robinalexander

Davo, I can't recall seeing so much great advice and practical options being provided in one quick thread....nice. But I reckon the quote above should be really up there in your priorities. Good luck

Hi again Ben, Now I was wrong on one of these the week before last...they are tricky but personally, I wouldn't buy it. As Sam pointed out the kissaki seems overly elongated for a 95 The bohi finishes early on Kissaki end I also noticed what appears to be punched (concave) dimples on the tsuka 5he font on the numbering is unusual and in isolation maybe not bad but if I add everything up, it's a mark against The fuchi stamps are also spac3d out and possibly overly large ...see my comparison picture Don't like the look of the menuki (weird shape/lack detail) ...again see pic of mine from the same Arsenal Small point but the bohi start is in the position but dosent have the normal square/rounded end (there were variations like this though) Kabutogane looks rough lacks detail...large sarute loop.... again maybe variations but lots of small things sticking out for me Rob

Hi Ben, IMO it is a fake (reproduction) Here is a good link on the IJA Type 95 NCO sword http://ohmura-study.net/957.html Rob

Thanks for your responses Tobi, Bruce will chime in when he wakes up I'm sure. Firstly from what I can tell from one picture, your sword may be a Type 95 IJA NCO sword and they certainly were made for, and used, in combat....albeit a little less efficiently than the Type 98 IJA Officers sword. Your blade looks to be in rough shape and I really hope it's all genuine but we can't say without a few good pics of the various parts. I am wondering why you need another scabbard throat (koiguchi) for your sword. Is yours missing or damaged? Again pics would be good. There is no doubt in my mind that the Ebay ones are repros but as I said, if u need one, then they are a really good option. I wouldn't pay anymore than $155 NZ for it plus postage....you should be able to achieve at least that with the Best Offer option. In the mean time have a look at this site which covers the Type 95 NCO sword (yours by the look of it) http://ohmura-study.net/957.html You will get some good info from NMB members....just ask away 👍 Rob

I agree with Hamish. But only my opinion as well. Reasons ..... The brightness of the red....looks like it's never seen the sun but also, I would expect some age variation or colour loss. Similarly, to me the kanji looks like it was done yesterday. Again, very solid colour and it looks like it was all done by ne or two people. Now I can't read it but I hope it wasn't supposed to be signed or noted by many people, because it dosnt look like it. You might be able to shed some light on that aspect Piers @Bugyotsuji I would also expect white material to have some form of age such as yellowing or discoloration in patches or folds Can't say I've seen a tiger on one of these before (but I'm no expert) .....maybe it's relevant to the wording (symbolic/mascot?) or maybe it's just a nice 'tourist hook' All based on gut feeling. Sounds like you might have some thoughts on this Piers ?

Bruce. From China? I'd be willing to bet they are 'new' repros and the numbered one with paint remnants has been put in the bunch to attract attention. Having said that, they are what they are and if a person needed one then they are a great option because a genuine one will almost never surface.

Welcome T, Sorry to a bit formal but do you have first name that we can call you by? NMB policy ... but apart from that it's just nice to call someone by their name.

Sorry Ed @EdWolf... my misunderstanding.

Hi Ed, it is very normal for leather combat covers to shrink lengthwise. Some way more than others for some reason. Similarly, circumference shrinkage does occur and, it can also increase and become sloppy with finer leather. I have seen a lot of these variations and have quite a few myself. Rob

Mekugi peg is a disposable item. .like other members I have made a few out of chop sticks and then coloured/waxed them. The redness means nothing imo.

Hi Ronald I'm on my phone somy pics are terrible but I dont like thd look of it. Your right about the saya so to start with it's only 1/2 a copper. The tsuka does not look genuine copper (to light). The sarute wore looks overly large. The stamps look backwards and the seller hasn't even given u a shot of the blade number and stamp. Ask for clearer close up pics first. Rob

Making the mei clearer Chance, for future reference, just put some talcum/baby powder on the tang and then wipe it 'off' with the fleshy part of your hand. The powder will stay in the mei depressions and can be better seen. Try it a few times if need be. The tang is the only part of the sword that should be handled (never the blade). Rob

Mark, as Bruce said...... it would help to have shots of the full tsuka (handle), blade, blade tip, and bare nakago (tang I find this interesting, the 'patina' and condition of the ito looks period or very well 'aged' .....and the leather combat over has either shrunk over time (which is normal) or its been cut to look that way. Not military mounts but with a leather saya cover, i5 could have been pressed into action ....or .... just made to look like it has. Looking fwd to further pics.

Yes I think I agree with Brian. It would be better to have a strong repair (even if it was slightly visible) than a 'fix' that might fail the first time someone picks it up. I repair lots of stuff (like many of us I suppose) but I never repair a broken handle on a cup/mug if anyone is ever going to use it again.

Hi Shaun, Yep as Sam said. These were only Army (IJA) and one day we might be lucky enough to find out why a few saya's were painted black. IMO that is a wartime/period touch up. You may be aware that the tsuka (hand) was originally painted brown and that has all gone now but thats also not uncommon. Matching numbers is very good. These Type 95's were issued to NCO's wheras Officerx had to buy or provide their own. Importantly nothing to be gained by pulling the tsuka off to look at the nakago.......unlike the officers swords (Types 94,97 and 98's etc) there is nothing to see under this one. You only run the risk of things not going back together as tightly.

Yes Charles, a very nice and genuine example of the Pattern 1 Type 95 copper tsuka. Only around 6.5k of these made. Very collectable. Is that 5140 on the blade interesting to also know the unmatched number on the saya throat? Rob

Just adding to the above with my two bobs worth Troy.....in summary, I don't like the look of the following the kabutogane Ito (wrap) the 'Orphan Annie' seppa the Ashi the mei is terribly cut IMO (done yesterday) blade and habaki could be genuine (?) but even if they are, they are not in great shape and you have to look at the rest of it for a long time. When you get a little more knowledge under your belt you may regret keeping it. Go for a refund and put it toward something that really is wholly genuine (even if its in poor condition)

Hi Fred, Just my opinion, but I don't think you will regret not buying this. The poor (flat) quality of the ashi ....same as the kabutogane and fuchi. Looks like a Chinese knock off pretending to be a Type 97 Kai Gunto. Interesting 'patina' on the samegawa but I suppose that can be done. The tsuba and dai seppa also look naval style but pics aren't too clear. In any event, it wouldn't get my money (but I have been wrong in the past ... a few times ) Would be good to see the nakago and blade if the opportunity ever arose. That should shed more light on it.

Hi Nazar, I'm more of a timber guy (no offence meant) but I love your design/engineering on this Katanakake.

Hi Peter...good pics. FYI we always post mei with the end of the tang at bottom of pic...just easier for those translating (they get a lot of requests)

well apparently Piers, @Bugyotsuji it came from the 'old englsh' fēowertīene niht meaning fourteen nights.

Ditto with the Camelia

Credit to you....it was your original thought As for the segway Thai film () ....no idea where that came from but I am definitely going to check that out. Edit...they both look very interesting tks

I will be interested to hear your comment on those Piers @Bugyotsuji