Good evening Chuck,

Thanks for the letter that was rich in content. The pics and background etc. were a nice change of pace.

Well, its my pleasure in fact.

Well as for the scratches on your Cicada chokuto...without actually seeing the blade in person it is really hard for me to have an opinion on this matter.
The Cicada chokuto that I recently purchased from Rick did have a higher level of polish than usual...... for what will be used as a martial art cutter.

My Cicada Chokuto is one or two steps behind full polish. Please let me know if it is showing scratches and nibs after you cut. That is, I suggest you observe it.

Perhaps this is why the scratches occur more easily on your chokuto as compared to the Nosyu and the Bamboo? as you said the Nosyu blade had a "clamshell" polish as the Bamboo probably had a similar martial arts grade polish on it?

This could be true, but then the scratches at the mirror part, the shinogi-ji, aren't all swords polished mirror like in this area? And it was here that it showed what my Howard 1086 or my Bamboos can withstand the scratches.

I AM NO EXPERT here either, but it would seem logical that a very highly polished surface would show scratches quicker than a lower level of polish would?

It is true, but then we should think again that the shinogi-ji that is mirror polished, is an area that again is equal to all blades. And others don't get scratched...

HOWEVER...if you are experiencing NICKS and CHIPS in the Cicada blade..AND...the very noticeable scratches too...Well.....then I would have my suspicions about the hardness of the Cicada blade as well. But if only the scratches are evident.. well..like I said I am no expert:-(

Buddy, I know we want the best for the blades for Rick's sake, as well as for ours, so I already did called him and we will do some testing together so we can see. I have had a hectic day and its 3:08 am right now, but tomorrow, I mean, later in the day I intend to do some clearer close up pictures.

But to hazard a guess...I would say that the scratches are showing BECAUSE of the polish---NOT---because the steel is soft.

I beg permission to disagree in this case Captain ;- )

As for the Nosyuiaito, this email is a little outdated. You have already emailed me after I copied this email to a Notepad to start replying and then was interrupted by guests who came for dinner and stayed late. 
So I shall ship it to your Office address and will ask you kindly to send the money the way you feel better, to Rick's. 

Well, I am glad to hear that you and Rick connected favorably.

Yes, and if I am raising the issue its because I want the best for his products. 

And I do not feel that Fred Chen is poisoning anything. He still has a lot to learn about being a sword smith too!

I am glad you don't feel that way. I just have a nose about a few things, because this didn't happen with the mirrored part of the Nosyuiaito steel Iaito. But let us find out with the testing. Nothing like being fair and just. Still, I have a feeling... I do hope I'm wrong.

I understand perfectly why a Traditionally trained Japanese sword smith takes at least 20 years before he is considered to be worthy.
Why should this only apply to the Japanese? I feel this applies to ALL Swordsmiths,
Custom~and~Production.

You are right. But I'm steel acting as the Devil's Lawyer. How come there's so beautiful a hamon and the basic steel composition is soft? I can feel its soft. We'll talk about feeling the steel's own energy. But again, this is something I sense. Kind of Ki transmission...

Well, as for your Bamboo...I will not pursue this one. BUT...I do want to have one made up to be very similar to it! Katatemaki+leather+blue etc.Like I said before...perhaps with the Key Fret-Twig Bundle-or a Cicada Mon tsuba? The blade will come from Rick's personal forge.

Yes Captain ;- )  I think a Rick Barrett katana will be the best buy. Any tsuba you want my friend.
At your service Buddy :- )

I hope you didn't take me wrong in providing with the Bamboo. You know, you were so generous with your attitude towards the Howard 900 Layers that I should reciprocate. And I have designed a blue and black groveed saya for Rick some months ago. So no worries about this also : ) But if you want a black leather wrap, I only know of Fred Lohman's experience, but I'm sure Rick can do it also.

You stay well, and please let me know how cold it is. I'm sure you'll be the right person to instruct me for the weather outside. Should I carry a long coat or a half length? Should I wear rubber sole army type boots? Gloves and scarf? Gosh, I'm lost in weather terms.

Keep well my friend, and hope to see you on the 3rd.
Antonio