paul griff

Hello Steve, Yes.I still have it … Regards, Paul

Hello Brian, Looks like a scam to me….photo’s of two different tsuka, one genuine in copper the other fake in brass plus saya is genuine type 95 but not for copper version which should have a plug for a drag but of course could be period replacement.. Regards, Paul.

Hello, Agree,looks like Sageo…looks to be quite long ? Regards, Paul.

Hello, Agree with above..100% fake unfortunately… Regards, Paul.

Hello William. Agree with John….They forgot to put a hole in the tsuka ( hilt ) for the sarute and used a Ishizuke ( chape) as the kabuto-gane ( hilt pommel )..But after all that it is a genuine sword with a mint arsenal made blade…It is a piece of history in my eyes and at the right price a nice display sword.. Regards, Paul

Hello Vitaly, It’s a genuine type 95 in all respects but in poor condition…Blade is pretty good and the hilt will probably clean up ok when that paint is removed..scabbard ( saya ) a bit more difficult with that chrome plating…..Bottom end of the price range if buying.. Regards, Paul.

Hello Mikko, It’s a really bad fake 100%…All the components look poorly made from the leather wrap on the grip to the shape of the blade.. Regards, Paul

Hello Emil, No problem… Regards, Paul..

Hello, Nice photo’s that show it’s a really nice example..well done Sam.. Regards, Paul..

Hello Emil, Is this what you are after ? Regards, Paul.

Hello, Sword and knot look 100% to me…..Possibly had a lacquer applied at some point hence the flaky bits on the metalwork ( but may be the photo’s + my ageing eyes) but that wouldn’t bother me….nice find…… Regards, Paul..

Thank’s for posting Tristan..very interesting reading.. Regards, Paul.

I would drive to France and pick them up at the same time enjoying the food and wine… Regards, Paul.

Hello Jonathan, Thank you anyway…..It’s a nice sword and when I have time will make a better effort to market it or possibly have koshirae made…. Regards, Paul.

No papers..

Hello, Agree with Rob ,leather on saya is later addition….Leather doesn’t look dried out enough plus seem next to stitching is very ‘sharp’ and undamaged… Paul..

Hello, Both swords are very nice..well done.. Regards, Paul..

Hello Peter, Even though it is worn ( possibly by the tassel ? )the casting detail is very good as is the colour and patina taken on by a sarute so I would say it’s a good one….Most recent copies have a different bronze or brass alloy that just doesn’t take on the same patina plus another giveaway is he rough finish to the locating ears and inside of the sarute.. Regards, Paul..

This one was picked up off the battlefield and brought back to the U.K…….I like it for what it is…a part of history.. Regards, Paul.

Very interesting articles , photographs and subsequent contributions…thank’s for starting it off John.. Regards, Paul.

Hello George, Thank you….Nice blades from Emura….The photo’s really don’t do the Kunisada any justice and I should add I would be prepared to either deliver or meet someone part way seeing that our postal system is a sham… Best Regards, Paul..

Hello Andrew, Be patient..! It can take months and sometimes years to find people in this game..You have to ask around because not everyone knows everyone …Probably easier here in the U.K because it’s such a small place without vast distances to visit dealers,shows and events….These places plus collecting forums are where you build up your network of contacts…What changed my view was when a late friend bought a wakizashi that had been used as a poker for a fireplace…I should have taken a photo but couldn’t believe it how it was repaired….. Regards, Paul.

Hello Andrew, Normally I’m doom and gloom when it comes to “bad” swords but there was a chap in the U.K who would have repaired that no problem…sadly he retired ! ….. You would loose the way the hamon goes into the kissaki but the sword would be saved…Must be someone out there who can save it….? Regards, Paul..

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