Dave0258

I recently acquired a Japanese Naval Dagger that is missing the brass pommel cap. (Note first image attached). I am looking to purchase a genuine one. It should be a standard size as far as I can tell. An example is shown in the second attachment. Let me know if you happen to have one I could purchase. Thanks, Dave 1104

Photo of the blade

Interesting. That would explain why my Junior Railway dagger has a hand-made blade. I often wondered why such a low level position would have such a nice blade. If I understand this thread correctly, the 5-7-5 Paulownia configuration is for a much higher official in the Governor General's office in Korea.

Hi, I recently picked up a wak in gunto mounts along with some additional items. The story is that they were acquired on the battlefield. The blade looks traditional but unfortunately has some distress. Nonethless, it seemed like an interesting version. The mounts are fitted for the wak, and not a traditional size gunto. So I am guessing it was used possibly by a tanker. Or it just fit the budget of the officer. I could use some assistance on the signature. The first photo shows the wak along a standard size gunto. Unfortunately I don't have a great shot of the blade itself with me (I'm traveling in Japan right now). The rest of the photos are self-explanatory. I appreciate any assistance on the name. Thanks, Dave

Thanks Chris.

I should clarify my request on the date. The characters are difficult to see even without trying to photograph. I know Mark says it is 1941. I am just asking if there was any month or day also specified, or if it just the year.

Thanks Grey. Was the obverse side clear enough to ascertain the date? Dave

Thanks mark. I will attempt a better set of photos tonight, but I appreciate the lead. It does appear similar to the oshigata in Slough's book, page 48. I neglected to add that there is a Showa stamp. It is visible in the 3d photo near the tsuba.

A friend has a gunto that his father brought back from the war. It is not in the greatest shape, with some active rust on the blade, and a slight bend to the blade. The koshirae has some damage. I have identified it as a Type 98 Army shin-gunto. The tsuba is open work, indicating earlier production. I have oiled the blade with light machine oil just to try to stop the active rust. The nakago is engraved on both sides. I have attached photos and would like some assistance in translation. (And yes, I have tried to do it myself, but without much success. I'm having some difficulty in even figuring out how many strokes are in each character, as silly as that seems.) I am hoping my photos are sufficient to assist in the translation. If not, let me know and I will try again. Thanks, Dave Speck

LOL. Gomi it is. I'll let you know if i have any success. Thanks.

I willl be in Fukuoka later this week and suddenly found I have about a half day of free time. Anyone have a recommendation for a sword shop in Fukuoka that I could visit? Thanks, Dave

Ted, I'm trying to follow your description of the modifications to the sword that you described. Any chance you could grace us with a photo to help with the understanding? Thanks, Dave

Grey Doffin and RobertM just offered copies of the Fuller and Gregory book on ebay. Another book to add to your library is Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson. Dave

Klaus, Servus, Dawson's book points out that all Type 95 swords with a copper fuchi have 3 stamps. The one you are looking at appears to have only two, and is missing the corporate logo. The arsenal identification (Tokyo arsenal in this case, with 4 cannonballs) should be on the right, and the arsenal inpection mark (to) in the center. So I would classify this as a fake. Additionally, the 4 cannonball stamp seem to have some of the circles off-center. Based on the legitimate Type 30 bayonet I have (which also displays this stamp), this seems to be a sloppy reproduction. I doubt the arsenal at Tokyo had to stamp four eparate circles. My bet is they had a stamp with all four circles already set and spaced. I would stay away from this one. Too many things wrong. And despite living in Vienna, Austria for 3 years, I too am hoping to hear what a Muhlikuh is. I am embarassed to say I do not know. Nevermind. I just saw your explanation. I always did have problem with the Austrian dialects. Regards,, Dave

Sorry. I should have included Mark Jones on the above list as well. Dave

Grey, "Pretty much every newbie decides he wants to restore his 1st sword; it usually doesn't make sense for a number of reasons." If it makes you feel any better, I'm one that goes against your comment above. I (admittedly reluctantly) decided not to restore the first sword I found for the very reason that you stated. However, I will give credit to you and the other members of this forum (you, Peter, Stephen, Mark Green) for all of the comments and advice that allowed me to consider the decision somewhat rationally. Not one of you actually suggested that I not restore it, but your observations, both direct to me and via other threads and in other situations, helped considerably in my decision process. Of course I may make a different decision on the next one, but at least I have some solid foundation and understand the risks and rewards much better than I ever could on my own. Echoing what others have said, this is a GREAT forum. Dave

Thanks Craig. I am putting it on my schedule, so I do hope to see you there as well. Regards, Dave

Does anyone have the dates for the next show in chicago? I know it is in April or may, but i am trying to arrange my schedule for that time period now and i can't find any timing. Thanks, Dave Speck

I'm busted, aren't I? Tonight. (This silly day job keeps getting in the way...)

All, as promised, here are the photos of the kyu-gunto blade, along with some of the koshirae. You should see both sides of the nagako, as well as the backstrap. I am also including the best photo I have which depicts the hamon. I apologize for the quality of the photos. I will get an eBay for Dummies book to get better at this. Additional blade measurements: 67.5 cm in length 3 cm at machi, 2 cm at yokote sori - 1.75 cm (my estimate) 14.5 cm nagako 2 and a half mekugi-ana Your assessment? Thanks, Dave

Photos to come this evening after I get home from work and set up the equipment.

Success. The rosette functioned as the second mekugi. Removing it and then using a combination of the makeshift wood block and the technique with the towel and end of the table worked. I still have ten fingers and all of the blood I started with. Perhaps as important is that the blade and koshirae did not suffer any damage either. No visible mei or arsenal acceptance stamp. The nakago however appears to have been cut down, as it is square cut (kiri) and has a partial mekugi-ana at the end. The nakago is very dark and some rust. As a follow-up to a previous question, the backstrap does not have any mon; only a sakura blossom at the top. I will set up and take pictures tomorrow night and post them. My sincere thanks to all for your assistance. Regards, Dave

All - sorry for the confusion. First, I will try these techniques either late tonight or tomorrow, as I have a 3 hour phone conference tonight yet. I will keep you all apprised of the results. Yes, it is a kyu-gunto, so there are no cast tsuba. (see the photos from the previous post asking about whether or not it was worth it to restore the blade). No second mekugi peg. I am pretty sure there is no threaded nakago. At least I hope not. More later. Thanks for the suggestions. Dave

All, I have the WW2 kyu-gunto back in my possession again from the owner and have removed the mekugi peg. I have attempted to use the proper technique as described in several books to jar the blade free so that I can examine the nagako. My wrist is getting numb from the action, but the blade is not unseating. Of course the blade is rusted as shown in previous photos, and has not been removed in at least 60+ years. Am I doing something wrong? Should I unscrew the sakura rosettes that hold on the backstrap? (Do they also secure the blade somehow?) I have checked the pommel and it does not unscrew (as mentioned in some later ersatz models of shin guntos). Suggestions?

Mark, sorry to post so late on this. I spent three months last year in Tokyo, 2 of them my wife came and joined me for. I would recommend and agree with most of what has been said here already: 1. Definitely, you need to purchase your railpass before you go to Japan. We tried to get one while there and were told it was impossible. The Japanese will make many exceptions for you as a foreigner, but don't expect any mercy from the bureacracy. 2. The most expensive hotels are not always the best. We stayed for three nights in Kyoto at a local Ryokan (called the Three Sisters I believe). It was close to local attractions and transportation and quite reasonable, and they spoke English and were very friendly. One tip for Kyoto - shops and restaurants close early (9pm?), so don't wait too long to find a place to eat. 3. Mt Fuji is interesting, but on the day we went there, it was almost impossible to see it, which is common in the summer and early autumn due to the clouds. Good luck. If you have more questions, let me know.