Scogg

I love it! I enjoy frogs and tadpoles on tosogu. I’ve been looking for something just like it for my collection. Cheers, -Sam

Hi Michael, Exciting to get into the world of Nihonto! I'm right there with you. There's a sword show in Vegas coming up this January - a good excuse for a trip! For what it's worth, many of us perfectly enjoy our sub 10K swords. You'll still be able to enjoy finer swords from afar. We all want the best, but don't let that keep you from what's realistic for you. I love my BMW, knowing it's no Rolls Royce At your price range and into low level juyo, you will have a lot of interesting pieces to choose from when the time is right and you have the knowledge. Best of luck, -Sam

You must have me confused with someone else. I’ve never even held an Odachi! I’d love to own one someday, I can add that to my dream list -Sam

Fair enough, but that’s an extreme example! For the sake of the exercise, I like the one on top more (but I’d never pay 32k!) I guess my point was, that in my experience, I see far nicer items in the $200-$500 dollar range than I do in the sub $150 range. And if you have some knowledge, dealing in that price range, (especially with trusted dealers), would likely yield more a more quality collection. Like Dan said though, more risk, and I get that. -Sam

Thanks Dan, and fair enough. To each their own. I've been collecting for a similar amount of time. When I started, I had similar aspirations to collect more, but as I've learned and acquired items of varying quality, I now want less (but nicer) items. It's interesting to hear other peoples perspectives and collecting motivations. I generally agree, that I'd rather have 5 great swords over 1 supreme sword. I find enjoyment in variety, and I imagine I'd get bored with a tiny collection. To careen this back on track. If you must buy on eBay, here's some advice that I recommend: 1. Like Spartancrest said above, always check shipping price! I've seen items listed for $10 with $500 shipping attached, in hopes someone won't notice. 2. Always check seller history and feedback. If a seller has no history, or bad feedback. Take that into account and proceed with caution. 3. Always check seller location and shipping details before purchase. I've seen sellers with "pickup only". Or sellers shipping from antarctica. Beware! 4. Find sellers you like and trust, or are recommended, and prioritize them. 5. Understand the inherent risks of buying on the internet. Happy hunting. -Sam

No offense Dan, but your pride in your 150 tsuba in conjunction with your explanation that you can't afford nicer ones, really doesn't make any sense to me. Take the money you've invested in 150 eBay tsuba. Would you not have more enjoyment investing the same amount of money in say, 50 tsuba? Would the quality not increase a lot? Is there a benefit or satisfaction to having 150 low-end tsuba versus 50 nicer ones? Or even, 25? Just trying to understand the 'why'. Cheers, -Sam

I'm a hopeless romantic, so my dream swords are personal picks. Both projects are in the works! But won't be done for several years... One, being my inherited early shinto kanemoto school katana - in full polish. Two, being the o-suriage late Kamikura Tegai I found in the wild - in full polish. Aside from those personal blades. A dream would be to own a Koto ubu Awataguchi or Rai Tachi. Certainly, only in my dreams Cheers, -Sam

I like the tubes. I try to find a tube to put into a rectangular box. It gives me the peace of mind that it's more "rigid" for whatever reason. For the very few swords I've shipped; I've gotten boxes from a local golf store. They've got some perfect sized boxes that they would just recycle anyway. Best of luck, -Sam

Also, it’s not shown on either oshigata. Not sure if that’s relevant or not, but maybe further implies it happened afterwards

There was a good discussion about it recently, but I haven’t heard if there has been any updates. I know Ray’s site, Swords of Japan, has some articles. The below thread has the links, and also some good photos + discussion about it. Really good stuff in there. All the best, -Sam

It’s more than I would personally pay for it, given the photos and info provided. I don’t think I would bid on it unless I saw it in person and confirmed it looked right, and there weren’t any major unseen issues. I think you could get something much cooler as a WW2 katana if you wait for the right piece. I’d recommend posting in the ‘wanted to buy’ section and seeing if anyone in the EU is selling gunto. I don’t usually like talking prices on here. Some consider it taboo because nobody wants to be between a seller and a sale - so I’m going out on a limb and hoping for the best. @Brian can maybe help clarify if it’s a forum rules thing. Happy collecting! All the best, -Sam

Good to hear. I also like WW2 stuff and like to collect it. Another thing to be aware of is the blade length (measurement from notch at the spine to the blade tip). This is called the Nagasa. Length can be a big factor in price. If it’s been shortened to wakizashi length, then it’s way overpriced in my novice opinion. If it’s katana length or more (60.6cm+), then the price is a bit closer. Best of luck, -Sam (photo from Hanbon Forge website)

If you're looking for piece of militaria from WW2 era Japan, this is a decent option. I can't say how much it's worth, but i've seen similar gunto, in a much better state of polish and condition, for lower prices. I've seen some in the EU pop up on this website in the "For Sale or Trade" section, so keep an eye on that. If you're looking for a Nihonto, to appreciate the workmanship and the steel, then this is a bad option - because its condition obscures the details of the blade. As far as determining how old a blade is without a confirmed date? That takes a carefully trained eye, experience, knowhow, and the proper photos or a blade in-hand. I've been working on that and my "Kantei" ability for a few years now, and I have barely scratched the surface. But i'm a slow learner https://markussesko.com/kantei/ https://swordsofjapan.com/kantei-is-easy/ Just my two cents. Best of luck, -Sam

Sorry this wasn't addressed. I was hoping someone with more knowledge than me would touch on it.. but here I go : The fact that your Osawa Kanehisa sword is missing a SHOWA stamp or (arsenal stamp) above the mei - implies that it might be traditionally made and water quenched like you suspect. The one I shared with the SHOWA stamp was definitely oil quenched and not traditionally made. It's my understanding that Osawa Kanehisa made both non traditional SHOWATO and also traditional GENDAITO. That being said, I cannot tell for certain based on photos and I am no expert. Cheers, -Sam

I once owned a sword by WW2 smith Osawa Kanehisa. His blades often have a kokuin (hot stamp) of his personal seal that says "Kanehisa". You can see an example in my image below. The mei on your nakago looks a bit rushed compared to the example in my image. From Marcus Sesko's book, Japanese Swordsmiths: KANEHISA (兼久), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kanehisa” (兼久), real name Ōsawa Kan´ichi (大沢勘一), born January 2nd 1915, student of Kojima Kanemichi (小島兼道), he worked as a guntō smith and died July 7th 1945, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide, skilled artisan). What I find particularly interesting is that this swordsmith died in 1945 at just 30 years old, only months before the end of the war. Best of luck, -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