ribendao

Sorry about the poor pictures. I took them a while ago and the sword is at home while I am currently in the office. The fuchi is all iron and have looked very carefully but have seen no stamps. The only stamp I have seen is next to the serial number and I believe it is this Kanji 東. I will try to get better pictures when I get home tonight.

I have a couple of type 95s in my collection but this one has always given me a little heartburn. I think there is a possibility it might be a fake. The reasons I believe this are listed below: 1. The paint on the handle is like 95% still there, which seems to be very rare/unusual 2. The paint seems to be a strange shade of reddish brown that I haven't really seen before. 3. Even though the majority of the paint is in there, the Menuki seems damaged/ worn. 4. The blade just seems to be in much better/newer shape than my other type 95s. Would love to hear what you all think?

Thanks everyone for the input. I learned a lot. The seller ended up selling the blade. I sure am glad I consulted all of you before being impulsive and buying it.

Thanks 16K i looked up other examples of these Seki swords and they do look similar. Its just I have never seen mountings like this one. Most Seki blades seem to be in what look like Type98 Shin Gunto mountings.

Thanks Vajo, These are the pictures the seller provided. I requested more clear ones but haven't gotten a response. But judging from what you guys said and my gut feeling I think I will pass on this sword. Thanks again.

Yeah I knew something was off about it. The temper line still looks nice and irregular though. What do you suspect the market price for this kind of gunto would be?

Hello all, Saw this sword for sale locally. The pictures aren't great but from what I can tell the Hamon looks ok. The only problem is the seller is claiming it to be from the 1500s but the patina on the Nakago doesn't look right and the signature looks sloppy as hell. I am still a novice but am I correct in my assessment so far? Is this sword worth the risk?

For real? I would much prefer to have a signed blade in better condition, even if it takes a few more dollars. Would like to have something that is at least pre Showa. Please send me some details on the sword and I will consider it.

Ok, thank you for this valuable info. I will take it to heart when making my decision.

Wow really that low huh? The guy is asking more than double that. I've never seen any traditional or imperial blades, other than bayonets, go for that cheap. Is there any place where I can find Nihonto for this price, regardless of condition?

Thanks for this info. The guy is wanting $675 for it. I thought that was a good deal but according to you guys that would still be over paying. How much would you say a professional polishing of this blade would cost? Would a professional polishing bring out the blade's hamon/temper line? This would be my first traditional blade if I decided to go for it. (I have three type 95s, one type 32, one type 19 dress sword, and a bunch of bayonets.) As for the mountings, what you are saying is the handle binding and hand guard (sorry still learning the terminology) are most likely not original. correct? The rest of the mounting look original? Thanks again for the reply. I am excited to finally have an opportunity to post in these message boards.

Saw this wakizashi for sale online in the USA. Does it look like a legit WWII bring back? Traditionally made? The price looks decent so I am considering buying it. I'm new to this platform so please forgive me if there are formatting errors. Thanks!