Ron Best Integral Wakizashi

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betzner

betzner

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Seldom do I ever find a non-Warenski that screams to me to add it to the permanent part of my collection. Such is the case with this piece. I've always loved the form of Japanese swords, particularly the wakizashi. And I've admired Ron Best's work from the moment I saw one of his integral pieces in 2007, the year before he won his first Cronk award. This waki is from that time period. It has all the features I could possibly want - the Japanese form, wonderful engraving and superb ivory inlays. Perhaps not at all what a collector of traditional Japanese swords would care for, but it sure suits my tastes nonetheless. I've included Coop's wonderful image twice, as I think both the vertical and horizontal aspects are equally wonderful.

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(image by SharpByCoop.com)
 
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Another exceptional piece my friend.....quite exquisite. :)
 
Great form, the only thing this collector doesn't care for is the hamon/pseudo hamon that runs off the edge.

Other than that, SPECTACULAR.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I must say, this sword gives me a bit of a boner.
 
I agree with Steven but other then that it is a wonderful looking blade. I would love to see that guy with a traditional hamon. Still as stated an exceptional blade.
 
What struck me was, of course that this is an integral sword. That means the ENTIRE piece started as a steel block larger than the OD of the guard. :eek: :thumbup: There were some chips on the floor. ;)

Secondly, the hamon, although not as wispy mysterious as a true Japanese piece, has a symmetrical pattern that aligns itself with the precision of the entire build. Nothing was random. Yang.

....until you get to the dreamy ivory, and then Jere Davidson's hand carved/hammered engraving. Yin.

A challenging project for me, however, the outcome shows it's magnificence.

Bob: Thank you and congratulations on this!
 
Yeah wasnt trying to down play anything with my comment. Its still leaps and bounds farther then what I can create. The whole does go together and it is all an amazing piece. I was just thinking of what it would look like otherwise. Not so much a criticism as more of personal thoughts.
 
JParanee said:
Bob is there a Saya ?
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Joe,

No Saya. The plan has been to display it in an upright stand, partly of cocobolo, being made by Bill Rice of Moon Dance by the Sea, a local Central Coast artist/forger/engraver/carver. It's in the works.
 
SharpByCoop said:
What struck me was, of course that this is an integral sword. That means the ENTIRE piece started as a steel block larger than the OD of the guard. :eek: :thumbup: There were some chips on the floor. ;)
Click to expand...

I find that really spectacular as well!

Beautiful sword!

Kind regards,

Jos
 
The last time i had feelings like this, I was at a college party in a guest bedroom, and a redheaded cheerleader had just taken her top off

That thing was made for ME!! I am in love
 
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