robinalexander

Yep, I think John has it Freddie.

Hi Freddie, I note you added one picture to your OP however if you really want some meaningful info, advice etc then you need to post a lot more clear closeups and overall shots of the blade, tip (kissaki), tang (where signature is) and the fittings e.g. handle (tsuka) etc ....simply put, the more you post the better the information will be. Looks interesting to me though!

Some good Type 95 reading here too Eric https://www.warrelic...o-sword-info-228172/

PS ...don't pull it apart...not meant to be (only type 97's & 98's) ...and no point.

Nice one Eric ...looks good to me and I would buy it. It's one of the rarer side latches, congratulations. Have a look at this very good link

4 is my natural go to ...Jussi summed it up nicely for me

Ditto

Hello Mark, I think Bruce got it the first time in regard to the lacing. A close look at your pics seems to indicate the leather Tsuka cover is loosely laced up and I cant see why that could not be carefully undone which hopefully will expose at least one Mekugi peg in the lower half of the Tsuka. Then just a simply matter of gently knocking the Mekugi peg out (small end/side first!!!!) and then removing the Tsuka from the Nakago. IMO no need to remove the Sarute and barrel at this stage.....not at least until you have tried the above. If you need some direction re removing the Mekugi peg and Tsuka, just ask and I (or someone) will find the YouTube clip on that matter which will make it a whole lot more understandable. Rob PS .... here it is How to Remove Tsuka of Japanese Sword

Hi Justin, At a basic level, leather over wood just means the Gunto was fitted with a combat cover which I believe was required by Regulation (if the saya was not regulation metal). Many sword did not have a chuso button particularly those that were brought in from families or donated to officers. The blade is held in place by the pressure between the habaki and the wooden throat of the saya. Usually made for each other very common with these types of blades and also with Type 97 IJA mounts. The leather retaining clip was simply to ensure the blade did not fly out when it was not supposed to. Rob

Tks mate...Part 1 and 2 are going. Pls pass on my (and probably others) appreciation to your patient wife ... the silent support behind the author

@mecox Just fantastic Mal ... gosh there is some work and great information in these. Information aside, I dont know who does your type/formatting but what a great job.... congratulations on that aspect as well. It's coming to Victoria with me for the School hols - Grandkids minding duty (I will find time) Rob

Extraordinary Piers. The question came to mind, why would someone use this rarer 'language' if very few would ever read it? Particularly if it does happen to be a poem? Rob

Is this it Bruce ? @Bruce Pennington

Got to say that that collection looks very familiar to me. Sure some cringe moments but nice to view and would just love to work my way through that lot.

Hi Jason @Newsword1 , this is the possible Mon (crest) John was referring to.