Importtuner13

Hey all, My knowledge is limited, but not as limited as the fellow I'm researching for. he recently picked up a kai gunto, but, to me, it looks like a traditionally made blade. definetly has a hamon, I think I even see nioi. but I'm no professional. I also assume out of polish with blemishes and damage on the edge reduces value significantly. let the knowledge flow! thanks! Dan

Found another signed by my smith! It's in French, nothing google translate couldn't fix. This is exciting! Seems like a rare smith . Here's the link. http://www.naturabuy.fr/shin-gunto-offi ... gle.com%2F

The length of the actual sharp part of the blade is a hair under 26 inches. As for the history, enclosed is a picture of my great uncle, who was the one who had the sword. This pic is him holding it while STILL IN THE HOSPITAL in Honolulu, recovering from being stabbed by it. Talk about great family history, right? *image is cropped to fit largest allowed size:/*

I measured it before at just over 26 inches. l Wish I knew more about the maker of this blade. Not a word about them. I know it was taken in Tarawa at the battle of Tarawa . Definitely a marines sword.

Thank you so far for all the help. As it is magnetic I can assume it's not stainless, correct? Is this rather uncommon to have a real steel blade? I'm really looking for the history behind it more than its price tag. I've found out kai gunto are more rare than shin gunto, but am having a hard time sourcing the history behind it. I'm assuming if it were captured from the battlefield in 1943, it would be an earlier production sword, correct?

New pics!!! There is a marking above the signature....and there's another piece of signature under the rust!!!! I can't really Make the rusted part out, but you can definitely see some strikes. Also a pic of the tip, and of the hamon. And the full blade

Fixed it jean, sorry, new to forum. My bad.

Thank you so far for input Gabriel. I can guarantee it is 100% authentic as I have a pic of my great uncle in the military hospital at Honolulu holding the same sword as I have in my possession, and it has been safely guarded since it was acquired. Here are a couple more pics. I am being as discreet as possible as it is a priceless heirloom and my most prized possession. Can never be too careful.

I took a picture of the picture and it reduced file size lol here's the image!!!

Just got a Kai-gunto from a family member, not concerned with authenticity as I know for a fact it was taken off the dead officer who wounded my great uncle at Tarawa. My uncle was wounded by same sword. Great history, right?? Well, anyways....I can't read kanji, so I would like some signature translating help. Unfortunately, when I try to attach the image of the signature, it says file size is too big, and I don't know how to scale files down. I know the sword is magnetic (not stainless) as well. It has a hamon! I'm excited to find out more, please help!