Scogg

Tsuba = Guard Seppa = "Washers" that go on both sides of the tsuba. Tsuka = Grip / handle. Fuchi =the cap at the end of the handle where it meets the Tsuba(guard) Kabutogane = Metal fitting at butt of the grip. Called a kashira on katana fittings, and on my source below. And if you have any further questions, below is my source: Hope this helps! Cheers, -Sam https://nihonto.com/about-swords/diagrams-terminology/#:~:text=Fuchi – The cap at the,secure the scabbard when drawn.

Thank you Conway, those are new to me! Thank you too, @Bruce Pennington, but I’ve got that one. It’s one of the more informative threads though, and full of great info and images. I have a lot of reading to do! Have you done any cataloging of 95s, like you do with other gunto? Cheers, -Sam

Perhaps a cloud, or a leaf like the motif on the bottom? I think a bird is a good guess too. The swirly zougan work reminds me of a piece I have. Also in poor shape, unless you catch the light just right (see below). Also mystery origin, but I figure mine is not particularly nice. I like it though, and I like yours! Cheers, -Sam

Hi Tom, that's very generous of you! I'd love to take you up on that. I live a bit north, in a suburb of the dreaded Portland Metro area. Coincidentally, soon I am hoping to visit another collector (also named Tom ) in Roseburg! Maybe I can combine my trip/visits. I'll reach out if and when I plan on making that drive, and coordinate with you . (hopefully Feb or March) Thanks again! Cheers, -Sam

Reviving this thread from the dead. I did my best to collaborate all the relevant links already shared, and hope it helps anyone who might be reading along. I'm diving into the study of type 95s, and have collected these links. I also have the Fuller & Gregory books, and Dawsons Cyclopedia. @BANGBANGSAN @Kiipu @Bruce Pennington tagging ya'll incase you have any recommendations. Am I missing any critical publications, links, downloads, or information not already included in this thread? How did members like @Shamsy know which serial numbers related to manufacture years? Thanks for reading, Cheers, -Sam Types/general: http://ohmura-study.net/957.html Blade: http://ohmura-study.net/791.html Tsuka: http://ohmura-study.net/792.html Saya: http://ohmura-study.net/793.html Stamps: http://ohmura-study.net/794.html 1 Copper example: https://www.guntoartswords.com/010737.html Page one: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31314-Japanese-type-95-sword-for-ncos/#comment-320720 https://www.warrelic...ype-95-gunto-676112/ https://www.warrelic...o-sword-info-228172/ Tassels: https://www.warrelic...-788442/#post2154241 https://www.jacar.ar...mage-en/C01005289200 https://www.jacar.ar...mage-en/C01005222500

Let's not allow this to get into the negativity realm. You should collect Tsuba, if it interests you. But you are correct, it is a difficult hobby, and the learning curve will be steep. You could always try getting an affordable (to you) tsuba, and see how it interests you in-hand, and then decide after that. While apples and oranges are both fruits.. Apples are to oranges, what an old government stamp is to an antique oil painting. To each their own, my friend. Godspeed, -Sam

Stunning, Steve! A blade worthy of such koshirae should probably live in shirasaya anyway. Maybe the best course of action is leaving the koshirae as-is, and getting a tachi in shirasaya to display alongside it. Just an idea, Cheers, -Sam

If we're still in the Hamon, and prior to nie and nioi identification... Next, do we look at boshi? Fully prepared to be wrong , -Sam

Thanks for the serial# info, Bruce. That's interesting! It's a shame @Shamsy and others are no longer active. Are there currently any leading experts on NCO 95s? I've been reading a lot about 95s, and hope to become pretty knowledgeable (after a few years maybe). Sorry Eric! Very cool side latch, and very hard to find! One of those models I keep an eye out for. Cheers, -Sam

Is the last sword photo in that thread, the wooden handle on page 3, a genuine example? I have never seen an NCO in the 300k serial number range. I had previously thought they only went up to ~200k+ Cheers, -Sam

Hi Jacob, I would argue that you're comparing apples and oranges here. Tsuba are considered handmade crafts, and works of art. Whereas coins and stamps are mass produced by the govt, turned collectibles. If each individual coin/stamp was designed by an artist and then hammered/cut out by-hand, you would see similar issues amongst coins/stamps. All in all, I would encourage you to collect whatever you like! In my experience, nothing worth doing is easy. And best of luck on your collection journey -Sam

I'll be there! I'll likely spend a majority of my time at the show on Saturday. I am not sure if I will make it on Friday (flying in that afternoon). I'll be traveling with my wife. I'm going for swords, she's going for the Vegas restaurants; not yet sure which will cost us more Looking forward to seeing you Adam, and any other forum members who may be in attendance. I'd love to hear about your Chikafusa! Cheers, -Sam

Can we see the torokusho from Showa 16? Maybe a typo or mis-translation as Showa 26 would be 1951? Here's an interesting write-up detailing post-war sword production: https://www.Japanese...ndex.com/history.htm All the best, -Sam

I once purchased an item I liked, listed as an 'obidome' - that ended up being a repurposed kashira from a sword. Tosogu can be repurposed all sorts of ways, and I imagine stand-alone menuki like yours would be a perfect candidate. Looks like it was originally a menuki to me! Below is a photo of my item, converted to an obidome (so you can see what that might look like), then I non-invasively converted it into a bolo-tie . Thank you for sharing. Cheers, -Sam

Hi Steve, are you trying to determine how many swords MORINOBU and KANENOBU might have forged during their lifetimes? You could theoretically assume the amount of swords any particular smith could make during their career. But you could never determine how many of those swords were destroyed/lost during the conflict, and furthermore how many were destroyed after the war. Maybe someday we'll have some rough numbers; if Bruce keeps cataloging All the best, -Sam

I don't think English is Jaques first language; and I have also occasionally gotten confused. Maybe he can help clarify, or possibly reword the question? Absolutely NO offense intended - I WISH I was multilingual . I am also diagnosed dyslexic... Further complicating things on my end. Cheers, -Sam

Stunning Adam! I imagine you're very proud to own such an amazing work of art and history. I love the sugata, it screams 'old'. I imagine the sword offers endless enjoyment in-hand. Color me jealous Cheers, -Sam

For hamon, I typically oscillate between 3 and 4 But I likely go through each step to see what gets revealed

I am inclined to agree with Dee, Rob, and Polaria That being said, I took a really hard look at #1 also. Do the chain links on that one not join vertically down the center seam? Is this a feature on this type of chain, or perhaps the sign of a fake? (Area in question highlighted with red line). Seems a recipe for entanglement. Thanks Hamfish, Good for study. -Sam

I fear we are playing the part of unpaid editors and producers of his Amazon books. His book is harmful to the collecting community, being nothing but circumstantial conspiracy theories copy and pasted from his posts on THIS forum. How is a new collector to know his book is less credible than another? He knows what he's doing is unethical. Otherwise he wouldn't be so defensive about his book. Ever met an author who doesn't want to market their material? I understand my words are not "flowers and rainbows" - so delete if needed. But this is the way I see it. Are we helping him write another? -Sam

My guess is the top half remnant of a damaged showa stamp. Looks like some green buildup around there too. How conveniently obscured that part of the image is . I think wartime showato are really interesting from a militaria collector standpoint. Being able to learn about individual smiths and their lives around the war is always interesting. The Fuller and Gregory books and softcover material has gone up in price A LOT. It took me a while to find them at a price I could manage. Maybe another sign of increased interest and popularity. All the best, -Sam

https://www.jstor.or...table/48647105?seq=1 page 5 You asked Jean to state his references. He was referencing the article that you shared, that I linked above. On page 5. But you’re right, he can defend himself, and I’m sure he will if he chooses to. But Dan, your inability to connect the dots is flabbergasting. I think it’s time for me to retire from these fantasy and guesswork threads of yours. Goodbye Dan, best of luck finding the ghosts you’re looking for. -Sam

His reference is the article that you, yourself, shared. His quote is on page 5, I think https://www.jstor.or...table/48647105?seq=1

Wow, another thread to pull my hair out over. Fremdschämen

It's important to remember correlation does not imply causation; and not all opinions are created equal. Dan, some food for thought. Can you imagine if I persistently told people on the forum with more knowledge than me, even after they tell me otherwise: "Maybe my sword was made with cast steel, and an alternative hardening method. It has features that I am unable to describe and identify, so it could be RARE, and an example of SECRET KNOWLEDGE." Because that's how all this sounds. Sincerely, -Sam