawing outline that I also posted up and I took that into Photoshop and I pretty much colored the tsuba design grey so that I can trace it out.

After I did that, I created a flat square plane and I mounted the grey outline tsuba onto the plane. Afterwards, I painstakingly outlined the entire tsuba by hand by using 2D lines.

Once the ENTIRE tsuba was drawn out in 2D (which took the majority of the time; between 2-3 hours), I made the 2D lines into nice curves so that the finished tsuba looks round and smooth instead of pointy and blocky. Then I used the modelling function "Bevel" which makes that 2D outline into a bulky 3D object. After that, the basic tsuba was done but at this stage it wouldn't look very nice because it needs some touch-ups.

If you look at the tsuba design, you will see four characters engraved into each corner. To do this, I wrote each of the characters by hand in 2D and then used "Extrude" to make it 3D. I then pretty much stuck the 3D characters into each of the corners, did a few clicks, and then what I had was engravings into the tsuba. At this stage, the letters wouldn't be very clear so under each of the letters, I added a dark grey square which is why it is a lot darker.

The tsuba at this point is almost complete, but it doesn't look very "realistic", so I opened up Photoshop again and I created a stone-like texture and I mapped it onto the tsuba to give it that rough rocky texture to it. A bare 3D object without any materials mapped to it won't look very good. It's the textures that you add to the object that makes it look finished, realistic, etc.

I really love making stuff in 3D. I'm only an ameteur and the skills that I have at this point are from what i've learned in a 3D Graphic Design class I took. I do plan on doing a lot of art-related/3D stuff in my life and I plan on learning as much as I can about this type of art.

[goose710]

That is soooooooooo cool, ya gotz talent! stay with it you'll go far
da goose710

[FrozenIpaq]

Thanks everyone for their comments. I made this with 3ds max, and it took about 4-5 hours to make the 3D tsuba.

What I did to make this was take that drawing outline that I also posted up and I took that into Photoshop and I pretty much colored the tsuba design grey so that I can trace it out.

After I did that, I created a flat square plane and I mounted the grey outline tsuba onto the plane. Afterwards, I painstakingly outlined the entire tsuba by hand by using 2D lines.

Once the ENTIRE tsuba was drawn out in 2D (which took the majority of the time; between 2-3 hours), I made the 2D lines into nice curves so that the finished tsuba looks round and smooth instead of pointy and blocky. Then I used the modelling function "Bevel" which makes that 2D outline into a bulky 3D object. After that, the basic tsuba was done but at this stage it wouldn't look very nice because it needs some touch-ups.

If you look at the tsuba design, you will see four characters engraved into each corner. To do this, I wrote each of the characters by hand in 2D and then used "Extrude" to make it 3D. I then pretty much stuck the 3D characters into each of the corners, did a few clicks, and then what I had was engravings into the tsuba. At this stage, the letters wouldn't be very clear so under each of the letters, I added a dark grey square which is why it is a lot darker.

The tsuba at this point is almost complete, but it doesn't look very "realistic", so I opened up Photoshop again and I created a stone-like texture and I mapped it onto the tsuba to give it that rough rocky texture to it. A bare 3D object without any materials mapped to it won't look very good. It's the textures that you add to the object that makes it look finished, realistic, etc.

I really love making stuff in 3D. I'm only an ameteur and the skills that I have at this point are from what i've learned in a 3D Graphic Design class I took. I do plan on doing a lot of art-related/3D stuff in my life and I plan on learning as much as I can about this type of art.

3ds Max would've been my guess (it's the only program I know of) but I've seen many people struggle with it and the depth of your creation had me deeply impressed - excellent job as an "amateur" (I think you deserve more credit than labeling yourself as an amatuer).

So, to get back on topic, which Tsuba design shall we choose for the all-mightly SOM prototype?

You've got tanukimario's abstract SOM design, IvoryShogun's Mitsudomoe and reverse Mitsudomoe design with Kanji characters and my simple abstract tsuba with Kanji symbols

[Jason Moore]

I am impressed with all of the designs, but lets take a vote!

[bobO]

Okay, put up one of them vote thingies.

[Jason Moore]

It is hard to put up a vote poll without knowing if Tanuki, frozen and Ivory want to be in the contest. I am still looking for a tsuba that has a more pronounced SOM integrated. If we just make a cool tsuba, people will copy it. If we have SOM integrated, they can't!

[IvoryShogun]

Hey, I am all for a contest. I think it would be awesome to have the tsuba designed by one of the SOM members (especially if it is me :) hehe). Here is another contribution that integrates the SOM. As you can see, I would like to see something other than a round design, but that is just personal preference.

[Mako]

I'm not gonna make any friends in this thread...that's for sure.:)
I've got to agree with Jason that the SOM should be more pronounced and make it so unique that it won't be copied but if it's in English,it just won't look right to me......soooooooooo for you guys who are far more clever than me this site may be of some use...or maybe not.

http://hwr.nici.kun.nl/unipen/kanji/english.html#B

Just a thought. :-?

[tanukimario]

It is hard to put up a vote poll without knowing if Tanuki, frozen and Ivory want to be in the contest. I am still looking for a tsuba that has a more pronounced SOM integrated. If we just make a cool tsuba, people will copy it. If we have SOM integrated, they can't!
I'm in! :>

[IvoryShogun]

Okay, here is a version that integrates the mitsudomoe with the SOM text. If desired, kanji can be added and/or the SOM could be replaced with the appropriate kanji.

[FrozenIpaq]

I'll see what I can come up with Jason - more difficult than I thought it would be, but a nice challenge always stimulates the brain :p

EDIT: I've been trying to add Kanji characters into most of the designs to see how they look and I find it very difficult to preserve their scale as there are several that have two characters (so I run into several problems scaling it correctly vertically - hard to fit it while making it legible and in a "producable" state).

Here is an extremely basic design -

http://jbaillargeon.googlepages.com/SOMTsubaPlain.png

It's hard to come up with a style that people are not able to rip off - so integrating SOM into a design will prove difficult for myself and my limited skills

[Jason Moore]

First pics of the prototype here for you! Check em out.

[Brian Brazier]

looks nice, I thought it was gonna have the tsuba like the white sword had

[FrozenIpaq]

Wow, I love it :) I was looking to make a new sword purchase as soon as I could find another sword that suited my tastes and this prototype is p-e-r-f-e-c-t! (Put me on the list (of people who want it :) ). One question though, is it going to be double pegged? I was just looking at the Musashi's Bamboo Katana (knew I saw that tsuba recently) and it's only single-pegged which disappointed me slightly

[Taygrd]

Looking Good Boss:king:

[tanukimario]

Wooow that looks great! :-O

[Jason Moore]

It is double pegged and remember guys, this is only a prototype. So the tsuba does not matter as it will have the som tsuba eventually. I may decide to carry this other one as I love the bamboo theme. (The menuki, fuchi and tsuba are all bamboo motif) Anyways it is a work in progress, but I may be taking bids on this prototype.....

I was actually sent two protos and I will post pics of that on Monday. This one features:

1065 carbon steel blade
Clay tempered (the hamon is very nice)
Bamboo themed tsuba,fuchi and menuki
Black laquered saya
Comes with sword bag

Also I may note that the sword is super sharp!

[bobO]

You Gonna Sell The Prototypes?

[FrozenIpaq]

It is double pegged and remember guys, this is only a prototype. So the tsuba does not matter as it will have the som tsuba eventually. I may decide to carry this other one as I love the bamboo theme. (The menuki, fuchi and tsuba are all bamboo motif) Anyways it is a work in progress, but I may be taking bids on this prototype.....

I was actually sent two protos and I will post pics of that on Monday. This one features:

1065 carbon steel blade
Clay tempered (the hamon is very nice)
Bamboo themed tsuba,fuchi and menuki
Black laquered saya
Comes with sword bag

Also I may note that the sword is super sharp!

Yeah, I'm a fan of the bamboo theme - but the only other bamboo katana that's low-priced was the musashi and I would much rather have this than that :p q

[Jason Moore]

I am indeed going to sell the prototype, but not sure about price. Maybe some bids....

[bobO]

Jason, Think about getting the menuki reversed, so they sit in the palm, should cause a buzz, and is more better, imo. Yeah bids would be good!

[mancosbob]

Wow guys, I go on an extended vacation and you all go nuts! I mean that in a good way of course. I'm liking the SOM katana idea a lot, maybe even make it available with a second tsuba. Don't ask me to pick, I just saw a lot of really nice work in the last 10 pages.

Personally, as long as one of the tsuba have the bamboo theme as a part of it, I will be very happy to add one to my growing collection.

Jason, might I just run the idea of an ito wrap, one I have seen refered to as a battle wrap;
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SADMG24Uu8X1cd8k5!cyuoDmEFrkvjzqpnKwASRIqmludpaXU MrM!j1DFqPxMgAOVSJesEWoyqsycgdat9JcaGjq86PnnSUU3H9 48iqkpF9UAAAAV3QVAg/P?dc=4675674676629103744

just a thought, I hope nobody shoots me. At some point, I'd like to see something with a natural wood scabard as well.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the idea, and welcome back!

[vhornung]

All I have seen here are real nice I am going to wait untill Jason comes out with the blade before I buy another one. Also Jacen have you considered making it a Daisho Set.

[Jason Moore]

Good idea.... it may be awhile before we get our own line, but we are working on it.

[69NINJA]

just a thought, I hope nobody shoots me. At some point, I'd like to see something with a natural wood scabard as well.



welcome back, wondered where you went.

As far as natural wood saya, have you seen this one yet?


http://www.swordsofmight.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=605



~

[bobO]

I'm on the same page as MB on this!

[Brian Brazier]

I am no to hot on the bamboo idea, but maybe offering a couple variations of the same sword, Jason have him take a look at this http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/samurai-katana-sword-42-ctg.htm this line of swords is made by fred chen for SSS, he uses Japanese fittings, and cotton, all for $300. Maybe the guy at Kawashima could do something similar, cause the fittings he is currently using are Masahiro rehashes, which wouldn't be bad if there wasn't already a bunch of other companies using them. That way you could have a line that is like something no one else has, even doing like 3 or 4 swords with Japanese fittings and materials, would be great cause then you can make 3 or 4 into allot more just by changing little things like tsuka ito and same color. Also could you maybe ask him to have more shape to the tsuka, so it follows the line of the sword, instead of the standard straight tsuka found on PC swords, and by having more shape that will create allot more buzz about this line. Also can he do like a 1095 thorough temped? instead of always the differently tempered. Also I would rather see no hamon, than a phony looking brushed hamon.

[Torawashi]

This guy that owns a factory in Lonquan (Pardon my spelling) contacted me and wants to make a line of swords for SOM. I was like, OK! He is the maker for Ryumon and Masahiro and just about every other brand out there besides Paul Chen. I am quite excited as pricing will be much cheaper than I could have hoped. He invited me to China to visit his factory and to hang out with him and zhou zheng wu! (Chris Zhou) They are best friends....

I am so excited I can barely contain myself! Anyways, I will let you know more as developements continue.

@Frozenipaq - I am not choosing a tsuba, I am designing one! :ohyeah:

Jason i'm definitely interested! Let me know when you have finalized the sword for sale. Anxious to see what it looks like.

[vanguard]

Wow guys, thats some great work!

I would also be interested in getting one of these swords.

[Jason Moore]

UPDATE:

I have a prototype with our tsuba on the way! Specs are as follows:

1095 hand forged and clay tempered blade

Iron SOM Tsuba

Black rayskin and silk wrapped tsuka

Black lacquered wood saya

I will give you pics as soon as it arrives (2-3 weeks) After that in about a month I will receive the first shipment. I will have about 30 to go around.

Price will be around the 200 dollar range.

I would like to thank Tanukimario for his awesome help on this.

[FrozenIpaq]

Great news! That was the only Tsuba that fitted your requirements/wishes so hats off to Tanukimario - I couldn't come up with any type of design, so good job on that tsuba!

It'll be interesting to see how this sword comes out (black rayskin in particular - it's not offered on many swords)

[Torawashi]

that's a great tsuba Jason. can't wait to see the sword!

[Taygrd]

That is going to be an awesome sword, one of a kind and very distinctive. Great work Jason and everyone.=D>

[tanukimario]

I really can't wait to see how the tsuba will look when it's actually made into the real thing rather than a 3D image. :D

[bobO]

This sounds great, love the tsuba, can't wait and all this for under 300$?

[Jason Moore]

Should be around 200-250 just have to see what shipping from China costs..:-<

[vanguard]

Nice, can't wait to see it!

[gypes37]

Were can i see this tsuba everyone is talking about. The whole idea sounds great and i like the black on black idea a lot but it seems everyone here knows the tsuba Jayson wants to use but i have no idea how to see it.

[gypes37]

Never mind i feel like an *** now. I see it lol. Srry for the double post.

[Tony Ferrill]

Can't wait-will make a good divorce present to myself!Tony

[gypes37]

Jayson, i was wondering what type of hamon the sword is going to have. Are you planning on putting a specific type or w/e the forge decides to do ?

[Jason Moore]

It will be a regular hamon.

[gypes37]

What about the geometry of the blade. Will it be shinogi zukuri ?

[gypes37]

Sorry for the double post but i was wondering if its possible to send in furniture for the sword and have that put on. Im talking about the lion dog set. I think that would look great with the black on black tsuka.

[Jason Moore]

At first, it will just be the practical version and later we will implement other options.

[Jason Moore]

Got pics from the forge!!!

:celebration::celebration::celebration:

[jwilliams]

This turned out really nice

[gypes37]

This is a very fine piece, i can't wait to own one. The buffalo horn is a very nice addition.

[Taygrd]

Wow! =D> Amazing katana.

[ranger97]

very nice.. need to start saving some money so i can get one when there available.

[goose710]

Jason
My i have serial #1 ???? or # 2 if you're keeping #1. Man that tsuba is nice the way they hammer peaned it Makes it a little different from the lazar cut-outs more betterer!!!!! when availible i'll take one !! just because!! the wife can't throw me out that easy!!
I am not kidding i wants one .

ps will the som tsuba be availible as a option to buy alone??

da gooseman

[Jason Moore]

We are planning to sell the tsuba alone as well.

[69NINJA]

oh yeah count me in!!! cant wait

[gypes37]

Jason have you decided upon a price yet... also i kow u already addressed it but i was wondering how long do you think till customizing options will be available ?

[Jason Moore]

No exact pricing yet. I am still picking out fittings and such.

[tanukimario]

Wow, the tsuba design turned out really well! :ohyeah:

[goose710]

Tanukimario
I think the YOU did a great job on that there tsuba dude! MAKES THE LOOK !
DA GOOSEMAN

[Torawashi]

abso-FREAKIN'-lootly bee-yoo-tee full.........I want #3 or the one right after Goose.........if the quality is as good as them pictures, you got a winner on your hands buddy! let me know when they're available. congratulations to the design team, jolly good show!

[69NINJA]

Ill take # 6 and # 9!!! I wanted 2 of em anyway lol.

[bobO]

I think the guy with the most posts on the forum(not counting Jason), should get #1, Goose don't get greedy!

[69NINJA]

I think the guy with the most posts on the forum(not counting Jason), should get #1, Goose don't get greedy!


Great that means i have to post at least 1,090 more times before the sword comes in so I can take the lead=))

[69NINJA]

oops*cough cough* sorry for the double post=))=))



Im just kidding, forgive me.

[Jason Moore]

Lol, thanks for your enthusiasm guys. I really appreciate all you guys do and you will all get #1...:-/

[bobO]

Looking at the Hamon, it doesn't look to be brushed on. Could it be real?

[menukisan]

that sword really looks good. I especially like the black rayskin, and T and all others involve, great job

[Brian Brazier]

looking good, I cannot wait to do some cutting with one

[Jason Moore]

Looking at the Hamon, it doesn't look to be brushed on. Could it be real?

Oh it's real....it's damn real!

[gypes37]

Looks great, damn great lol. Jason i really can't wait to have one.

[FrozenIpaq]

Oh it's real....it's damn real!

:flaming: I soooo want one but can't afford it seeing how I'm in college at the moment. Money is tight and I do not have time for a job to earn the required money. Although I just got an email about a notetaker being needed for one of my lectures so I've jumped on that (hopefully I'll get it).

Jason this is truly looking to be quite a great piece (and a unique tsuba indeed :) )

[Tony Ferrill]

Reserve one for Tony.....preordering???

[bobO]

I'm doing a layaway on this one for sure, cause Jason said, I'm getting #1!

[Jason Moore]

I will be sure to announce pre-orders here first!

[Maynar]

I just discovered this thread. Awesome sword, and some fantastic tsuba work goin' on here!

I had a thought: Jason, what about offering color choices for ito wrap, down the road? Personally I'd like some distinctive colours other than just black on white, or black on black.

I'm thinking blue, red or green, but just having some choices would be a great idea. Oh, and perhaps a matching saya colour, in some cases?

Just thinkin ' out loud...

[PinoyFili]

Just discovered this thread also and I gotta say the sword looks great.=P~ I will be dipp'n in the cookie jar for this one.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the suggestion Maynar, I will definitely be offerring a bunch of choices down the road.

[JohnnyRotten]

Jason, been gone awhile and just found this thread. Your katana is a thing of beauty!!! I think I've found my next sword.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks Johnny! We will be taking pre-orders as soon as I get the final details hammered out. I need all of you opinions on something. Which tsuba would you rather from the one's below:

[FrozenIpaq]

Ah that's a tough one Jason. Difficult to judge with one off and one on, but if I had to pick one I might pick the second one

[bobO]

Are you referring to the finish?, cause they look the same to me.

[Jason Moore]

Did you forget you glasses today?? :) The one has a hammered look to it and the other is like a smooth black finish.

[Taygrd]

Hammered look is my vote. Dresses it up.

[bobO]

LOL, Got glasses, hammered look for sure. Getting old sux's.

[FrozenIpaq]

LOL, Got glasses, hammered look for sure. Getting old sux's.

I've had glasses since I was 8 I think and the difference was clear to me ;) Could just be your computer monitor and your viewing angle (if viewed at the wrong angle they could be seen as similar I believe)

[ranger97]

i think i like the smooth finish look

[69NINJA]

um.... One of each. yeah I know Im no help.

[Jason Moore]

I may end up getting it in both if possible

[Brian Brazier]

I perfer a smooth finish, but having an option may be good, also any word on getting the saya done in kuroishimi the textured finish

[Mako]

Kuroishime or any matte finish would be my preference as I've read that it's easily 'touched up' when the saya gets scratched [and it will] opposed to a deeply laquered saya where the surface is very delicate when the sword is not just for display and will be in regular use.

[tanukimario]

I personally like the hammered one better, but the smooth one looks nice too. I originally designed the tsuba to not only represent SOM, but also the four elements which can be seen in the tsuba. (Bottom left is fire, top is water, and the squirls at the bottom right is air/wind) If you notice, there's nothing that represents earth. The tsuba itself is supposed to represent rock/earth and that's why in the original 3D design, it looked textured and unsmooth like a rock.

[Mako]

I personally like the hammered one better, but the smooth one looks nice too. I originally designed the tsuba to not only represent SOM, but also the four elements which can be seen in the tsuba. (Bottom left is fire, top is water, and the squirls at the bottom right is air/wind) If you notice, there's nothing that represents earth. The tsuba itself is supposed to represent rock/earth and that's why in the original 3D design, it looked textured and unsmooth like a rock.
Sorry...I kinda drifted off to the finish on the saya and not the tsuba but I think the same thing applies to both in the long term,for a sword that's meant to be used and not just a 'closet queen'. ;)

[gypes37]

I have to agree with Mako, i think for functionalities sake the saya should be matte... i also like that look better lol. And as far as the tsuba goes i would say the hammered look suites this sword best.

[Torawashi]

definitely the hammer one Jason.......looks antique. Nice sword

[Dotanuki]

Definitely the hammered look tsuba for me also, with the matte saya.

Tanukimario,
A very well thought out tsuba, a excellent explaination of your artistic thought process. =D>

[vhornung]

I agree the hammered look is much nicer.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the input guys!

[bobO]

I personally like the hammered one better, but the smooth one looks nice too. I originally designed the tsuba to not only represent SOM, but also the four elements which can be seen in the tsuba. (Bottom left is fire, top is water, and the squirls at the bottom right is air/wind) If you notice, there's nothing that represents earth. The tsuba itself is supposed to represent rock/earth and that's why in the original 3D design, it looked textured and unsmooth like a rock. I agree with Dotanuki, very very cool!

[Brian Brazier]

Kuroishime or any matte finish would be my preference as I've read that it's easily 'touched up' when the saya gets scratched [and it will] opposed to a deeply laquered saya where the surface is very delicate when the sword is not just for display and will be in regular use.

thanks for the spelling correction I usually spell Kuroishime correctly I must have been in a hurry. I have owned at least 10 swords with a Kuroishime finish on the saya and it resists scratches and dents better than any other finish (besides maybe bare wood like my Hyashi Custom) and yes it is easy to touch up cause most of the time the finish doesn't dent so all you have to do is get a black paint close to the finish and touch it up, I also like to wait till the touch up is tacky and blot it with a towel or rag so it blends in with the paint.

oh and one other thing, the reason I don't endorse the hammered antique look is the rest of the fittings are matte black from what I remember, if they had more of an antique look I would say hammered defiantly

[DCRacing51]

how about something other that black on black. maybe cammo? how about purple on purple

[DCRacing51]

about the black on black? how about purple on purple or maybe camo???

[Jason Moore]

I think for now, I just want to stick with traditional....

[Jason Moore]

Just opened up a box and I was sent the prototype from the factory! I am giving you a sneek peek picture below. I will have more to follow as well as pre-order info... It is more beautiful than I ever expected!

[bobO]

I want one! I mean, I really want one. The hamon on this looks great. I like the black on black. More detailed pic,s please. Did I mention I want one. How,s it feel in hand? How much? I'm doing a job by you, I can come up and see this bad boy for myself and put down a down payment.

[Jason Moore]

Not sure about price yet, still deciding on details. I am thinking about doing 2 versions. 1 with matte saya and hammered look tsuba and one with lacquered saya and gunmetal finish tsuba. I will have more pics and pricing info soon!

[Jason Moore]

Each one of these will be numbered on the tang as follows: SOM #??? and be accompanied by a certificate with the number and sword info. I am going to be taking pre-orders now. The Sword will com with 2 sword bags and a maintenance kit. Forum Price is $250 AND NUMBERS WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. You can private message or call to pre-order. Swords are due in around Middle to end of November.

There will be two versions available:

1 Matte speckled saya finish with hammered tsuba look: Item# SOMKATANA1

2 Lacquered Saya with smooth finish tsuba: Item# SOMKATANA2

[Jason Moore]

Pics:

These are the prototype and the finished product will be slightly different. The menuki will be silver, but they will resemble swords.

[gypes37]

Thats one serious looking blade, can't wait... im getting a new job soon so i can blow all my money on pretty instruments of death again.

[Torawashi]

Jason, beautiful sword my friend. congratulations it's a winner! I'm gonna have to put away a few bucks and get one if I can manage that before they're all gone.........the black on black tsuka really looks great!!

[Jason Moore]

The Hammered tsuba and matte finish are all that's going....do you guys think I should just stick with that?

[bobO]

Yup!

[FrozenIpaq]

Love the katana Jason! The sword menuki was a great idea and did not even know they made them in that design. The black same and silver menuki will really separate it from other swords (not counting the unique tsuba design ;) ). If only money grew off of trees :(

[Brian Brazier]

I believe everyone prefers the textured saya, I like the saya but I am not hot on the hammered Tsuba, maybe you could offer the black Tsuba as an option, or sell it separately

[Jason Moore]

Cool idea Brian! I am going to do that!

[Torawashi]

Jason; I think the hammered tsuba will be the most popular, along with the textured saya, however I believe Brian's right about the other tsuba being offered as an option. great sword!

[Jason Moore]

I just spoke with the forge and they are working on the swords now. They should be here the first half of November. I thank all of you for your pre-orders and urge any of you that want one to order asap as they are going fast. (And they have not even been put up for official pre-order on the main site!) I have done away with the 2nd option and the sword will just feature the Matte saya and hammered tsuba. Specs are as follows:

1095 carbon steel blade
Differentially tempered
Hammered look SOM iron tsuba
Black rayskin and silk wrapped tsuka
Double pegged
Black matte finish saya
Silver menuki
Each sword will come with a sword bag and a certificate of authenticity serialized with the number that matches on the tang of the sword.

[gypes37]

Good stuff, should be the first thing i buyu with my next paycheck.

[Torawashi]

I already have a special place reserved for one on the mantle piece....hurry November!!

[Kurubushi Kamu]

No mention of the horn koiguchi and kurikata Jason? They look so nice I hope you just forgot to list 'em..lol. Very,very nice sword, with features that would cost ALOT more elsewhere. Did you do away with the 2 bags and cleaning kit as well? Thanks ..its a beauty, waiting patiently ... KK

[Jason Moore]

Thanks for the reminder! Kurikata and koiguchi are still buffalo horn and it will come with 2 sword bags and a maintenance kit.

[Kurubushi Kamu]

No Sir..Thank You! ..and dont forget the sageo...lol. I'm assuming it matches the ito (silk). Not to nit pick of course.. just thought everyone might like to know..the features on this just get better and better...:celebration:..KK

[Jason Moore]

The sageo is silk as shown in the picture.

[Jason Moore]

There will be a very limited amount of the gunmetal tsuba (just the tsuba) for sale also. Each will be around 39.99 (give or take) Forum price will be 34.99 each.

[HeadCheese]

I realize that I'm new here and somewhat late to the party, as it were, but are there any more available for pre-order? That is one attractive sword. I particularly like the shaping of the tsuka.

[Jason Moore]

Hello and welcome to the forum! We are still taking pre-orders for the November shipment.

[vhornung]

Welcome back from yur honeymoon hope you had a wonderfull time !It's good to have you back.

Vic

[Jason Moore]

Thanks Vic, glad to be back! :)

[HeadCheese]

Hello and welcome to the forum! We are still taking pre-orders for the November shipment.
My wife actually said to me just moments ago, "why haven't you already pulled the trigger on that deal?"

Guess who's pre-ordering when we get back in from our running around? ;-)

Jason, I'll contact you tomorrow via LiveChat to work out the details. I might enquire about a specific serial number, if it's still available.

[Jason Moore]

Sounds good!

[vhornung]

Hey Jason ! Any news on when the swords will arrive :duel:
Vic

[Jason Moore]

None yet, I will post when I know more.

[Jason Moore]

Ok guys, here is the skinny.

The forge was having some problems with the steel they were getting and will have a delay...

We are now shooting for December. My apologies, but it is out of my control. If anyone that pre-ordered does not want to wait, you can get a refund by calling or emailing.

[HeadCheese]

That stings more than a little, especially since I have the patience of a gnat...

Any other information you can pass on that might help to make an informed decision? Are we allowed to know who is making the swords?

[Brian Brazier]

better to wait then have problems

[Jason Moore]

I agree with you Brian....

The same people who make Masahiro, Ryumon, Kawashima, Katsumoto and just about every other sword besides Chen and Musashi are making the swords.

[HeadCheese]

I guess I'll just have to order something to tide me over, then... ;-)

[Torawashi]

Guys these things happen with new models.......don't lose heart, hang in there and wait or order one from Jason when they come in.......these are great katanas!

[HeadCheese]

Guys these things happen with new models.......don't lose heart, hang in there and wait or order one from Jason when they come in.......these are great katanas!

I'm not going anywhere. But, being as this was intended to be my 40th birthday present from my wife and re-entry into sword-collection, you can understand my disappointment that it didn't show up 20 minutes before I placed my order. <grin>

I'm just eager and excited to get something in-hand, as it were, and have gotten spoiled on the instant gratification of internet shopping.

I can wait, though. I agree with Brian, too. I'd rather have a katana that was worth the wait than something that serves as a bitter reminder of the perils of impatience.

[Dotanuki]

Ok guys, here is the skinny.

The forge was having some problems with the steel they were getting and will have a delay...

We are now shooting for December. My apologies, but it is out of my control. If anyone that pre-ordered does not want to wait, you can get a refund by calling or emailing.

Read this the other day, then I had the strangest dream last night; :goodnight:

I dreamed there was a giant cave in a mountain, in the middle there was a giant cavern.
In that cavern, goose, Taygrd and BobO were all chained to anvils, pounding away making swords. There were flames everywhere :flaming: kind of looked like a scene from hell! >:)
Taygrd kept muttering "A watched pot nevers boils!" X(
Standing upon a rock outcrop was Chairman Mao, wearing a Santa suit, with a whip in his hands! :-O
Insanely laughing he kept going on, saying he was the Red Santa! When he turned around though, I noticed he had a Ninja Kanji tattooed on the back of his neck. :jawdrop:
Strange Dream! :-/ 8-}

I realized then, that I should of never ate that leftover pizza I found at Mancosbob's place! :-< Marv did warn me! :hahaskull:
Although it might have been the :lager: :tequila: :boozing:

BTW, I chipped one of my teeth on a old shell casing that was under some mozzarella cheese. =P

[Kurubushi Kamu]

Alas.. the wait continues. China's forges must be awfully busy this time of year, there's been a delay of the SBG sword as well. Good things do take time. As a collector for some time now I realize this is just par for the course..I've had 4 blades off for polish since '03 and would gladly wait another 5 years(in Japan it would take longer!). It can be a $30,000 blade or a $300 sword, the bottom line is hand work takes time and though these blades are machine forged they are still hand assembled and a limited run. As I always say when asked my favorite sword is the next one...Thanks Again Jason! Waiting Patiently.. KK

[Jason Moore]

From what I have been hearing from many forges, the Olympics are to blame. They shut down all sword production facilities during the olympics in China. I have heard this from 3 different forges...

[goose710]

Dotanuki
Dude ! you gotta start writing down yer dreams and you'll be the next Steven King!! Da red santa part waaaay cool!
ps stop with the shrooms
pps what caliber sheel casings?? it do have a bearing on the dream!
ya made me laugh
da gooseman

[mancosbob]

I realized then, that I should of never ate that leftover pizza I found at Mancosbob's place! :-< Marv did warn me! :hahaskull:
Although it might have been the :lager: :tequila: :boozing:

BTW, I chipped one of my teeth on a old shell casing that was under some mozzarella cheese. =P


Dude, that was the left over pizza from Bark at the Moon, I've got the Munchies Night! I have good news and bad news; the good news first, that wasn't mozzarella cheese you found the shell casings under, it was some TWINKIE cream we had stored since before Y2K and was twenty years out of date back then!

The bad news is, the chipped tooth won't matter soon, there was a little somthing EXTRA in those mushrooms; to put it mildly, one mushroom slice was to be diced up and divided amongst 10 party goers for our "Lost Weekend Jamboree & Bris". Tommy Chong took a pass on those man. So if I were you; I'd avoid working on or being around anything like heavy equipment on down to pencil sharpeners for about the next 17 weeks; and that means nothing sharp either!

Oh, and one last thing, the moment the sky begins to blink between blue and bright orange, you are well advised to fall to the floor in a prone position with legs and arms outstretched. Not that will really help you, but it makes it tougher for you to fly out of the window!
>:) =P~:-O~X(:hahaskull:

[Dotanuki]

Mancosbob,
=)) You know I'm almost afraid to keep answering these posts (I said almost), as I know you're only just getting started.:-O

Don't worry about the mushrooms, the Doc told me not to eat them. (bad for the guts) :hahaskull:
I surprised Marv didn't tell you, he told me to save them for you though.
If you look up at that collage you got going on your kitchen ceiling, that's where Marv told me to flick em' (he helped too). Just to warn you though, the hard green ones up there, are boogers (Marv did it!)
Marv told me to sign my name under my booger, I was really quite surprised to see all the famous names up there. :ohyeah:
(Hunter S. Thompson?)
You know if you ever move, take that ceiling with you, probably fetch a good buck on E-Bay!

goose,
I think that shell casing was from one of his uranium depleted .50 cal rounds, I can now brush my teeth even in the dark anymore, as they now have a glow about them.

:ranting: To all our younger members, we are only joking about drug use.
In reality, drugs are not funny in the least, and often lead to a true nightmare existence.
Joking around can be funny, actual drug use is not!

This is your brain on drugs! :flaming:

Right Marv?

[Maynar]

Drugs 'R' baad, mmkay? ;)

[mancosbob]

Yeah, you guys are right; using illegal drugs is not good for your survival skills, sword handeling, or long term health. I was in High School when 'Cheech and Chong' came on the scene, and always loved their warped and crazy sense of humor, their movies were so crazy too.

I should have known better, Tommy Chong did 9 months in Taft's Fed lock-up; not for dope or not passing a dope test, not even for selling bongs that had his picture on them. He did 9 months because he made millions of dollars making fun of the Government's war on drugs; the judge mentioned the movie "UP IN SMOKE" as a prime example.

Now that he is out and on tour, he gets asked, "What was Jail Like?"

His answer is always the same, "You'll find out!"

[HeadCheese]

Man, did this thread ever twist completely off.... ;-)

So, er.... that Katana thingy... you know....

Any news? New pictures to drool on? Thoughts or plans of what you'll do with yours?

[69NINJA]

Drugs 'R' baad, mmkay? ;)

=))=)) I almost wrote that yesterday but I restrained myself, now I wish i didnt=))

[Dotanuki]

Man, did this thread ever twist completely off.... ;-)

So, er.... that Katana thingy... you know....

Any news? New pictures to drool on? Thoughts or plans of what you'll do with yours?

Hey, There is no such thing as off-topic on this Forum!
That's what makes us unique! =)
No boring linear train of thought for us! :ohyeah:

Patience
After all those years of Aikido training and still no patience.
What was that old vulture joke?
"Patience Hell! I'm going to kill something!"

Here watch this forge video from Cheness;

http://www.chenessinc.com/theforge.htm

Look at these poor guys working the forge.
Now imagine some boss/overseer standing over them with a switch yelling "Faster, we're behind schedule!"
No doubt, that's what's happening right now with your sword.

Olympics!
Makes sense, seemed like the Chinese were more worried about the Olympics than the earthquake victims also.
Notice how the Chinese at the Olympics, seem to lack the traits of individuality? Most of the demonstrations (although impressive) seemed to have a blank mind control look to them.

Knew a guy who visited chinese production shops, told me they use people for everything, saves on overhead. He told me this shop didn't use towmotors, when they wanted to move something, they called everyone in the shop over, they then picked it up and carried it to the location. One gets injured you just throw him out and get a new one, just as we would a light bulb. Then people wonder how they can undercut anything we do here on price.

It is a great looking sword though, Jason always has had excellent taste in swords. (how about that, back on topic!):)

Always remember to remove any drool immediately from your sword! =P~

[HeadCheese]

Heh...

Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking anybody to go faster, especially where quality is paramount to the finished product. Nor am I complaining... well, not much anyway. (Whining might be a better choice of word)

I know better than to complain loudly about the staff at a restaurant before the meal arrives. One never knows what sort of extra seasoning might get added...@-)

No, my friends I'm just that kid who can't wait quietly for Christmas to come - the one who checks the calendar every day, counting the days, hours and minutes. I'm the one that keeps clicking on the "New Posts" button at the top of the page, looking to see if there are updates in this thread that might say something about Tsungbo the Ito-wrapper of mystery-forge "X" practicing some new form of knuckle-cracking in anticipation of amazing us all with his skills with silk.

As for Aikido teaching me patience? Hah!
Perseverance, perhaps... but there's always new feedback and information to process when I train, so I always have something to keep me interested and occupied. If 40 years on the planet haven't taught me patience, what's a measly 18 years of Aikido?;)

Just eager - hopeful - expectant.

[69NINJA]

=)) well said lol

[Torawashi]

.....the voices in my head keep telling me......."don't read this thread, don't read this thread"........I knew it was gonna be a bad day when my fortune cookie at lunch today said "you are a loser, go home and kill yourself"=))

[bobO]

Lord! I love this forum!

[Dotanuki]

...I knew it was gonna be a bad day when my fortune cookie at lunch today said "you are a loser, go home and kill yourself"=))

Tora,
If you would of checked the kitchen, you probably would have found one of your ex-wives made that cookie!! =))

Better check out that voices in your head thing though! @-)

With a sword this nice looking,(SOM) I can see why everyone is so excited (see, back on topic!) :karate:

Jason, you really should find us a samurai smiley!

[Jason Moore]

Jason, you really should find us a samurai smiley!



How about these?? Lone_Samurai Samurai_Death

[Taygrd]

How about these?? Lone_Samurai Samurai_Death
I was watching the peasant and samurai and thought are they just going to stand there, then wacka!!!!!!!

[69NINJA]

Samurai_Death sweet! That smiley reminds me of the first time I found out booze and swords dont mix! I was just trying to show my friend he could see his reflection in the blade and WHOOPS! Now thats 2 states I cant go back to:-<.

~

[Tony Ferrill]

You guys make me smile!!!T

[HeadCheese]

I see that the SBG Custom swords are finally starting to trickle in, meaning that the chinese bottleneck must be finally opening back up again.

Are we still on for a December delivery, given that things that don't ship in early December will likely not make it until the New Year, due to the holiday crush?

Any update from the forge?

[Jason Moore]

They gave me a time today of about 2 1/2 weeks. Cross your fingers that customs doesn't hold up the boat!!!:Praying:

[HeadCheese]

They gave me a time today of about 2 1/2 weeks. Cross your fingers that customs doesn't hold up the boat!!!:Praying:

Excellent (to have some) news! That means the Customs Agents should have them by Christmas. When WE get them is another thing, entirely...:king:

C'mon lucky 11.....


Thanks for the quick reply, Jason!

[Bladeblazer]

Awesome, while you are there you can see if they can have a Shinto Priest bless the blades. Have the priest bless the blades and sign the certificates as well:ohyeah: I know my Honda was blessed by one.

[mancosbob]

Awesome, while you are there you can see if they can have a Shinto Priest bless the blades. Have the priest bless the blades and sign the certificates as well:ohyeah: I know my Honda was blessed by one.


I'll take my blade plain, if thats okay; the only blessing on mine should come from the man polishing the blade...
maybe have the delivery date promise blessed by somebody, that might be helpful.

Marv will be inconsoleable on Christmas morning with his stocking hanging empty... and a po'ed Marv is not pretty;
remember what happened last time:
http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp196/mancosbob/XpcMARV.jpg

[Kurubushi Kamu]

I was wondering (after re-reading this thread for the umpteenth time!) what happens to the prototypes of this sword? Am I right in assuming that anything "one of a kind" winds up in Jason's personal collection? It must be quite the display! Just curious as I've seen more than one prototype here.. they all look good! Cheers.. KK

[Jason Moore]

Yea, they end up mine :king:

[HeadCheese]

Speaking of ...

We're just waiting on the SOM Katanas to hit customs Stateside now, right?

[Jason Moore]

You are correct. The man. told me yesterday it should be any day now, but until I hear from them, just waiting. They will have to get the container in to their California warehouse and then inventory and then ship to me, then I ship to you. Might be a little while yet. I will let you know when I have more.

[mancosbob]

Kilroy was here B-)

[the blade master]

referenc kilroy
no he wasnt he died in 1952 inspecting some portholes in a secret submarine
at the naval dockyards in the states somwhere some rotten sod painted an
above water scene on one and being drunk he decided to open it for some fresh air
whilst at 15 fathoms below the rest as they say is history

[RedZorak]

I agree with you Brian....

The same people who make Masahiro, Ryumon, Kawashima, Katsumoto and just about every other sword besides Chen and Musashi are making the swords.

Yes, Paul Chen has his own forge. :)

[mancosbob]

referenc kilroy
no he wasnt he died in 1952 inspecting some portholes in a secret submarine at the naval dockyards in the states somwhere... :detective:


Uh, only HMS subs have opening port holes (HMS Astute is a good example), which was a concession made after the SAS lost their screen doors in a regemental card game with the Palace Guards (the masters of the poker face, come on now). Kilroy is my room mate Marv's great uncle, and he ain't dead, he just smells that way... =))