looking for a custom menuki maker

sierra11b

sierra11b

Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
622
Hello,

I rarely post here. I spend most of my time over at SFI. I am wondering who everyone would recommend for a custom menuki commission? Need someone with enough metallurgy know-how to utilize shakudo on copper.

I know damn near everyone in the Japanese sword industry. Even a lot of koshirae makers in Japan. But I wanted to try my luck here as many well known koshirae makers aren't taking commissions anymore. Patrick Hastings and Shuji Yamamoto "Tomoji" are a couple of these people. Basically wanted to tap into the custom knife maker's talent as I never have before.

I am mounting a gendaito made my koyama 'chikushu' nobumitsu from the mid 20th century. It is an excellent, fast piece. It will be dedicated and presented to my Japanese father-in-law who's family can be easily traced back to Bushi blood. The motif will be done in their Samurai family crest and tree motif. Tree because their last name, Araki, roughly translates to "Wild Tree."

The fuchi/kashira are these antique shakudo set, the tsuba is a brown patina sukashi (open work) in the family crest currently being done by a tsuba maker in Japan. The mounting and habaki will be done by Robin Ramirez. Dark brown doeskin ito on a black same and the gold dust Family crests into the saya: Much like his work here: http://www.summerchild.com/hc_1086Mshobufok.htm

THE MENUKI: I want a pine tree style menuki. Was thinking copper for the bark and the leaves in black shakudo, or visa versa. The pine tree to be done in a similar, traditional Japanese style seen here: http://swordstore.com/dylist/00menuki/M62.jpg & http://www.legacyswords.com/ren/DSC00004.JPG I like the first set I posted but do not want anything in this project to be mass-produced. I want everything to unique as it's a special project.

So that's my project! Anyone want to lead me into the right direction?

Thanks in advance,

Eric :)
 
Thanks. Went ahead and sent an email to Mr. Bradshaw. Like most Japanese style smiths, I though Mr. Bradshaw only did custom fittings for a complete sword commission? I guess i'll find out...

Anyone else?
 
I would contact Scott Slobodian. He makes menuki for his swords and tantos and also does other minature figures. He is very proficient at carving and casting. I would guess he would be happy to discuss your project with you.

http://www.slobodianswords.com/
 
Sierra-
You've already gotten some great recommendations, but I'd like to tip you onto another whole path.

When I took metalsmithing courses down at SUI Carbondale, there were several very talented artists who worked in Shakudo, Shibuichi, etc. Since SIU is the only school in the country to offer degrees in certain areas of metalsmithing, and they have a branch in Nakajo, Japan, there were folks in my classes from all over the US and Japan. I've lost contact with many of them over the years, but a few calls and you could probably find someone entirely capable.

Richard Mawdsley is the director of the metals department, and he has given me tips in the past when I was looking for someone to do specialized work. Richard has also taught at the ABS school, as I recall. I can provide a phone number if you (or anyone else here) is interested.
 
Capricorn61 said:
E-mail me the pics for the menuki,I've been a jewelry modelmaker for 15 years.I can carve the wax model if you are interested.My e-mail address is rhaney44@yahoo.com. Rick Haney.
Click to expand...


Emailed you, Rick.

Slobidan and Kelso are off the list. One doesn't do such menuki and the other isn't taking commissions. :(
 
Hey Sierra,After looking at the pics you have shown on this thread.I would do the trunk of the pine tree separately,Make the leaves to fit the trunk.I always wanted to make some menukis,I guarantee You'll like it! :D Rick.
 
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