Scogg

Hi @Jake007, I have relocated some of the more obvious fakes to the "Fake Japanese Sword" section linked here: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/142-fake-Japanese-swords/ I suspect a couple of the others may also be fakes, but I have left them here for now so members have the opportunity to weigh in. I have to agree with the above, that this is not the best way to feel out a purchase. Many Japanese sword collectors have their "finger on the pulse" of these auction sites, and while it might seem like there are deals to be had, those deals are usually only found by those with a trained and educated eye. I'd recommend reading up a bit, looking into some books, and doing some study before a purchase. As an entry, I really like "The Art of the Japanes Sword" by Leon and Hiroko Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara. Also the "Connoisseurs book of Japanese swords" by Kokan Nagayama is very often recommended and is a great resource. Your dime your time of course; but you may encounter many pitfalls with this approach. All the best, -Sam

Personally, I like the Mihara. That's because it aligns with my personal tastes. My take might be less popular, but I think it’s better to lean into what truly resonates with you rather than chasing something just because it fits a certain period, size, or style. If Bizen work really speaks to you, especially Yasumitsu, that’s probably where your focus should be. The overall style of the Yasumitsu will be pretty different then the Ko-Mihara and your other blades. If what draws you to the Ko-Mihara is mainly its size and shape rather than the workmanship itself, it might be worth letting your appreciation for Bizen craftsmanship guide you. In the end, following what genuinely appeals to you usually leads to the most satisfying collection. Both blades must be speaking to you in no small way, if you're considering a purchase; so maybe there is no wrong choice between two nice looking swords. Best of luck and nice swords! -Sam

It’s such a fascinating and rewarding topic to explore. Every Japanese sword carries its own unique story and history. Welcome to the obsession! I hope you can make it to the upcoming PNW Token Kai meeting in December. That being said: Mal and Bruce have already done a fantastic job covering your sword in detail. They’ve gone above and beyond and I doubt I could offer much, if any, additional information. I'm just a collector, while Mal is the kind of person that I would go to for this kind of detailed info. He and Bruce really know their stuff. But if you are able to attend the meeting; there will be other swords to admire, and we can talk about your blade in-person, and go over maintenance and cleaning (if you would like). There's also something to gain about having a sword in-hand, and being able to point to features and discuss it's respective condition/quality, rather then relying on photos alone. Anyway, cool sword and this thread has been an interesting and fun read. All the best, -Sam

Thank you for clearing that up Kris, and a pleasure to meet you! Also, thank you for getting the caliper measurement of your tsuba. That goes a long way for my records, and is a challenging data point to collect. So it is very much appreciated. Very cool sword, and congratulations on winning the auction. If you have any questions, we are always here to help All the best, -Sam

Thank you so much Jean, that appears to be it! Much appreciated, -Sam

Hi John, I think so. That looks like it! I really struggle with these more "loopy" stylized characters

A friend has asked me for help translating this tsuba. I tried on my own first, but it’s proven to be beyond my amateur ability. Adding two photos; one original and the other brightened with a filter for some added contrast. Best regards, -Sam

Hi @Izu Karol, welcome to the forum! Something that is often overlooked by new members, is the "Nihonto info" and "Downloads" section up at the top of the page. Lots of amazing content and resources in there. Welcome, and feel free to share your swords with us if willing. All the best, -Sam

Maybe @Kiipu already has the answer. But I will add: If such carry over did occur, it would be a very interesting data point. And a key detail in that narrow transitional period between the Copper and Aluminum tsuka. I’m beginning to suspect one of two possibilities: - They simply don’t exist: the transition to 9mm tsuba may have been complete at the time of aluminum tsuka production began; and overstock was repurposed elsewhere. - Carry over occurred in very limited and factory-specific number, for example: perhaps only the earliest GIFU stamped swords, or maybe 11mm tsuba overstock was only given to select contractors like Iijima. This is a mystery I would really like to help unravel. If anyone has any photographic evidence, firsthand examples, or period documentation to show this carryover, I’d love to see it. I have been actively searching. I hope that we can figure this out, even eliminating possibilities helps us move closer to the truth. All the best, -Sam

That's possible, and I have heard this said about carry over 11mm tsuba; but I am still trying to confirm or deny this idea. I have never personally seen an aluminum type 95 with 11mm tsuba. I would be very interested in a caliper measurement @Krzysio, if you are able. My Suya #7249 definitely has the 9mm version. Nick Koyima states in his warrelics thread (linked below) "Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto", on page 2: "....Stu W's article describes the second model as having an aluminum grip and continuing to have a 11 mm thick Tsuba, but the Tsuba design was definitely switched to 9 mm thickness at the same time as gaining aluminum grips. The only possible and likely reconciliation is that mixing of old and new specs occurred to use up remaining stock of old Tsubas and Seppas...." Link: https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/short-development-history-type-95-gunto-676112-2/ I would love to see a confirmed 11mm tsuba on aluminum 95, but it's been very difficult to track one down, and now I've become suspicious. Best regards, -Sam

Hi Krzysio, is that your name? We like to have at least a first name for members here so we can be personable. Just forum guidelines Congrats on your first Japanese sword! Very exciting. It is a very nice pattern2 example with low serial number and aluminum hilt. The copper fuchi has the Iijima factory stamp, TO ( 東) stamp, and the Kokura 4 cannonball stamp. Something particularly interesting about your sword is that it's amongst some of the lower serial numbers out of the Iijima Factory. Thank you for sharing, and welcome aboard! Best regards, -Sam

Thanks Lewis, that's an interesting discussion. To answer the question "could you", and having seen the sword in hand, my personal answer would be: Yes! Chip aside, it had remarkable workmanship, and was an awe inspiring blade. My only complaint was how much I had to strain my short arms to admire such a long sword (just joking) Just my opinion of course, and thanks for the link. -Sam

@Don sweet @Bruce Pennington Hi Don, Unfortunately, I'm not currently aware of any active sword clubs meeting in Seattle. As for the group that used to gather in Vancouver, I've heard rumors that they may no longer be active, though I can't confirm that definitively. There are occasional stories of Nihonto meetups in the broader region, but they tend to be either very private or no longer occurring . That said, I'm in the process of establishing a new club for the Pacific Northwest. Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 7th, in Tualatin, Oregon. If you're interested in attending, feel free to send me a message for the address. Most of our current members are based in Oregon, but we also have a few from Washington, as well as others from Canada, Alaska, and Idaho. We're planning to hold one or two gatherings per year, and you're more than welcome to join (participation is free). On the topic of the sword in question, I do have to agree with the opinions above. I know it's disappointing, but in my view, this piece is not an authentic Japanese sword. It's a reproduction that appears to have been made with the intention of imitating certain features, but the workmanship throughout is inconsistent with genuine Nihonto or any other military sword of Japan. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I hope this helps clarify things. Best regards, -Sam

I cannot speak to rankings or ratings. But below is a sword that you may find interesting. It was on display at the 2024 SF show, and bears a remarkable kirikomi. It was awarded Juyo in 1973. https://nihonto.com/bizen-morisuke-備前守助/

@gandindorf @robinalexander Relocated to translation assistance Best of luck, -Sam

Hi John, You’ve posted this in the correct category I haven’t had the opportunity to read the whole thing, but after skimming the page a bit, it seems like an interesting write-up. Thanks for sharing. All the best, -Sam

This appears to be a ~30-50 year old replica of a Japanese sword A nice heirloom worthy of cherishing; but not antique. In my opinion, -Sam

I've reserved my room as well. Really looking forward to it! The conjoined antique arms show is absolutely MASSIVE, and worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. See ya'll there, -Sam

Yes, the habaki is that brass collar right around where the blade transitions to the tang. It will come off, but sometimes, especially on these inherited ww2 brinbacks, they can be pretty "stuck". Proceed with caution when removing; I have nearly cut myself while struggling with stubborn stuck fittings. Even if you are unable to get your sword here before our meeting, you are more than welcome to attend anyway! I will be bringing a couple WW2 swords for show-and-tell, and some other members will be bringing items. It could be a worthwhile learning opportunity, and a rare chance to get your eyes and hands on some genuine examples. I will send you a PM with the address to the sword club event. No pressure though, it's an open invitation. All the best, -Sam

Hi Sara, and fellow Oregonian! The absence of a stamp may suggest that the sword was traditionally made, rather than being made using non-traditional materials/methods. Though it's not a guarantee. When you can, check under the habaki for any stamps. I’ve just started a Japanese Sword Club here in the Northwest. We're holding our first meeting in Tualatin on Sunday, December 7th. If you’d like to bring your sword by for a few more eyes and opinions, you’d be more than welcome. We’ve got members with a wide range of experience levels, and of course, the more the merrier. Feel free to PM or email me if you'd like the address or more details. https://www.pnwtokenkai.com/ All the best and cool sword, -Sam

I think what your GBT thought was 銃剣, is actually 特賞

Fixed it Interesting sword! Would love to see more photos when you acquire it. Congrats on winning the auction and best of luck. -Sam

I've seen a lot of nice swords now, and I believe that I could pick out "good" swords from a lineup. Could I pick out a masterpiece amongst a lineup of "good" swords though? I doubt it... at least not yet. I'd love to be tested in that regard; to see how my eye is developing. Maybe someday, someone will put me to the task. Until then, I trust in the togishi and the more experienced. Interesting discussion, -Sam

I am unsure if it is possible without messing with the leather too much... But seeing the nakago (tang) would be interesting, and possibly reveal the most information. There should be a mekugi under the leather on the handle. Seen poking into the leather in the photo below. If it's possible to remove that mekugi (peg), then you could slide the handle off and reveal the nakago (tang). There may or may not be a signature, stamps, and/or a date. The lack of any fuchi, or seppa give me reason for concern. Best of luck and proceed with care, patience, and caution, -Sam

If this tsuka were mine, I’d just take a soft-bristle toothbrush and gently brush around the dusty/dirty areas. That should loosen any dirt that’s ready to come off; and then I’d leave the rest with the charming thought that “you can’t clean old” . Best of luck, -Sam