Our two professional sword polishers have been providing
their services to our customers (exclusively) for quite some time and at a very 'special'
price because we are always able to provide them with a steady number of
clients. Because of the close association we have with the polishers, we
are able to offer a high quality polish referred to as a 'level two' for only
$800. Our 'level two' polish completely removes fingerprints, tiny chips,
scratches, rust, crisps the lines and does a great job bringing out the Hamon.
The only drawback is that the 'level two' polishing cost must remain
consistent regardless of the length of the blade.
We also offer the 'Level one' service which brings out features such as
Kinsugi, Sunagashi and other minor effects that are appreciated primarily by
sword collectors. These effects become visible only after special Japanese
finger-stones are applied to the blade. For their skill, their time & efforts,
you can expect a professionally trained polisher to charge between $1500 and
$1800.
Although our $800 level of service does not provide a museum quality polish,
it is the 'level' of polish consistently recommended to owners of working swords
because of the more easily damaged finish of a level one polish. Some
polishers (not ours) will encourage you to order a level one polish (they make
more money) but experience has shown that a 'level one' polished sword used
for training soon become scuffed and damaged,
regardless of how careful the user may be. Testing at sword shows has
proven that when a sword 'user' was shown swords with levels 'one' & levels
'two' polish, both together at the same time, all voiced the opinion
that they had a difficult time justifying paying the additional $1,000 for
what little difference was offered in the level one polish.
Note: Most old
Saya are generally contaminated with tiny specks of rust and dirt which will
scratch and cause rusting of a freshly polished blade and it is therefore
unwise to put a freshly polished blade back into its old scabbard (Saya).
To solve this problem, we recommend all newly polished blades be stored in a Honoki wood Shirasaya (resting case) or, having it mounted up like a
Samurai sword in a new HONOKI
lacquered Saya.
Please call or E-mail us for a polishing appointment.
Call for details
(503) 282-4567
E-mail Us
-or- write to:
FRED LOHMAN Co. -
3405 N.E. Broadway - Portland, OR 97232 - 1818
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