GeorgeLuucas

It’s a good looking sword, and a good price. Whoever gets this one is getting a cool piece of history. PayPal F&F is pretty common and no issue in my experience. Best of luck with your sale, -Sam

It’s a good book! I really like the images and information. I recommend it! But I’m one of those weirdos who doesn’t mind if information is available in more than one place, and likes when it’s neatly collected with amazing images

They are also often found under the Habaki, between the Munemachi and the Yasurime Here's an old thread with some good photos of Nagashi Best of luck, Cheers, -Sam

Participating in the damaging of an antique Japanese sword, is not the way to show your respects to Japanese swordsmanship or culture. Quite the opposite. In my opinion, it's simple as that. -Sam

I'm having trouble sourcing some specific information - maybe i've overlooked it somewhere. Does anyone have a source, or even a rough idea, of how many Aluminum Handle Type 95s were made? What's the highest serial number known? Cheers, -Sam

Something to note on this sword: The tsuba is the 9mm version, rather than the earlier 11mm version. Everything else seems to line up perfectly with the transitional model specs. EDIT: as I understand, the mixing of 9mm and 11mm tsuba on the transitional models is hypothesized to use up the leftover 11mm stock. Cheers, -Sam

Thank you Bruce! I am excited to have bought it. I think it’s very cool and it’s really well fit together. The rarity of it is a huge bonus! I wonder what it might be worth, and how good a deal I got it for. But it’s going to stay in my collection for now. I’ve wanted one for a while. It’s string on the saya. It’s very well done, and seems to be glued or lacquered in place somehow. Even though it’s not original, I think it adds an aesthetic appeal, and I like the mystery of who might have done it. Long story short, I think it looks good Thanks for your help everyone, Cheers. -Sam

No worries John, I will not be taking it apart. But it’s a good reminder to anyone reading along that these type 95s are just machine made blades with nothing to reveal on the nakago; unlike the type 94 or type 98s. Leather conditioner is good advice too, the tassel is pretty dry. I think I’ve got some lying around Cheers, -Sam

Unfortunately I did not purchase this sword. I am hoping the translation will help the owners find it a proper home. It was pretty nice looking, but had condition issues. Still on a roll though Cheers, -Sam

Thank you Kiipu, and great eye! I didn’t even see that small mark. Here’s a better photo. That’s great info about the saya and makes a lot of sense. Much appreciated for the link. I’m going to sit down and read it over this evening. Sounds like I lucked out and found a cool piece! Thanks again! Cheers, -Sam

Well, I acquired the sword! Paid a little more than I had hoped, but still very affordable for a neat sword. Heres some of my own photos of the fittings, I did my best with a new phone. Some observations: Even though the saya had no serial number that I can find, it fits like a glove with no rattle. The yellowing all over is definitely done over wear and tear, like you mentioned. Anyway, here it is! Let me know what you think good or bad. Thanks again, -Sam

Thank you so much Ray! Your dedicated help with translations and information is a real blessing. Much appreciated. Cheers, -Sam

While I was doing a deal for another sword, this one was also available in Gunto fittings. Curious what the Nakago translation is. Apologies for poor lighting. It’s on a counter in a dim lit store, and it was a little chaotic in there. I hope it is still legible enough to translate. Cheers, -Sam

How exciting. Now I just hope it's still at the shop when I get off work. Thank you for that info Bruce! In one small comment, you answered all my questions about the handle color. That was mainly what concerned me. At first, I saw the sub 10k serial number and thought I struck gold with a copper handle. Then, thanks to my books, I discovered those are only sub ~6,500. Therefore, I was worried that the handle color was made to LOOK like it's copper under the paint, and not aluminum, which raised a red flag. Now it all makes more sense. Ya'll have squashed my worries! Thanks! Cheers, -Sam PS. I'll keep you posted if I am able to purchase it. Stay tuned.