robinalexander

Dave @Dave R will post some pics tonight on that 'metal addition' to nakago and possibility of tang 'replacement'. It doesn't look like it unless the smith had the skill of neurosurgeon. I was wrong about one thing though. The 'metal addition' is not really aligned to be under either seppa but rather, is positioned to align with a tsuba's nakago-ana. Will show that as well. Will get back to you. Rob

And another 2010 thread re Mantetsu Wakizashi that very mysteriously seemed to be lacking pictures.

Hi John I did a little research and thought I would link the thread you refer to for posterity. I think this might be the thread you refer to but, on a quick scan of the info, it doesn't appear that 'Ed' ever showed pictures of it (for one reason or another ) Some very experienced members seemed sceptical at the time. If there is another thread just let me know and I will continue research so we can capture it on this thread. Rob

I will also add a pic of the small metal (brass?) build-up that has been 'fixed' to the nakago. I suspect this was done in order to take-up slack between the blade and seppa because it is too far back to be an adjustment for a tsuba....but I would be happy to receive any thoughts on that

I have been asked by a fellow member (not Dave) who has an interest in 'civilian' tsuba, to post some clearer pics.

Michael, thank you for sharing your experience it is so good to read this first hand account and what may, or may not, be a Showa-To Wakizashi. It is appreciated. I would like a dollar for every time a Togishi reshaped a kissaki due to chipping etc. To my mind it's only logical that that same thinking would apply to rectifying more severe damage by shortening a blade to either, a short katana or even wakizashi length, if it was thought to be operationally (of even financially?) necessary. Dave, I think Chris Bowen's post @cabowenis absolutely spot on. Thanks for including. Not sure about logical in marrying up the picture with the actual wording in the caption...i have to admit I am a little lost with that one. BUT.....Just to bring the thread back on track the real question for me is how many WW2 Waks were made?.... or better...still exist? Again, if you have one, then just wak it up. Rob

I like the music.

Dave it was actually a question rather than 'suggestion'. Just an open question that came to me when I saw your first Wakizashi picture (Re: Shawn McDonald's post). The blade just appeared so straight that I wondered about possible shortening therefore leaving all nakago markings untouched (Showato in this case). You have ably answered that query, thank you. The link on flaws is very good tks also for that. Rob

Thanks Dave, I will read that thread but a quick question in the mean time. Would a katana ever be shortened from the kissaki end due to a fatal flaw or breakage (therefore retaining mei etc) or would that never be done? Probably a stupid question. Rob

Nice one Dave....is it possible that the first example (above) has been shortened (from katana length). From my limited experience, it seems to be a very straight blade for a Wakizashi? Rob

Thanks Bruce...so the discussion on the mounts/fittings will go on for some time I imagine. Its a great topic to explore and see other's ideas. In regard to the rarity of Showa stamped Waks, it does seem like 1:100 could be an extremely conservative estimation and it may be that they may be much more 'unique'. There hasn't been any 'flood' of showa waks onto this thread and I accept that that could be for any number of good reasons but .... seeing I have one , I will dream a little and treasure my quite rare piece of history Its getting rarer and rarer by the moment Rob

Thanks again David..very nice koshira. Personally.... no cutting practice for me. Similarly, no "swings around the man cave" with anything (except the little lady 😊) Rob

Thanks for your comment David, I understand what Chris is saying but tend to agree that the shortage of materials, late war, necessitated the call for civilian swords for active service. I'm just not clear as to why a Seki gunto smith would have made, or had a commission for, a Wakazashi blade sometime between 1935-1945 only to have had it mounted in civilian Koshirae to take to war. (excepting the combat cover of course). Interesting that the 'Bamboo Leaf' design tsuba is not common......I would like tk think it is a genuine period piece rather than a later modern addition. To return to the rarity, or not, of WW2 produced Wakizashi's ....no advance on that question at this point. Rob

Final pics....

Couple more...

Have been considering posting this for some time. I have an undated Kanemitsu Wakizashi with Sho stamp. A good sword mate mentioned that it's rare to find a Wak made during WW2 period and maybe only 1 in 100 Wak's fall into this category. I have noticed the odd mention of this on other threads but thought it could be interesting to explore just how 'rare' they may be and how many are owned by members. So if you have one, please post. Mine is an un-dated Nōshū seki jū-nin Kanemitsu saku kore. Nagasa 562 mm Nakago 210 mm Tsuka 245 mm Sori 125 mm Overall length 860 mm Not sure about the authenticity of the tsuba. Randomly picked up at auction a few years ago.

Yes Bruce, I have to wonder why so many are in v/good condition and yet ones like this still pop up from time to time. Did they even need regular replacement (?) Why did this one miss out (?)....due to cost, lack of available new parts or lack of interest from owner (?). Whatever the reason, the only thing you could 'take to the bank' is that whoever used this, carried a sword regularly for long periods at a time. Its all in the mystery 😊 Rob

I find this a fantastic (growing) reference tool...thanks Bruce.

Is it possible the tang held the owners name and that is was used in WW2? Maybe a wild guess but could explain the rough removal. Seen some horrible Mon removal jobs. Rob

My modest pair. From what I can see they are much the same as already posted with the possible exception of the hook on the platted leather hanger which has extreme wear....I'm thinking it's been around.

Yeah Dan i just find it difficult to believe that an auction house would say what they are saying

Very nice John, Never seen a mon there before but it seems more fitting to be on the side. Looks to be quite a fine (maybe light) blade? Rob

Jonathon, I think that in order for members to give you some info on what you are looking at, you will have to provide a few more pics so they have some idea about what they are looking at The blade, the kissaki (tip), the mounts (fittings) and importantly the tang ( metal bit under the handle) both sides. Rob

No problem Uwe, both you and Piers @Bugyotsujiwere very helpful in deciphering the mei which enabled me to get closer and that really helps a lot. I now understand your well meaning caution where 'less obvious' mei is concerned. I'm getting the feeling that both of you may have/had legal backgrounds or a fair degree of exposure to same Thanks again. Rob

Ahhhhh Piers thankyou. That answers so many questions that I have had for sometime (re Translation thread). Hope you keep up the good work (and Uwe 😊) Rob