Kintepro

Well, that explains a lot lol... Thank you for the tip. I'm looking at another one on the bay for 1500 beans. It is a Kanezane factory showato blade. It is in decent shape but has some small amounts of staining, a few chips, and what might have been pitting... I may hold off and try to find one in better shape. The one you linked to looks really nice! That was a good deal for ebay. https://www.ebay.com...174627&segname=11051

Some more pictures of the tang.

I recently picked up this Navy Kai Gunto from the seller "Showa22" on ebay. Now, I have read that he occasionally sells some suspicious pieces, but he does have 100% feedback and a no questions return policy, so I can get my money back if need be. I first thought this sword looked pretty good, though perhaps a bit of an aggressive cleanup of the blade, but on further inspection, I have found some things that appear suspicious. First, there is what looks to be a delamination along the hamon. Secondly, the Fuchi is very loose over the hilt once disassembled. I cannot imagine that is original. The pommel/sarute are also a bit loose. Another user on reddit suggested that it might be a "put together" sword with some original parts but perhaps not originally from the same sword. The tsuba and seppa are not numbered as far as I can see. The hanger fittings on the saya are slightly loose. The tsuba/seppa are slightly loose as well but it may just need a new dowel (mekugi?). What are your guys' thoughts on the piece? The sale price was $1750 + shipping/tax. Based on the small number of examples I could find, I think that is reasonable if it's original but if it's just a put together sword I may end up returning it. Here is also a drive link with a video of the fuchi and more pictures. Most of my pictures are too high resolution and don't want to post. https://drive.google...whzsWKdl-VXknFVGJhza