ChrisW

Old Kicho papers. Almost always you should disregard them. Edit: To explain, there was a major scandal in the 1970's where it was found out that there was Yakuza meddling in the papering process that resulted in probably thousands of blades getting papers that should have not. This scandal nearly broke the NBTHK and forced a completely new papering system and rule set to be devised so as to de-legitimize the old ones. When you see old Kicho papers, you should dismiss them as force of habit and judge the blade on its own merits. Not to say that all old papers aren't correct; but by now, most blades have been repapered in the new system and thus what is left is highly likely to be false.

This looks like a form of Hitatsura. Hitatsura is usually defined as such when there is hardening along the body of the blade and not just the ha or mune.

With Shinshinto, you do need to be a bit selective as there were a lot of not so artistic smiths just making blades to get by. However, you can run across beauties like this: Obviously, the smiths who had the time and wherewithal to imitate, study, and expand upon their Koto masters were the best: Kiyomitsu, Sadakazu, Kanesada to name a few. I'd argue that the relative recentness of these works makes it more relevant to study them while the items and the history is still easier to preserve. Given time, all things wither and disappear under the sands.

The nakago for such a young blade is also heavily compromised. He made both gendaito and showato so unless you get a window done, it may difficult to make the call of which it is. Condition is everything, so the value will suffer due to the poor state of preservation of the nakago and the blade itself Kanefusa is a 1st seat rikugen, and his blades are prized, so that is the upside. Value is hard to call due to the condition but good gendaito is decent old polish start around $2500. Showato in decent shape are about $1500. You won't see either of those values without restoration. You're unfortunately looking at not a lot past $500-600 as it sits. This blade might be worth putting in front of a trained Japanese sword polisher (togishi) for evaluation. But the nakago would probably put this in the "passion project" category. If its important to your family, see about restoration, keep it and treasure it. Regardless, do not do anything to the blade yourself except keeping the edge gently oiled with a light mineral oil or choji oil.

Gendaito, in the collecting sphere are blades that are between 1880ish and 1945. Anything after that is a Shinsakuto, aka modern. These blades are not gendaito and probably Chinese made. Boshi looks too awkward to be proper Japanese also.

Its not overly common no.

The blade is an "anti-rust" steel gunto. I believe this due to the fact that the nakago is as clean as it is and has the same higaki yasurime that I see on others of this steel-type.

The kashira is called a "Kabutogane", the fuchi is the same name. Menuki are pretty standard. That tsuba appears to be a decent non-pierced mid to late war tsuba. The piece at the throat of the saya is called a kuchigane. The hanger is called a haikan; it is interesting that there's two and it appears it is tachi-slung! The metal fixture 2/3 of the way down on the scabbard is called a semegane (I think). And the end piece is called an ishizuki (similar term to what is found on a naginata's pole). The particular pieces on this gunto appear to haave gold trim which is a nice bonus. The leather is indeed very supple still shown by the fact that you're able to remove it and put it back on! The stitching on the combat cover appears to be an optional upgrade they chose. Afraid I can't see much of the blade to give an opinion of that, but the habaki appears to be a standard gunto habaki. Lastly, its nice that you have the weather cover original to this blade! Most of the time, those were discarded/thrown away. The mounts appear to be missing a sarute and rank-appropriate tassel, so can't say much there! I own several showato/gendaito and have sold several too; as well as having several older blades in gunto mounts. The mounts for this one are in very nice condition and has a lot going for it in terms of quality too.

You're in Europe, so I am afraid I cannot assist you with finding an artisan. But there are several members here who could! Marius is one such gentleman that comes to mind: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/profile/221-marius/

As I stated in your other thread; the koshirae while simple are very nice and warrant a look at restoration by a professional.

These are some extremely fine examples of menuki. I hope you still have a matched pair! The koshirae alone appear to warrant a look at restoration by a professional.

Just to caution about the surrender tag in case you were thinking of returning it to the original owner: It is unlikely that the family of the now likely deceased veteran will want the sword back; even if they do receive it, it will likely be sold to an antiquities dealer and separated from its current mounts. I've seen this happen several times before. My advice is to treasure the sword and take care of it as it is now part of your family's history and would make a lovely heirloom to pass along someday!

Based on the custom fittings, the two-piece habaki, and the length/shape of the blade: I believe this is a pre-war wakizashi blade mounted for use in the war by someone of captain or lieutenant rank. To know more, you'd have to remove the bamboo peg in the handle and show us the tang of the blade and the blade itself without any fittings on it. Just by appearance alone, it appears to be a decent sword. Is there any visible metal pattern on the skin of the steel or a hamon (cutting edge pattern) present? How long is the cutting edge length? If you're in the midwest, I'd be able to give you a more in-depth assessment than by pictures alone.

Take the pictures, upload them to the site from your computer. To do this: They cannot total over 2.93mb in size per single post unless you're a member. At the bottom of the post editor, there is a "Drag files here to attach, or choose files...", you'll click that and find where you're storing them on your local machine. Be sure to include some measurements of the blade as well, such as how long the cutting edge is, good closeups of the nakago (tang), and hamon/any activity present in the blade.

There you go! I missed that stamp. Still, its good to know the history of what you have.

Looks like you've got a gendaito (traditionally made wartime blade) on your hands. I cannot reach the kanji myself, so I will let others who can chime in. At least that is my first impression based on the fact that it is signed, dated, and lacks an arsenal stamp that I can see. However, I could be wrong so please wait for others who can identify the smith to let you know.

Its entirely okay if the pin is destroyed in removing it! The information that could be on the nakago is far more important. It could tell us who made it, the date, or even if it is a traditionally made blade, arsenal blade, or even an older blade mounted for war. As for replacing the pin, you can simply whittle one from a chopstick: it is the same material. Other information that might be useful: Can you get us a measurement of how long the cutting edge of the blade is?

Best of luck on your sale!

Hello everyone! Chris here. I've been making these for a few years now and selling them at the Chicago show and other shows/events. These are my take on makura since I wanted a sword pillow that came in some different color options than what we're used to seeing, was sturdy enough to support multiple heavy blades, and able to be washed and reused with ease. These pillows are able to be washed and reused if they ever take on too much soiling. I had a fellow token kai member tell me that I ought be selling these online as well, so now I offer them to you! They are machine and hand-stitched seams and cinching, with a sturdy fill inside that can be filled in such a way that allows for varying degrees of firmness/softness. The material is satin, which I've found I prefer over the usual silk brocade. Though if provided, I could use suitable materials other than the satin. As they are now, they come in 8 different colors: red, gold, purple, royal blue, navy, olive, forest green, emerald green. For reference, the blades resting on these two pillows are a: 29.5" Sukesada katana and a 29" Yamato ken. I am asking $20 a pillow, or 3 for $50. For larger orders(10+), I am open to a bulk rate. Shipping is via USPS flat-rate boxes which are as follows directly from the USPS site: Small Flat Rate Box: $10.20 (fits up to 5 I believe) Medium Flat Rate Box: $17.10 Large Flat Rate Box: $22.80 A photo of the cinching method I use: If you have any questions regarding my makura or anything mentioned in this post, feel free to respond here and/or DM or email me. ~Chris

I am a central Indiana resident, so feel free to reach out to me via email. I'd be more than happy to help and give you opinions and options on what you could do. Edit: I am also the Indiana Token Kai site administrator, so feel free to contact me here. I've also sent you a message here on this site detailing how to contact me with ease.

Handachi style fittings, looks to be a 'working class' sword. If you need someone in the midwest to give a more exact in-hand opinion, I am located in central Indiana.

Hello Em! As per the nagasa of 9", this would be classified as a tanto without a doubt. It is also in aikuchi koshirae, which further cements the fact that this is a tanto. I am located nearby in central Indiana if you need an in-hand opinion and I would be happy to help. ~Chris

Hey Michael! I noticed you're a resident of Indiana. If you want someone to give you an in-hand opinion of your sword, let me know. I am centrally located. Feel free to message me here or email me if you like. ~Chris W.

You might struggle to find a decent katana even in just shirasaya at that price level. Wakizashi and tanto? Yes, you'll find plenty. Katana are generally of a higher price level unless you start talking showato (Oil-quenched WWII-era blades), then you'll have a lot of options.

I can put several things in front of you as a possibility. But what would you be looking for? Katana/wakizashi/tanto? Koto or newer? If you're interested, please feel free to reach out directly to me at ChrisW7290@gmail.com and I'll share some albums of things you might be interested in.