Japanese Sword Restoration
We can restore your sword back to its original beauty using only traditional methods but it must be evaluated in hand first. Mr. Becerra is professionally trained in Japan as a sword polisher, and saya maker. Please view Mr. Becerra’s about page to familiarize yourself with him and his professional views on Art sword polishing and restoration.
ALL SWORDS ARE PERSONALLY POLISHED BY MOSES BECERRA
“Please note that all prices are approximated and not fixed. The final cost will be determined upon evaluating the blade in hand.”
Approximate Cost for polish:
- High grade art polish: $95.00-$120.00 per inch
- Preservation grade polish: $65.00-$85.00 per inch
(preservation grade polish is only done for special reasons such as lower sword quality that is still valued as a family heirloom. High quality swords will only receive a art grade polish. We reserve the right to turn down preservation grade polishing work.)
Also….please keep in mind that Mr. Becerra specializes in the older style of polishing that is known as Sashikomi. This is a unique style that very few polishers can do any longer. In Japan polishers that have mastered this style charge a premium for a Sashikomi polish because it is much harder to do. Mr. Becerra prefers to specialize in this style, he enjoys the challenge and beauty of this older style of polishing and does not charge any extra fees for this work.
Turnaround time is about 12-18 months.
Email us at NihontoAntiques@comcast.net
Repairing Horimono or very damaged blades (deep chips or deep rust) must be evaluated in hand for an accurate quote.
Sashikomi / Kesho
Back to Top
The polishing of swords is a complicated matter, and a certain sense is required to achieve a beautiful result. There are different types of polishing schools and different types of finishes on a sword. Have a look at the differences between a Sashikomi finish and a Kesho finish. These are examples that Mr. Becerra polished personally. Hopefully it will help for collectors to understand the difference in the two styles.
These examples are all polished in a Kesho finish:
(In Japan they say that Kesho finish is like make up on a woman)
These examples are all polished in a Sashikomi finish:
(Sashikomi is more natural but harder to do)
This is an example of a Sashikomi and a Kesho finish on the same sword.
For an extra fee different materials such as ivory, ebony, horn and bamboo can be inlayed into the standard shirasaya.
ALL SAYA AND TSUNAGI ARE PERSONALLY HAND MADE BY MOSES BECERRA
“Please note that all prices are approximated and not fixed. The final cost will be determined upon evaluating the blade in hand.”
Approximate Cost for Shirasaya:
- Katana: $850.00
- Wakazashi: $750.00
- Tanto: $600.00
Approximate Cost for Stunagi:
- Katana: $175.00
- Wakazashi: $175.00
- Tanto: $125.00
Turnaround time can vary depending on work load at time of order.
Email us at NihontoAntiques@comcast.net
For an extra fee different materials such as ivory, ebony, horn and bamboo can be inlayed into the standard shirasaya.
All our shirasaya are made from high grade imported Japanese HONOKI wood that is air dried for 8-10 years.
Newly Made habaki in many styles are available.
“Please note that all prices are approximated and not fixed. The final cost will be determined upon evaluating the blade in hand.”
Approximate Cost for habaki:
- Solid Silver: $600.00
- Solid copper with heavy gold wash: $450.00
Gold foil habaki and special designs will be extra. Quotes will be given after evaluating blade.
Email us at NihontoAntiques@comcast.net
We offer two styles of wrapping either in cotton or silk. Basic colors are black, blue, green and brown.
For Tanto we also offer string wrap.
Turnaround time is about 2-3 weeks only!
#1 Hinerimaki
This is a basic wrap in cotton material. This is a durable and popular style for Iaido training.
- Tanto and Wakazashi $300.00 per handle (any color)
- Katana $350.00 per handle (any color)
#2 Tsumamimaki
This is a high quality wrap in silk material. This is a beautiful and popular style for fine mounts.
- Tanto and Wakazashi $400.00 per handle (any color)
- Katana $450.00 per handle (any color)
ALL SAYA AND TSUKA WOODWORKING IS PERSONALLY HAND CRAFTED BY MOSES BECERRA
“Please note that all prices are approximated and not fixed. The final cost will be determined upon evaluating the blade in hand.”
Approximate Cost for Standard Black Lacquered Saya:
- Katana: $800.00
- Wakazashi: $700.00
- Tanto: $550.00
Special lacquer work is priced depending on the style and sword.
Approximate Cost for Mounting a sword is around $1500.00. That will include:
- New standard black lacquered saya.
- New Handle core and Same (Shark skin).
- Mounting and fitting Tsuba, Fuchi, Kashira, menuki and new Seppa if needed.
- Tsukamaki new handle wrap in silk optional if we do it $400.00 extra.
(Client must supply all fittings. Tsuba, fuchi/kashira and menuki) Turnaround time is about 2-6 months but can take longer on some projects.
ALL SAYA LAQUER IS DONE EXCLUSIVELY BY WALTER HOSTTETER AS PER NIHONTO ANTIQUES STANDARDS.
Nihonto Antiques LLC. Restoration Payment Policy:
ONCE A RESTORATION PROJECT IS ACCEPTED ALONG WITH A SMALL NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT THE ITEM OR ITEMS WILL BE STORED PENDING THE START OF THE WORK. RESTORATION WILL BEGIN DEPENDING ON THE WAITING LIST TIME FRAME. TOWARDS THE END OF THE RESTORATION CLIENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT THEIR PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN 1-2 WEEKS. FULL PAYMENT IS EXCPECTED WITHIN 14 DAYS OF NOTICE. FAILURE TO COMPLETE PAYMENT COULD RESULT IN A FORFETURE OF SWORD OR SWORDS AND SAID SWORD WILL BE POSTED FOR SALE TO COMPLETE TRANSACTION UNLESS AN AGREEMENT WAS MADE WITH MR. BECERRA PRIOR TO THE TRANSACTION. UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO HOLD ON TO SWORDS AWAITING PAYMENT. WE FEEL THE WAITING PERIOD GIVEN IS AMPLE TIME TO GATHER FUNDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT OF THE WORK COMPLETED. WITHOUT PROMPT PAYMENTS WE COULD NOT REMAIN IN BUSINESS AS BILLS HAVE TO BE PAID.
PLEASE NOTE THAT RESTORATION PAYMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE VIA WIRE TRANSFER, CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS. WE CAN NOT ACCEPT PAYMENTS IN THE FORM OF CREDIT CARDS OR PAYPAL BECAUSE OF CREDIT CARD REQUIREMENTS GIVEN TO US.
For Sale
