Owner/Polisher
Robert Benson
Robert Benson is one of a small number of American experts on polishing. He studied polishing & appraisal under three top teachers, including Koke Ono, a " living treasure" in Japan and at that time was head polisher for the National Museum in Tokyo.
In 1967, Mr. Benson polished a naginata and entered the annual polishing competition sponsored by Nippon Bijitsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). His sword took the Dorokusho, (Diligent Endeavor Award), an honor never before granted a foreigner. The Japanese recognized him as being the first non-Japanese to have studied polishing and first non-Japanese to have been honored by the National Museum with a certificate recognizing him as a polisher of distinction. Since then he has been restoring for both Japanese and American collectors . Since retiring from the Air force in 1977 he has continued his studies of the Nihonto full time.
Member: Japanese Sword Society of the United States (JSSUS), Nippon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) since 1967, Founding member & Advisor to the American Branch of the NBTHK
In 1967, Mr. Benson polished a naginata and entered the annual polishing competition sponsored by Nippon Bijitsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). His sword took the Dorokusho, (Diligent Endeavor Award), an honor never before granted a foreigner. The Japanese recognized him as being the first non-Japanese to have studied polishing and first non-Japanese to have been honored by the National Museum with a certificate recognizing him as a polisher of distinction. Since then he has been restoring for both Japanese and American collectors . Since retiring from the Air force in 1977 he has continued his studies of the Nihonto full time.
Member: Japanese Sword Society of the United States (JSSUS), Nippon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) since 1967, Founding member & Advisor to the American Branch of the NBTHK
PolisherS
Woodrow Hall
Nicholas Benson , son of Robert Benson began dabbling in sword polishing at the age of 16. He began polishing and appraisal full time when he was 18 to learn the art. In 2022 he was awarded his Nyusen certificate from the NBTHK as recognition as a craftsmans skilled in polishing swords. He continues to study and polish swords every day
Woodrow Hall, first came to work for us in 1989 as a clerk. After several years of actual hands-on experience handling of pieces, he expressed a great interest in learning polishing. He had been watching polishing and repairs on a daily basis for several years and finally after seeing he could easily grasp the task of kanji removal and repair of yasurime, I agreed to have him as an apprentice. In the 57th NBTHK Japanese Polishing Contest (2004), Woody was awarded the Dorokusho (Diligent Endeavor Award) and has been perfecting his skills as a polisher ever since. Woody current resides in las vegas nevada
Woodrow Hall, first came to work for us in 1989 as a clerk. After several years of actual hands-on experience handling of pieces, he expressed a great interest in learning polishing. He had been watching polishing and repairs on a daily basis for several years and finally after seeing he could easily grasp the task of kanji removal and repair of yasurime, I agreed to have him as an apprentice. In the 57th NBTHK Japanese Polishing Contest (2004), Woody was awarded the Dorokusho (Diligent Endeavor Award) and has been perfecting his skills as a polisher ever since. Woody current resides in las vegas nevada
NIcholas Benson
Nicholas Benson , son of Robert Benson began dabbling in sword polishing at the age of 16. He began polishing and appraisal full time when he was 18 to learn the art. In 2022 he was awarded his Nyusen certificate from the NBTHK as recognition as a craftsmans skilled in polishing swords. He continues to study and polish swords every day
Other Polishers who have studied with us.
Byron Shimizu
My first apprentice was Ralph Oquendo in the early 80's. While he was here in Hawaii, he studied kendo where Byron Shimizu was also a kendo student. Byron Shimizu watched Ralph and I work for several years and in 1985 I agreed to take him on as an apprentice. Byron's ability increased to being confident in handling of Juyo Token class. He distinguished himself by the mid-90's of easily polishing blades that would be submitted for the Juyo Token shinsa. For numerous years the three of us, Woodrow, Byron and myself worked in the togi heya on the large togidai polishing. It was in this daily work schedule that Woodrow advanced to being a far above average polisher. His ability can be directly attributed to Byron Shimizu as the two would work side by side for long hours and Byron would give him guidance. The two of them experimented with how to best use hatsuya, jitsuya and different nugui on all periods and schools. I am confident in saying that these two have shown that they are well qualified in the true Honami style of polishing.
Mike Christianson, John Brostowictz , Robert Tanner are some of the other devotees who have dedicated the time to study the art of polishing.
One of the highlights of my years as a polisher was for me to have Woodrow given the same award in 2004 that I received years ago when I was the first foreigner to ever submit a polished work and the first foreigner honored with an award by the NBTHK in their 20th polishing contest ( 1967). This is a true example of the reward that is waiting for those who persevere in their work and study habits as Woodrow Hall has done for many years.
Mike Christianson, John Brostowictz , Robert Tanner are some of the other devotees who have dedicated the time to study the art of polishing.
One of the highlights of my years as a polisher was for me to have Woodrow given the same award in 2004 that I received years ago when I was the first foreigner to ever submit a polished work and the first foreigner honored with an award by the NBTHK in their 20th polishing contest ( 1967). This is a true example of the reward that is waiting for those who persevere in their work and study habits as Woodrow Hall has done for many years.