rusted180

Hey thank you so much for the info! that really adds much more to what i learned about this sword and it's unique features! espcially the ray skin photo example you posted to confirm what you say! I also posted this same message on another forum and much was learned from the members on that forum as well! from what i gathered, some of the members on WRF confirmed it's age and smith! made in 1941 and Kanesada as the maker! a photo was also provided that showed a similar early war sword with a wooden scabbard. Thanks again for replying! -andrew

Hello, In regards to collecting ww2 shin gunto, I was wondering about the origins and use of the wooden saya. From what I researched on this site and as well as other forums, any scabbard made of wood, aluminum, and iron with a leather combat cover means that it was modified for field use. correct? well how come on this site: http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_034.htm it says that wooden scabbards with leather "combat covers" are considered informal scabbards? any thoughts? I am still waiting for my book (Imperial Swords of Japan) to be shipped to my house, so unfortunately I cannot look this info up. For my second question, I want to verify if wooden sayas were strictly used during the late stages of ww2. I got a chance to view some pics of a sword with a wooden saya and mounts that would indicate it to be an early war example. The owner of the sword described the sword to be manufactured in 1941, but I could not make out the markings well from the photos to verify this. If what the owner says is true, then how could an early blade have a late war scabbard? could it be that the original saya was damaged and replaced near the end of the war? or has wooden scabbards always been around since the early parts of ww2/2nd sino war, thus eliminating the notion that wooden scabbards were ONLY around '44 and '45? Lastly, has any of you ever seen a tsuka without a ray skin cover? The handle of the sword I viewed has wrapping that appears to be period correct, but does not have a ray skin underneath the wrapping..... would this indicate a period repair job? I have heard that the ray skin can shrink if exposed to the elements too long. any thoughts guys? thanks in advance fellas! here are the pics I viewed that made me wonder...

hey thanks for all the help fellas! I appreciate the concerns and advice. I will take these words of wisdom into consideration! Im actually ordering SWORDS OF IMPERIAL Japan by JIm dawson for some extra info on ww2 swords and a copy of The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords! and of course i will be researching a lot here! again, thanks for the leads guys! It only makes sense to do research and learn before I spend thousands on a nihonto! As for shin gunto's... I know what I want and in the process of making a deal with someone here that seems to know much about them.... but Im in no hurry.... -andrew

Hey fellas, Thanks again to all you replied to my post about comparing guntos to traditional made swords! I am starting a new thread about asking you guys your opinions on what I should purchase! I mainly collect ww2 German and Japanese medals, firearms, and field gear. I do not know much about swords as I am still learning a lot from this site! Just out of curiosity, I want to know what you guys think I should get between these two swords. I currently have a type 95 nco sword and originally I planned on getting a type 98 sword, but the seller whom I trust offered me a type 98 sword that is a bit rough but has a 500 year old family blade! The other item is just a an average type 98 machine made sword. I am very very tempted to purchase the old blade, but I am very scared about the costs to restore it! It would have to be a long term restoration work since the blade is in rough condition and much of the pieces of the handle is missing. again, I just wanted some opinions about what you guys think! I know in the end its up to me but I thought it would be fun to discuss what you guys would get! I am more into Japanese militaria and a beginner in collecting true swords so I am also inclined to choose the machine made piece...... argh! I love them both! I wish I had enough money for both! The seller is offering the type 98 sword 2nd to the very top for $900 and the family blade for $1200. thanks for viewing! please note that the all the detail pics are of the family blade. I do not have any pics of the machine made blade yet. the family blade is the 4th one down from the first pic of swords. it has no handle wrap. -Andrew

WOW!!! so much info! more than I expected! thank you all experts who chimed in to my post! much to learn for me!

Hey fellas. Haven't posted anything in a while, but I was wondering if any of you experts can help... I was wondering, what is more stronger? Traditionally made swords or machine made type 98 swords? I was always curious about this because you I've heard hand forged blades are extremely strong, but how would it fair compared to a type 98 sword blade in terms of durability, strength, and reliability? I have heard that the type 95 and type 98 swords were made for functionality and not art. Any thoughts? Also, would anyone happen to know what kind of officer would of carried an old family blade? Were they usually high ranking officers who sat out the war in a nice admin building pushing paperwork or a field officer who gets dirty in the front? I apologize if some of these questions seem ridiculous, but I always wondered these questions. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance fellas -andrew shin

hey fellas, im buying this nco sword from bob iqbal at http://www.collectortocollectormilitaria.com/ ive done business with bob in the past and so far so good! hes well known on other miltaria forums so i trust him. still, even experts can get fooled by good fakes. just wanted some opinions on the authenticity. thanks in advance guys!

thanks for the tip!! just what i need! unfortunately the nco sword sold yesterday! man i missed out on that deal... anymore more help would be great!

yes, i have but just posted again on this forum topic because i was also searching for dealers outside this forum. sorry. should this be closed?

hey fellas, just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. im a militaria collector and hunting for an ww2 nco shin gunto sword. it can be type 95 or 98 (aluminum handle.) i dont trust ebay so i was wondering if anyone can refer me to a reputable dealer. please help! im new at this, and only know about german heer helmets and field equipment, but not ww2 Japanese swords. thanks in advance guys! -andrew shin