Scogg

Additionally, if there is any information about Togishi from the 50s, I would be very curious to know. Looking for: 君山研廣 Kimiyama Kenhiro

@Conway S Iijima stopped producing in March 1945, when American B29s bombed it out of commission. Their last batch switched to steel tsuba around 160075. My latest observed iijima brass tsuba is in the 159k range on my notes. Big thanks to Kiipu, Bruce, and Stegel for helping so much. So many little nuances with the type 95, it can be hard to digest. But it’s very interesting stuff All the best, -Sam

That stands to reason. Or perhaps 7 preceded 6. While 6 and 8 were congruent for some amount of time

@Kiipu, I've digested your notes, and edited my list to more closely reflect yours. In addition, I adopted the wording "asymmetrical/symmetrical" and removed the "2a, 2b, 3a" because I had not realized those terms had been coined in the past for other features (Thank you @Bruce Pennington). I think the "Transition" or maybe "interim" identifier is less intrusive to preexisting pattern list. Let me know your thoughts. -Sam -Copper Tsuka Initial Pattern; plug on end of saya: Pattern 1 = Copper handle - 11mm Brass tsuba - Asymmetrical ito - Cap but no drag on saya. -Aluminum Tsuka Patterns; drag on end of saya: * Transition Pattern 2 (Suya) = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Asymmetrical ito - punctured ito. ( TO 東 ).* *Transition Pattern 2 (Gifu) = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Asymmetrical ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. ( NA 名 ).* Pattern 2 = Aluminium handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Symmetrical ito. Pattern 3 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - With/Without(Kokura) bohi - Symmetrical ito. *Transition pattern 3 (tsuba) = Aluminum handle - Top latch steel tsuba but with side latch cutout - Symmetrical ito.* Pattern 4 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Symmetrical ito - ( NA 名 ) . -Wooden Tsuka Patterns: Pattern 5 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - With/Without Bohi - Metal Saya with drag - (NA名). Pattern 6 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Without Bohi - Wooden Saya with chape - ( HE ヘ , Jinsen). *Author noted transitional patterns with asterisk*

Thank you, Thomas, that’s an excellent list and really helps illuminate some of the changes surrounding the bohi. I also like the symmetrical vs. asymmetrical terminology for the ito. Bruce, I’ve noticed the differences in seppa on a few swords as well, but it’s not something I’ve formally cataloged. The main reason is that it’s rarely shown clearly in photos, and it’s such a minor variation (among so many small variations) that it didn’t feel significant enough to define a new type. I feel the same about the side-latch cutout tsuba on top-latch aluminum tsuka swords. The change is so subtle that it’s both hard to spot and hard to justify giving its own category. I will need to revisit some of my wording and verbiage to make sure my efforts align with previous work. I want to be sure my work is supplemental rather than unhelpful; even if those efforts remain with me as my own references. Thanks Thomas, -Sam

Hi @John C, precisely! That’s a great example of a “Pattern 2,” and it’s exactly what I need photos of. If you’re willing, I’d be very grateful for as many detailed images you can send via message. I’m especially looking for full-sword shots, close-ups of both sides of the tsuka, the clip/tsuba area, any stamps or serial numbers, and the saya drag. When I say “mirrored ito,” I’m referring to how the ito meets the fuchi. On Pattern 1 copper tsuka and the transitional aluminum types (what I call patterns 2a and 2b), the ito at the fuchi looks like the example below (an aluminum pattern 2a from my collection). On June 24, 1939, the ito pattern at the fuchi was changed so the folds on both sides matched (like on your sword). This let the mekugi pass through the samegawa instead of the ito, and supposedly allowing a tighter fit. I use terms like “offset ito” or "mirrored ito" in my notes to distinguish the copper and transitional tsuka from the Pattern 2 and all later aluminum tsuka. For better or worse (probably worse), some of the terminolgy and phrasing i'm using comes from my shorthand notes, so while it's clear to me, it might not be intuitive for others. Thanks everyone for your support during my efforts! It means a lot. -Sam

When people ask what we mean when we say the steel looks "wet", this is a great photo example. Well done, -Sam

Thank you Thomas @Kiipu, that's a huge relief actually. Makes a lot of sense, as they don't really "fit" with the rest. I was not sure how to catalog those ones anyway, and I encounter them vary rarely. Phew! Thank you so much, -Sam Updated: Copper Tsuka Initial Pattern: Pattern 1 = Copper handle - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi - Cap but no drag on saya. Aluminum Tsuka Patterns: *Pattern 2a = Aluminum handle - 9mm? Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .* *Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm? Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. * Pattern 2 = Aluminium handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito. Pattern 3 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - With/without bohi(rare without) - Mirrored ito. *Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - Top latch steel tsuba but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito. Pattern 4 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito. Wooden Tsuka “Last ditch” Late War Patterns: Pattern 5 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - With(rare with)/Without bohi - Steel saya. Pattern 6 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Without Bohi - Wooden saya.

Without their selfless generosity, none of this would be possible. Their contribution gives the forum a massive boost in funding and helps Brian continue the hard work of keeping our community connected. It’s gestures like this; that remind me what makes this place special. Every member benefits from this act of kindness, and i'm deeply grateful. To our anonymous supporter: thank you for making a difference. Your generosity means a lot.

Thanks, Bruce! That would be a huge help, and get me over that halfway point. I'll bug ya in January about it -Sam

Maybe some pre-ignition . I began this project as my own personal study guide and reference material; but it's evolved into something a bit bigger. Since we've started a new page now, below are the patterns that I still need good images of. Hoping to get donated images from peoples personal collections so I don't have to reuse images from internet listings. Slowly but surely getting there. -Sam Copper Tsuka Initial Pattern: Pattern 1 = Copper handle - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi - Cap but no drag on saya. Aluminum Tsuka Patterns: *Pattern 2a = Aluminum handle - 9mm? Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .* *Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm? Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. * Pattern 2 = Aluminium handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito. Pattern 3 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - With/without bohi(rare without) - Mirrored ito. *Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - Top latch steel tsuba but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito. Pattern 4 = Aluminium handle - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito. Wooden or Ito Tsuka, “Last ditch” Late War Patterns: Pattern 5 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - With(rare with)/Without bohi - Steel saya. Pattern 6 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Without Bohi - Wooden saya. Pattern 7 = Wooden ring handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers. Pattern 8 = Ito wrapped handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers.

Congratulations @Justin Grant, you are the winner! pm incoming

@Bruce Pennington @kleber75 Now relocating to military swords of Japan section for a new set of eyes

Thanks Conway, that's a good idea. It's been a slow going project, as I continue to learn as I progress. I'd like photos from peoples collections that are voluntarily offered for this project. The last thing I want is to put something out there, and some individual or website claims I used their photos without permission. That's a hurdle I intend to avoid, and I want my work to be crowdsourced for the good of the hobby. I have even been considering buying and selling a few 95s just to acquire some of these images I need. Basically, so far, I only have the transitional patterns (Patterns: 2a, 2b, 3a, and 4) dialed-in and am working on the regular patterns. I figured those would be challenging to acquire, so I'm feeling good about getting those. What I am still looking for is good detailed photos of the following patterns and details: - An 11mm tsuba on aluminum tsuka Type 95. - Pattern 1 = Copper handle - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi - Cap but no drag on saya. - Pattern 2 = Aluminium handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito. - Pattern 5 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - With(rare with)/Without bohi - Steel saya. - Pattern 6 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Without Bohi - Wooden saya. - Pattern 7 = Wooden ring handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers. - Pattern 8 = Ito wrapped handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers. As you can see, I've got a ways to go . -Sam photo example below:

@robinalexander I’m flattered, really! I have been working on a few documents. One being a download for the NMB with descriptions and photos of pattern types. What’s taking me so long is that I want to use my own, or donated photos. And my day job keeps taking all my time Believe it or not though, I still have a lot to learn on the subject. Also, there’s still a great deal of unknowns. Maybe someday though, with a lot of help. -Sam

My view may be biased when it comes to pricing, but I think it’s within the expected range. Matt is a good and reliable dealer; and both the tassel and the hanger can each be worth a couple hundred on their own, and both are hard to find. This transitional aluminum model with the mekugi-punctured ito was produced, according to my notes, in roughly the same quantities as the copper-handled versions. I have an estimated production figure of fewer than 6,000, and it’s anyone’s guess how many actually made it through the war. Just my opinion as someone who might like these "transitional patterns" a little too much -Sam

Thats a really good one, and absolutely checks all my boxes. I really love these suya transitional patterns, and with all those accessories !! Thanks for sharing, A really good one for the list. -Sam ps. This one was previously shared on the NMB this year, although without much of the details like saya number, hanger, or the tassel. Must have been a shared eBay listing or something with worse photos than what St. Croix has now provided.

Hi Jens and Bruce, I'd be happy to move it when we get some more translated. I very frequently refer to Nick Komiya's threads and his red font translated documents. I'm going to share a couple links below, the later, on the Type95, containing most of them. If you have an interest in Military Sword of Japan, these are must reads. Type 32 : https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/system-kaizen-behind-type-32-gunto-production-1930s-788442/#post2154241 And for the Type 95 (with a lot of these documents, some also about the Type32): https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/short-development-history-type-95-gunto-676112/ I will follow along and move it when the time comes. All the best, -Sam

Hi Logan, Unless it’s being offered at a pretty low price, I’d recommend continuing to shop around. It does look like a genuine wakizashi, but in its current condition, it’ll be extremely difficult to appreciate any activities in the steel. The hamon is very hard to make out in the photos; I suspect due to a buffing or improper polish; and the nearly nonexistent hamachi suggests a tired blade. Overall, I think you could find something more enjoyable if you wait for the right piece. Other opinions may vary, but that's what I see. All the best, -Sam

Good question. I had too quickly assumed it was this area / marks. Mark, can you confirm or deny if this is the area in question?

To me, it looks like scratching. In which case, it would be superficial; but an eye-sore nonetheless. If you are worried that it may be a crack through the hamon "Hagire", try to see if it's mirrored on the other side of the blade.

You are all good Willy; and no problem at all! These forums can take some getting used to - and our members sometimes forget the early days. It appears you're in my neck-of-the-woods, I'm hosting a Nihonto club meeting on Sunday December 7th, in Tualatin Oregon. If you'd like information about address/time, send me a message . All the best and welcome to the forum! -Sam

I am hoping that the gunto auction starts a small trend. If we can get a donation or two a year, to auction off, that could be pretty good money for the board. We'll see how it goes! One week left for bidding. -Sam

Poor forum manners are to be expected from time to time, and situations like that are usually best handled collectively, either by choosing not to engage or by reminding the poster that a little courtesy goes a long way. I also try to give new members some grace, since navigating these forums can take a bit of getting used to. What concerns me more are the repeat offenders who continue the same behavior despite guidance.

Facebook and Reddit will always be free. So if the NMB were to charge for services like translating or listing items, people would simply have no reason to do those things here. I hate to go there… but what then happens when AI figures out mei to a reliable degree? Additionally, I would hate to see the NMB be flooded with complicated little transactions for this or that; when it’s supposed to be an accessible resource for like minded people. The finances are one thing. Otherwise the translations and sales are very rarely a problem, with the exception of a select few repeat offenders who abuse the service. I don’t have the answers; but funding for the board just needs careful consideration, IMO