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Did you purchase it from a FUKUSHIMA or HIROSHIMA located collector?

Just for fun, I took some measurements of my collection using two different Geiger counters. I noticed that the old *tsuba* actually registered slightly elevated radiation levels. One Tsuba from the Muromachi period, featuring gold inlay, really started clicking away. Everything is still well within the safe range — but where does it come from?

From Hiroshima - the lights do flicker a bit in the room!

I think 1944 is correct. Looks like a squished 9. John C.

Doesnt "new" iron contain a bit of radiation due to the present atomic age and old iron (item) pre atomic age does not?

Nah. Just a combination of poor old polish and carpet. The kissaki and what I believe to be ara-nie behind the spider rust. John C.

I have two, because one of them is already nearly 20 years old, and I don't know how long the Geiger tubes last. Now I have a new one as well. However, the readings from the old one are still accurate.

Two Geiger counters? Also, did any of the tsuba develop super powers? All kidding aside, could be from natural uranium found in many types of rocks and minerals, even those used to make tsuba. Or, the tsuba could have been exposed to high levels of radon gas for a period of time. John C.

Resurrecting this necro-post as this is my first kai-gunto. Kanenami blade (water quenched, I think, due to the presence of ara-nie martensite), standard polished black lacquer wood saya, no chuso, gold washed fittings, and dark blue or black ito. The interesting thing about this one is that all of the pieces have matching numbers - just like it came from the factory, I imagine. No tassel, though. John C.

I had it tested and the inside was positive for biological material (blood). It does not have an exit hole, so it stayed in the poor chap wearing it. Average military Tanegashima had a caliber of 5/8 to 3/4", so that hot ball will smash a large hole.