I know it is going to sound like I am a member of the Looney Toons, but I have felt an almost overpowering urge that I need to get a "Lopper", and this has just started in earnest the last week or so. I've begun to wonder if maybe I've lost a marble or two.

Instant justice, I like it. We don't seem to do much to criminals in this country besides slap them on the wrist, I not in the business so to speak but that's how it looks when you read or here the stories. There is a mayor around here just got his third dui and this time he hit two parked cars, he pleads guilty and gets 3 days community service and a fine. Infuriating.

Here if you get that many (state charges, cities are just after the money) you go to prison. Yeah usually it is only for 120 days, depending but it could be more.

I don't think you're crazy of course I never met you in person <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I constantly get the urge for new toys that I don't really need but I want. Case in point for me are samurai swords, I am always looking at them and have to really control the urge. I mean how many is enough and when will I use them but that doesn't always stop me, same with firearms but at least I can take them out to shoot.

I have an original Wakazashi that a GI brought back from Okinawa. It has some Kanji under the handle but I of course can't read it. SF45 has volunteered his wife if I can get it copied and sent to them. The scabbard does not have all that much lacquor on the sheath but it's in good shape other than that and the blade is got some tarnish on it but no rust! Not bad for a blade that has been in this country since probably 1945 or '46 at the latest.

I have always been attracted to those types of swords, the workmanship and skill involved in creating it is incedible. They say the blade is the only valuable part, not the hilt or saya as they were changed depending on the occasion.

Yeah, when I was stationed in Japan (87-91) I went to the national sword museum. I saw some blades from (please don't quote me) 900's!

Or maybe they were 900 years old, I actually don't remember and I can't find the book I bought there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Like you said MAINLY it's just the blade, but I think the Tsuba's are or are starting to be worth something, Historical AND monetarily.

Well my relief is almost here So I am going to go ahead and sign off. I'll be talking on here later I am sure. Take care my friend. Hope your knee keeps healing and gets stronger every day without any setbacks.

Until later, you take care.

Well my fine furred four legged friends, time for THIS puppy to split the sheets. Catch ya on the other side Of midnight!