Writting, Author at Vintage Avenue News

November 5, 2025

Paul Martin: Bridging Cultures Through Japanese Swords

The Japanese sword, with its elegant “kissaki” tip, graceful curve, and intricately designed “tsuba” hand guard, is both a masterpiece of art and a powerful weapon. For Paul Martin, a Londoner who has made Tokyo his home, this fascination with Japanese martial arts and history was sparked by the 1974 film “The Yakuza.” Martin’s passion,

November 4, 2025

Rediscover the Magic of “The Cinnamon Bear” This Christmas

As the festive season draws near, the timeless allure of “The Cinnamon Bear” beckons once more. This cherished old-time radio Christmas series has captivated audiences for generations, and this year, I am eager to share its magic with families everywhere. My hope is to encourage both the young and the young at heart to come

November 3, 2025

Yinka Ilori Launches “Grow Your Dreams” Watch Collection

Renowned designer Yinka Ilori MBE has ventured into the world of watchmaking with his inaugural collection, crafted in partnership with MB&F’s M.A.D.Editions. This new series, aptly named “Grow Your Dreams,” was introduced this week and features three distinct limited-edition models: Sun, Nature, and Water. Each design is available in a limited run of 400 pieces

November 2, 2025

Nikken Cutlery: Samurai-Inspired Knives for Culinary Excellence

In the heart of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Nikken Cutlery stands as a beacon of traditional samurai sword craftsmanship and innovative Japanese cutlery. Building on this rich heritage, Nikken has embarked on a new venture, crafting high-quality knives inspired by the legendary blades of three iconic Japanese swordsmen. This initiative follows their previous success with letter

November 2, 2025

Reviving Medieval Sword-Fighting: Jakarta’s Gwaith-i-Megyr Group

In the bustling city of Jakarta, a group of dedicated individuals is reviving the ancient art of European medieval sword-fighting. Armed with blunt swords, these modern-day knights gather every Sunday to practice Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), a discipline that dates back to the 14th to 18th centuries. This unique scene unfolds outside the sprawling

November 1, 2025

Electronic Perspectives: A Journey Through Electronic Music History

In the world of music, vintage electronic instruments from the 1970s and ’80s have become highly sought after, whether in their original form or as modern software emulations. The synthesizer, as we know it today, didn’t just appear overnight with Bob Moog’s groundbreaking work in 1964. The roots of electronic keyboards trace back to 1899

October 29, 2025

Celebrating Seattle’s Baseball History at Sea-Tac Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is currently home to an intriguing exhibition that celebrates the rich history of baseball through the eyes of Charles Kapner, a dedicated baseball aficionado from Seattle. This captivating display, available for viewing until the conclusion of the baseball season, offers a unique glimpse into Seattle’s baseball past, long before the Mariners became

October 28, 2025

The Thriving World of Baseball Card Collecting

Baseball card collecting has been a beloved hobby for fans of the sport for decades. Many enthusiasts are rediscovering this passion, often sharing the experience with their children. My own adventure into the world of card collecting began two years ago, and since then, I’ve delved into various card sets, engaged in buying and selling,

October 23, 2025

2nd Annual Sheridan Gem and Mineral Show 2025

As the excitement builds for the 2nd Annual Sheridan Gem and Mineral Show, enthusiasts and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating a weekend filled with geological wonders. This event, organized by the Sheridan Gem and Mineral Club, promises to be a captivating experience for all attendees. Event Details and Highlights Scheduled for May 3 and 4,

October 20, 2025

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show 2025: A Decade of Elegance

Celebrating a decade of elegance and craftsmanship, the New York City Jewelry & Watch Show is poised to dazzle attendees from October 23 to 26, 2025, at the Metropolitan Pavilion. This milestone event will showcase an exquisite collection of fine jewelry, rare gemstones, and luxury watches from a diverse group of international exhibitors. This year,

October 19, 2025

Understanding Battle-Ready Swords: Characteristics and Examples

In the realm of weaponry, there’s a lighthearted adage: “A sword is not an axe.” While this may seem self-evident, it underscores the distinct purpose and design of a battle-ready sword. If your goal is to clear brush or chop wood, an axe is the appropriate tool. A sword, however, is meticulously crafted for a

October 15, 2025

The Importance of Framing Autographed Memorabilia

Autographed items hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. Whether it’s a signature from a beloved athlete, musician, or public figure, these autographs represent a personal connection to someone admired. To preserve these cherished mementos, framing them is an excellent choice, ensuring they remain intact and visually appealing for years

October 14, 2025

The Emotional Value of Sports Memorabilia

Sports memorabilia often holds more sentimental value than monetary worth for most collectors. The emotional connection to these items can be profound, transcending their financial appraisal. One of the most cherished gifts I ever received was a baseball from the 2009 World Series, signed by Derek Jeter, the legendary New York Yankees shortstop. This baseball

October 9, 2025

Rocktoberfest: Annual Gem and Mineral Show Returns

FAIRFIELD – The Sac & Fox Lapidary Club is excited to announce the return of its annual “Rocktoberfest” gem, mineral, and lapidary show, set to take place on October 14-15 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This eagerly anticipated event will offer a weekend brimming with geological marvels, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on

October 6, 2025

Audemars Piguet AP Talks: Exploring the Royal Oak RD#5

Immerse yourself in the fascinating universe of Audemars Piguet through the AP Talks series, a platform where watchmaking aficionados and experts delve into the brand’s craftsmanship, rich history, and enduring legacy. In this particular episode, recorded in the picturesque town of Le Locle, we hear from Giulio Papi, the Director of Watch Conception, alongside Senior

October 5, 2025

Japanese Swords: The World of Swords Documentary

For aficionados of the exquisite and intricately crafted “nihonto,” or Japanese swords, a captivating new film is now available. Titled “Japanese Swords: The World of Swords,” this 60-minute documentary is currently being screened at Tokyo’s TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi Theater and Osaka’s Toho Cinemas Umeda Theater. The film is set to expand its reach with upcoming

October 5, 2025

Ryuseito Swords: Celestial Craftsmanship from the Shirahagi Meteorite

In the late 19th century, a farmer in what is now Toyama Prefecture unearthed an unusual stone while digging for potatoes. Initially used as a tsukemono ishi, a large stone for pickling vegetables, this intriguing mineral was later identified as the Shirahagi Meteorite by geologists from the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in 1895. Enomoto

October 4, 2025

K.C. Rajendran: Preserving Radio History in Chembukkavu

In the quaint town of Chembukkavu near Thrissur, K.C. Rajendran’s fascination with radios began at the age of eight. His early love for music ignited a desire to own a radio, and after persistent requests, his father granted his wish by buying a second-hand Philips radio for ₹15. This initial purchase marked the beginning of

October 1, 2025

The Joy of Sports Card Collecting: A Personal Journey

Embarking on the journey of sports card collecting can be an exhilarating experience filled with nostalgia and personal connection. The key to building a fulfilling collection lies in focusing on what genuinely excites you. Whether it’s a beloved player, a favorite team, or a specific sport, collecting items that resonate with you will enhance your

October 1, 2025

A Journey Through Vintage Audio: From Headphones to Systems

Reflecting on my journey, I often wonder how I ended up here, immersed in the world of vintage audio. It all began a few years back when I dove headfirst into the realm of headphones. My enthusiasm led me to become an active member of the Head-Fi community, where I dedicated myself to reviewing headphones,