Hell all. Yes, I have a question but here is a memory also.

[Tsujigiri]

We use the forged blades in the dojo for tameshigiri - cutting practice on rolled grass mats (tatami).
Have you ever tried folding or pattern welding?

I have played around a bit with folding mild steel until I made it into a fairly high carbon steel, but it's a complete pain in the arse, especially with having to naturalise the steel after every 6 or so folds.

Pattern welding is something I am playing with at the moment, I am trying to make a small leafblade pattern welded so that when it's polished it will show the plaited metal.

I am however very lazy, I generally buy the hilt and mount the blade to it. The only hilts I have made are for the Katana and for an athame I made for a witch friend of mine.
Oh, and I make the shafts for the spears and naginata/nagamaki that I have made.

[Neon]

Hi Gary, nice to meet you and glad you found us at Chronicles. And kinda along the same samurai/swords conversation, I just bought the Last Samurai on DVD this week, hehe.

[Tsujigiri]

Originally Posted by Leto

What martial arts are you teaching in your Dojo to use steel swords ?

I teach and study something called Bu Jutsu, which is a weapon heavy style concentrating on ancient battlefield techniques.

Only Dan Grades are allowed 'live' blades, the unranked students use blunt iaito.

[Leto]

Sounds interesting, I'll check if there's a dojo available in Paris;

[Tsujigiri]

Originally Posted by Leto

Sounds interesting, I'll check if there's a dojo available in Paris;

If you do then be careful. I don't teach a traditional Koryu style, in fact there are only about 15 people outside of Japan who do.

Alternately you could look for Aikido, Aiki-Jutsu, Traditional Ju Jutsu (not Brazilian) or Ken jutsu.

[Leto]

I do practice ju-jutsu and aikido already.

[Tsujigiri]

Originally Posted by Leto

I do practice ju-jutsu and aikido already.

The only real difference between what you already do and what I study and teach is the fact that we concentrate on close quarters and archaic battlefield techniques.

If you're ever over here you're welcome to come and trainw ith us

[Leto]

I'll remember that, and I'll take the opportunity if I have it.

[Gary Hamilton]

Tsujigiri, I had a guy start training me on pattern welding and you have to use a hammer WAY too much. Stock removal is much easier.

[Tsujigiri]

I cheat, the guy who teaches me has a converted Victorian powerhammer which I use for all the shaping work....

[Alexa]

Hi Gary Hamilton. Nice to meet you. Welcome to the forum.

[GaryHamilton]

Hello, thankyou.

[Princess Ivy]

hi babe, new gary, or forget your password?