Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'katana'.
-
ALL Japanese Swords on StCroixBlades.com site ON SALE starting now! https://stcroixblade...hop/Japanese-swords/ Additional Japanese Swords ON SALE in St. Croix Blades' eBay Store! (you don't need to be an eBay member to purchase--just Contact St. Croix Blades on our site, or by emailing info@stcroixblades.com, or calling/texting 715-557-1688). https://www.ebay.com...ificSeller=1&_sop=16 If you have any questions, let me know. Sincerely, Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades
-
Greetings everyone, Recently I've come to purchase an old beater blade for martial arts purposes, but I'm now I'm not entirely sure if it truly is a fake or a very botched nihonto. Given some of the confusing details, I hope someone more experienced could help ease my doubts on this piece. P.D Tried my best with pictures, sadly camerawork is hard to balance with these fingers 😅 Kind Regards, Maurice
-
Recently at the advice of a friend with shared interest in the preservation of nihonto, I’ve tried and now implemented the use of 99% isopropyl alcohol in my sword care regimen. I’ve used it, rather than uchiko or anything so abrasive, to remove old oil at the start of a cleaning or before studying my blades. My test run was on a showato I posses, and with great result I have since implemented it for use with my nihonto. A partially saturated, folded tissue paper wiped gently across a sword does a fantastic and quick job of removing old oil and evaporating. A single follow-up wipe with dry tissue paper or a microfiber cloth ensures dryness and gets up any remaining bits. The blade is left perfectly cleaned, an unharmed. Everything in moderation, of course. Attached is a photo of my gendai Hizen-tō after such treatment. V/R, Jim
-
The deep sori was what caught my eye at first, as the seller told me it was a WWII vet bringback. Most gunto blades that I've seen aren't nearly as curved as this, so I bought it on a hunch that it might be an old tachi that had been shortened. The tsuka wrap looked like someone DIY'd it themselves after the ito wrap came undone, and the seller wasn't able to take the tsuka off to get me a photo of the nakago. So it was a bit of a roll of the dice overall, but once I get it in-hand I'm hoping that it doesn't turn out to be a complete dud. Like I mentioned I did get it for cheap though, so it was a gamble I felt comfortable taking. There's also a decent chip where the kissaki tip broke off, though from what I've been able to tell the boshi is still fairly wide, so I think it could be reshaped. Any thoughts on what else I should do once it arrives? I'd definitely like to get some impressions by people that know more then I do. Thanks in advance.
-
Unique Tachi-style sword For Sale. Shinsa of both koshirae and blade is recommended. $2900 direct (can pull the eBay listing to get the price here). plus postage, and PP/credit card fee if choosing to pay that way. https://www.ebay.com...65115589725&_sacat=0 --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades
-
Hi, I am still new to this forum but i want to share with everyone a unique piece, that is my absolute favorite among our vast collection, from the military history institute museum I work at as restorer/conservator. As the title, possibly somewhat confuzingly states, It is a amalgamation of a Japanese blade and Austrian officer navy fittings. I will post some photos but I just found out that the are not great, i can and will take better photos of the blade around monday next week. I will write everything we know about it plus some history toward the style of fittings it is housed in, and the blade was not removed from the handle yet, I have to get to it and find out if it is signed. I will write some history here: Austrian naval officer were issued navy sabers first in 1827, later in 1837 it was changed to more archaic straight blade "kord" or small sword in english. In 1846 new style of saber was adopted again, this model was based on frech navy saber. This model was used during revolution years of 1848-1849 by officers who joined the rebels. After their surrender loyal navy officers requested new type of saber since previous one was, as a symbol of the emeror, disrespected and loyal officers refuzed to wear it. New model 1850 was created with elaborate carving on the handguard, anchor and mermaids, and later in 1871 hangers were added to the scabbard. for refference i have link to our museum website with example: https://www.vhu.cz/e...rnictva-vzor-185071/ Ownership of thissSaber with katana blade was by previous museum staff attributed to heir to the Heir to the throne of Austro-Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand d´Este. It would be plausible given the quality of the workmanship on the golden fittings and the blade it self. Heir could have acquired it as a gift from Japan during his travels around the world between years 1892 and 1893. There is also some archival evidence (not sure if we have any photo evidence as well) that he admired the swordsmanship while visiting Japan beign avid and quite skilled swordsman himself, although proficient in saber combat only. Visited some showcases of sword combat and possibly participated in some form of friendly sparring. Unortunately this acquisition story is not supported by evidence and place of discovery. Current research by our curator of arms states that this saber belonged to one Hieronymus (Jeroným) VIII. Colloredo Mannsfeld (1870-1942) There are two pieces of information that suppor that it belonged to him, First: he held rank of Corvette Captain and was for quite some time stationed in Tokyo, later he became naval attaché in Berlin. He was overseeing Mansfeld holdings in Bhoemian lands including castle in town Zbiroh where this very saber was found, which is evidence number two. Either way, now to the saber itself: https://www.vhu.cz/e...ictva-vzor-185071-2/ Speaking about the condition, only damage is to kissaki, some light scratches and wear, possibly due to sheating and unsheating of the blade, othervise it is in great condition. This is the few photos i have so far, I hastily took some because there was not time to fiddle with it, we were close to opening the museum after years of renovations, so I had to put it back on display fast. What I will do next week is to get quality pictures of the blade so that everything can be viewed clearly. I know that Japan had many military swords that bore influence from European sabers of the time that were standart issue up until the return of the katana style of blades before Second World war, but i think this is very unique in that it is standart naval officer saber fittings fitted with nihonto. Photos may not speak to its quality but in person the quiality is amazing. I post this here as a curiosity and subject of research i plan to do with this blade, I plan to take it out of its fittings, probably will be first time since its creation. I hope you like my post here, would be nice if this could spark some good conversation or posibly any ideas of its origin, but I understand that without closeup of the nakago and quality photos of the blade it could prove very difficult. Maybye we can follow up at later date. Anyway thank you for reading this far, In near future I will take this off of the display and do some closeup exmination and share what I found. Cheers
- 16 replies
-
- 17
-
-
-
I have a Koa Isshin Mantetsu katana and on the mune of the tang are the marks for the serial number and above it at some distance are two line, these might normally be the number two, but in this case?
-
Hi All - I am new here and this is my first post. My father recently gave me my grandfather's katana and we've been trying to research it. I think he actually posted on this forum in the past, but I cannot find his post. I am hoping that I can get some insights from this knowledgeable community. Thanks in advance for anything that can point me in the right direction! A little background: 1) My grandfather purchased the sword sometime in the 1960's from a Korean war veteran. The veteran either purchased the sword in Korea or in Japan (while on leave). We are not sure. 2) The Mei appears to read "Kuniyuki" and is made up of two characters 國行. I have found swords online with a similar Mei, but it doesn't look exactly the same. 3) The handle and Tsuba look ~WW2 to me. 4) The Saya fits the length of the sword, but maybe due to age or warping of the wood, it is a little more curved than the sword 5) The blade (sharp part) is ~25.5" I also found a list of reference materials that discuss this Mei that could help me with a lead, but unfortunately I couldn't find these materials readily available online anywhere: Nihonto Koza Volume NK-2-F14 NK-2-F28 NK-2-11 NK-2-55 The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide JS-102 Albert Yamanaka's Newsletter NN-2-3-14 NN-2-1-17 NN-1-8-10 NN-1-8-10
-
Mumei Blade Length : 70.0 cm Curvature : 2.0 cm Width at the Base : 31.0 mm Thickness at the Base : 7.6 mm Width at the Tip : 20.8 mm Thickness at the Tip : 4.9 mm Overall Length with Mountings : 97.4 cm - Price : $2700, negotiable. Want more details ? Send me a message. More pictures and video available on website.
-
Picked up this blade in rough condition recently. Just wanted to see if there might be anything special about it before I trade it on. It is Mumei. It has a blade length of 27” and a weight of 789 grams. Really just trying to determine if it is a Shinto piece or maybe an older osuriage sword. thanks!
-
1 difficult to find Japanese model 1883 Naval Kyu-Gunto Samurai Officer's sword. This rare Imperial Japanese Navy Officer's katana would make an important addition to any collection. A sword in model 1883 Naval Kyu-Gunto sword mounts is rare. An example in exceptional condition is extremely difficult to find. The Naval mounts on this sword are mint. Of Kyu-Gunto mounted swords--just 1 in 40, or 1 in 50 is in Naval mounts--all others are Army. A sword like this does not come on the market very often. These Naval mounts are often also referred to as Russo-Japanese War mounts. A photo from a reference book of a Japanese Naval Officer posing with this type of sword is provided in this listing. This sword has a Silver Samurai family mon on its backstrap. This sword has an ancestral Samurai blade. The blade dates to the 1644 to 1648 A.D. The nakago/tang is signed 'Hoshu Takada-ju Fujiwara Munekage'. Munekage is ranked a 30 pt. smith in Hawley's--making him a chujo-saku swordsmith. The blade measures 25 13/16" (65.5 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. This sword has a beautiful hamon. This old blade has two holes in the nakago. The sharkskin-covered saya is very fine. All fittings are gilted in gold. The original Naval tassel/portopee is attached. The blade even has desirable kiri komi--(sword cuts or strikes from battle with another Samurai). This sword is papered. The papers accompany this sword. Condition: The mounts are in mint condition. The blade is in perfect polish. The hamon and boshi are perfectly healthy. $5699.95 shipped within the U.S. (if paying via Paypal or credit card, the PP/credit card fee will be added to the price)
-
I have more photos. Much more detail it just won’t let me upload all. These are interesting, the katana has a material in the handle that’s not stingray. And very interesting damage on the blade . The smaller sword is so detailed pics can’t do it justice. Any help identifying is appreciated. Both are signed.
-
Certificate : Hozon Token Mumei Edo Period Blade Length : 73.3 cm Blade Width at Base : 2.8 cm Blade Width at Tip : 2.0 cm Blade Thickness at Base : 0.7 cm Blade Thickness at Tip : 0.5 cm Blade Weight : 662g Full Length with Mountings : 110 cm - Price : $3500, negotiable. Want more details ? Send me a message. More pictures and video available on website.
-
I would appreciate any information/translation on this piece, I'm stumped and having trouble finding something similar anywhere else
-
I have more photos. Much more detail it just won’t let me upload all
-
Dear all I would like to part with a nice early Tempo/Tembo/Tenpo tsuba. The kokuin stamp used to create the surface pattern has a kiri design. The quality of the iron is good and the lamination can be seen in the nagako and hitsu-ana. Finally, the tsuba has a Sukidashi-mimi. If you want to learn more about Tempo tsuba, there is a well written article about Tempo Tsuba by Malcolm E. Cox available in the Download Section. Dimensions: Tsuba: 8.09 cm x 8.16 cm x 0.3 cm Nakago-ana: 3.36 cm x 1.01 cm (widest point) Asking price: EUR 170.00 Shipping costs including tracking and insurance are: Germany EUR 6.99 EU EUR 16.49 UK EUR 26.99 Worldwide EUR 47.99 Best Chris
-
Howdy y'all, names crusader! I may have missed where to put it but I didn't seem an introduction area so I'll put it here. I'm a newbie wanting to get into collecting nihontos, and so I figured I'd join here! I know a bit about the blades and I'm still reading up on them, and I'm slowly saving for my first antique, which I'm hoping to eventually get a edo period or earlier blade. I hope we can get along and God bless.
-
I know we have a separate topic of Show Us Your High Class Gunto. But many WW2 swords smiths have made nice traditionally made blades from 1876-1945. With members like "mecox" doing spectacular research on WW2 sword smiths, I think this new topic could throw some light on some sword smiths and their work, and hopefully kindle interest in the blade, not just the Koshirae. You never know, we may find some rare or poorly documented swords and smiths. If your posts could be supported by photos, oshigata, descriptions, and any other relevant information, I think a great reference topic could be established. OK, so here is a contribution to kick things off.... A (Mano) MASAYASU medium-grade grade gendaito, no date no stamps, in early '98 mounts. Mei reads Bishu ju Masayasu. The hada is flowing masame/mokume, with choji gunome midare hamon. I only hope there are better photographers out there! So I would ask the forum administrators to let this thread run, and see where it goes, a lot of time is spent discussing Chinese fakes, and machine made Showa-to, and I am sure this topic will help raise intertest in Gendai. P.S. Hamon looks Suguha in photos, but the Keisho polish disguises the features, easily seen in the hand.
-
Original WW2 Army Katana GENERAL's TASSEL For Sale. $2400 or best offer. Here is the link to additional photos: https://stcroixblade...t-ww2-samurai-ija-2/ --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades
-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/355506420160 I'm currently selling this Gendaito I bought a while ago. Price is negotiable. Gendaito Katana, Signed Yoshichika (may 1944). This is a Gendaito made in May 1944 by Yoshichika: the fittings are combination of traditional koshirae and Gunto koshirae, this is an arsenal sword. The tsukaito is lacquered silk and fits loosely, The tsuka has some rattle Yoshichika was known for using unorthodox materials for his blades, this one appears to be made from a modern steel as opposed to Tamehagane, which isn't unusual for swords of this era, but is definitely made through traditional methods. The hamon is VERY light and difficult to see unless under very specific lighting due to the polish variation, but it is definitely there with a suguha hamon. The koshirae are an interesting mix of Traditional Edo Era style fittings with elements of Imperial Japanese Gunto fittings: Primarily with Gunto style Menuki and Kashira. Additionally, and interestingly, the Menkui are placed in the tachi-style top right bottom left configuration, seen often on arsenal swords and gunto. Additionally, the Naval Knot on the tsuka is the right hand side. All of this points to the sword being worn tachi/gunto style with the blade facing down, yet the sword is fit with a standard Uchigatana style saya to be worn with an Obi, facing up. The saya is a standard black lacquer with Buffalo Horn fittings on the bottom and top for stability. No major cracks or forging flaws. The blade is healthy and heavy without much Sori. STAND NOT INCLUDED Please forward me any questions Nagasa 27 inches Tsuka 10 inches Will be shipped with a free sword bag and the original registration license. The blade will be be oiled before shipment.
-
Hello fellow nihonto enthusiasts! I acquired this sword fairly recently from an ebay auction. I know most of you will be prepared for the worst due to the mention of ebay, but I am happy with the sword overall and the price I paid given it's mumei. The seller stated it's supposedly from the Edo period. I'm guessing late Edo based on the nakago patina. I was hoping some of you would be able to tell me a little bit more about it. I know I would need to send it to shinsa for an evaluation, but short of that, any information would be greatly appreciated. Mostly, I would like to know if I'm correct about the late Edo period assumption. If I need to retake pictures, that is no problem. I'm definitely not the greatest at photographing nihonto or photography in general. Thank you in advance! Please find the google photos link below. https://photos.app.g...gl/mPtfkYsDLAMC2syK9
-
Hey guys, Posting this for a friend who is not tech savvy. He wants to know who this smith is. He believes it to be a gendai smith by the name of Okano Mitsuhiro. I attempted to look them up and found nothing. Anyone got a lead on this smith or has he discovered one that's fallen out of the meikan? Also, what kamon is that? It appears to be cast into the piece, rather than attached like a usual one. 27" nagasa with an attractive sanbonsugi hamon. Very minty Type 98 mounts. Thanks!
-
I bought two swords and a knife. I don't know much about them and neither did the seller. I have not done any cleaning on them but it looks like someone did at some point. I'm curious about the dates and sword smith. Signature is faint. Any help would be appreciated. David
-
I payed 1,000 usd for this about 6 months ago. I'm trying to learn more and would appreciate any incite or advice on dating it and the name. David
-
https://www.ebay.com...icSeller=1&_saslop=1 Any questions, let me know. --Matt St. Croix Blades 715-557-1688 phone/text
