Dave0258

Hi everyone. My name is Dave and I am in the Cleveland Ohio area (east side, for those of you familiar with the local preferences here.) I have a military background and have always loved martial history. In my college days I was given the gift of an Arab dagger which I have kept with me for the past 30 years, occasionally pulling it out to admire. After leaving the military, I entered the world of international business, having lived in Europe for years and spent a lot of time in Russia, the Middle East, and Central Europe. About 9 years ago I accepted a new position with a focus on Asia. With all of my travel to that region, I re-acquired my interest in the regional ethnic daggers, and when time permitted, would occasionally search for something in the local markets. Last year my boss resigned and I was handed Japan to manage for our products and distribution. I ended up going over and staying there for three months. Most of you can now fill in the transition to an interest and respect for Nihonto blades, which far and away surpass anything else I have seen. I have spent hours in some of the sword stores and so have a sense of the beauty and attraction of the genuine blades. I genuinely want to acquire a blade, but have been reluctant to just go out and buy one without fully understanding what I am actually buying. So I have decided to just lurk on this site and absorb the knowledge, and have now purchased several of the recommended books to begin learning in more depth about the various nuances and aspects before I really decide to part with money. Then of course, I have to convince my wife. (Any advice on that aspect gratefully accepted). I also recently was asked about a WW2 sword that was found in a closet, and am grateful for the advice given on this site. So thanks to all of you for allowing me to absorb your knowledge and to watch your always interesting discussions. Some day I hope to have enough knowledge to make a rational comment myself. But I suspect that is a bit far off in the future.

Stephen C - I don't have access to choji oil. (unless someone knows of a supplier in the Cleveland area). Can you recommend a substitute? Also, I am concerned about continuing to store the blade in the koshirae, as I am certain it just reintroduces additional rust and subsequent abrasion every time the blade is taken out and replaced. Is there another storage method someone could recommend? Please excuse the beginner level questions. I know from reading this site that I have a LOT of studying to do to really appreciate these blades. In the meantime, if there is a possibility to salvage a genuine nihonto, I want to try to do so and quickly. I appreciate your patience. (and the next time I am privileged to spend 3 months in Japan I will try to choose a less time consuming passion, even if it is also less rewarding and pleasureable.) Thank you for all of your advice.

Here are two more photos of the handle. Unfortunately I do not have a clear picture of the backstrap and I have already returned the blade to the owner. I may try to contact her this weekend to explain some of the comments that this community has kindly provided and to see if I can take a look at the nakago. Regards, Dave

I'm obviously not qualified to make any solid recommendation to her on the value, which is why I'm on this site. I have not made any offer to her, and if it came to that point, I would make sure that she sees the comments here.

Hi. I posted on this site a few months ago, but had trouble getting the pictures posted. Having now re-read the instructions and downloaded the recommended software, I have the pictures ready to go. I have a friend whose husband just passed away and in cleaning out the closet found a Japanese sword. She said that her husband bought it in Japan right after the war (he was on board a naval vessel in Tokyo harbor for the surrender). Based on my research, it looks to be a kyu gunto, company grade officer's sword (brown tassel). I suspect it is hand-forged, as it has a wooden mekugi pin, and genuine ray-skin handle in pretty good condition. I can see some of the temper line (hamon?). I say some of it, because the blade has extensive rust. The edge is still incredibly sharp, although the point is damaged slightly. The scabbard is the traditional chrome plated with some corrosion. I have not tried to removed the handle to inspect the tang for markings as it is not my sword. The locking latch still works although the button to depress it is missing. Apparently he put it in the closet after he returned and it sat there for the next 60+ years. Two Arisaka rifle bayonets are with it. I am confident of the provenance of the sword. The widow wants to know if the sword has any value, and I have told her that an expert would have to tell her that, although my guess was only a few hundred dollars. My question is whether the blade is worth restoration? I am guessing that the restoration process would cost more than the sword is worth? Where can you send these swords for restoration if you decide to do that?

Srry for the delay in posting pictures. I took photos and they are too large to post here. I will have to get another camera. I will try again this weekend. Headed to Tokyo on Sunday. Any advice for where to go look at some tantos?

Thanks John. I took some photos and will post them tonight.

I have a friend whose husband just passed away and in cleaning out the closet found a Japanese sword. She said that her husband bought it in Japan right after the war (he was on board a naval vessel in Tokyo harbor for the surrender). Based on my research, it looks to be a kyu gunto, company grade officer's sword (brown tassel). I suspect it is hand-forged, as it has a wooden mekugi pin, and genuine ray-skin handle in pretty good condition. I can see some of the temper line (hamon?). I say some of it, because the blade has extensive rust. The edge is still incredibly sharp, although the point is damaged slightly. The scabbard is the traditional chrome plated with some corrosion. I have not tried to removed the handle to inspect the tang for markings as it is not my sword. The locking latch still works although the button to depress it is missing. Apparently he put it in the closet after he returned and it sat there for the next 60+ years. Two Arisaka rifle bayonets are with it. I am confident of the provenance of the sword. The widow wants to know if the sword has any value, and I have told her that an expert would have to tell her that, although my guess was only a few hundred dollars. My question is whether the blade is worth restoration? I am guessing that the restoration process would cost more than the sword is worth? Where can you send these swords for restoration if you decide to do that?