Scogg

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

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.

Thanks Rob! Much appreciated. I’ll hope for more input, but I will likely go look at it tomorrow, and at least confirm or deny if the saya is matching. If it turns out to look good, and others agree, maybe I can make a deal . Cheers, -Sam

This is listed at a store down the street from me. Looks pretty nice for the price but I’m not savvy with these 95s. I like the relatively low serial number and condition. I cannot tell if the saya has matching numbers. What do ya’ll think? Is it worth taking a look at? Considering adding a type 95 to my collection.

Me too! Truth is, I’ve been looking for these books for some time - I just never liked the prices until now. I will put them to good use, and they will live on my bookshelf indefinitely. I like to imagine, that someday, I’ll pass them down to an aspiring new collector. -Sam

Thanks again @Bruce Pennington I very luckily won this auction. I've been looking for the Fuller and Gregory books for a decent price, and this was perfect! To get the Oshigata, Showa, and Swordsmiths of Japan softcovers is a HUGE bonus; and a great addition to my physical library. I hope they arrive safe . Cheers, -Sam

Steve, this post is currently already in the for sale or trade section. The moderators already moved it here because this is where it belongs. The auction section is not for seller listings. It’s just for discussion. Hope this helps, and good luck with your sale. Very cool sword! Cheers, -Sam __________________________________________

That's the one! And that's me at my wedding, showing it to my uncle, who had previously thought the sword was lost. It is gratifying to keep it in the family, and I intend to pass it down. Hopefully it sparks an interest in Nihonto for the next generation, like it did for me. I am enjoying reading everyone's answers! Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @Toryu2020! I do really need to attend those sessions. I read and save all the NCJSC newsletters and kantei emails, and also have Markus Seskos koto kantei book and supplement. The tricky part is getting all that knowledge and information to stick . I’m sure the zoom meeting would help a lot. Thanks again and hopefully see you soon on the zoom kantei, -Sam

Thank you, good advice! Making it a priority -Sam

Thank you Bruce! If only that was the "buy it now" price . I'll be bidding on this one. Cheers, -Sam