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Any good ww2 sword book

zentsuji2

By zentsuji2
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zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Would like a good ww2 sword reference book.preferably in English.

I have sloughs, but are there any describing smiths achievements,unknown smiths.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks. Ian bellis

Grey Doffin Grand Master

Grey Doffin

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Hi Ian,

There isn't much by way of books on the WWII Japanese swordsmiths. There's the Yasukuni book by Tom Kishida, and the Minatogawa book by Herman Wallinga. You know, I'm sure, about Military Swords of Japan and Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks, both by Fuller & Gregory, and Dawson's Swords of Imperial Japan. Fuller & Gregory also wrote A Guide to Showa Swordsmiths and Swordsmiths of Japan: 1926 -1945.

None of these books, other than the Yasukuni maybe, tell you much about the smiths because not much is known. If you don't know the books you can get an idea what they are by searching my website: japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com

Grey

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Thanks Grey ,i always look on your site ,the books are wonderful.

I think the best books are in Japanese ,and i am far from even reading kanji.I wish a westerner would create an nmb book with all swordswe have seen.

Thanks for writing Grey ,you take care ,i will keep an eye on your site.

Just bought a kuniie and wanted a picture of him to frame,i am studying hiswork.

take care Grey,love your web site.

regards Ian bellis

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Grey ,have you got a guide to showa swordsmiths F+G?

i always wonder when i ask george or chrisb about a smith,where they get their info from ,ie won medals,part of motomura clan,born,died.

Which books contain this info,are they Japanese?

keep your eyes peeled for WW2 books.

thanks again Grey

regards ianb

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Thank you Peter, for the link.

Exactly what I am after,just posted my kuniie on the new posts,and writing about ww2 smiths, as a hobby.

 

 

 

Take care,keep In touch,any links always appreciated.

Ian bellis

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Thanks Peter,if anyone has it I'll buy it.

The link you gave is fantastic, thanks for that

Take care,I wonder if Grey has a copy,I'll check his site.

 

 

Ian Bellis

 

"Looking for info on akihide, shigetsugu, kuni iye"

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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That's the book Joe,

It explains The lot,

Thanks for that mate.

 

 

If you get your Shigetsugu, or students swords,I would love to get any info you find, I will never own one,but hope you finish that group.

It would be magnificent.

Thanks, take care.

Regards, Ian Bellis

cabowen Grand Master

cabowen

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Ian-

 

Here are some "must haves" for any gendai enthusiast:

 

Gendai Toko Meikan by Ono

 

Nihonto Shokunin Shokudan by Ono

 

Dai Nihon Token Shoko Meikan (reprint available through Jinsoo Kim)

 

Nihonto Meikan by Homma and Ishii

 

Tosho Zenshu by Shimizu

 

Nihonto Oyobi Nihon Shumi published monthly by Kurihara Akihide from around Showa 11 through 20 (very hard to find)

 

There are others but they are nearly impossible to find and/or specific to certain areas, smiths, etc.

 

Of course these are all in Japanese. There are English titles available but they are hit or miss with errors which can lead you astray.

 

Another resource is the internet. You can find a lot of info not in print if you have the time to wade through it...

SwordGuyJoe Grand Master

SwordGuyJoe

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Chris,

I've never heard "Nihonto Shokunin Shokudan by Ono" as a must have for gendaito-phobes. What makes it so great? I've got the rest of your list plus a few (except the monthly akihide's since they are damn near impossible to find) and don't want to miss something good.

 

My collection of swords pales in comparison to my collection of books! The way it should be in my opinion.

cabowen Grand Master

cabowen

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Actually, the book I meant to list is called "Gendai Toko/Kinko/Shukugata Soran" also by Ono. They all give loads of info on modern smiths and craftsman (togi, shirogane-shi, saya-shi, hori-shi, etc.) that I have found useful. "Nihonto Shokunin Shokudan" has lots of great pictures and in depth info on several craftsman like Ozawa Masatoshi (Okimasa student) and Nagayama Kokan. It is similar, but perhaps a bit deeper take than Kapp's "Craft of the Japanese Sword".

 

I have found these books useful for giving a broader, fuller picture of the world these modern smiths work in. I find it helpful and interesting to explore their world from the inside...I find it adds greatly to my appreciation and enjoyment of these swords to have some sort of deeper connection, or understanding, of those who made them. It gives these swords a 3 dimensional aspect that allows me to appreciate them not only as beautiful art but also as photos in a way of the character of their makers.

 

I remember meeting with Kotani Yasunori and his pals at his home in Kure quite a few years ago now...I was trying to ask him in my poor Japanese about the mental part of sword making...He kept talking about his work schedule, the process, etc., when suddenly his 95 year old Buddhist priest friend banged the table and said, "He wants to know about the sword maker's spirit!" I don't know if he found my line of questioning too personal and was avoiding answering or if my Japanese was just too crude....Perhaps a bit of both because even after his friend made my questioning clear, he didn't really get too deeply into the inner mind of the smith. Then again, these old school smiths considered themselves simple craftsman, not "artists" like some of the later generation and thus perhaps less prone to deeper introspection about something they simply "did" rather than thought too much about.

 

I wanted to give my rationale for these books but am perhaps drifting off topic....sorry!

zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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keep drifting off subject Chris,

It gives an insight into books that can be used,and what purpose they serve.

Thanks for the great list, you know my private life is busy, and your Web suggestions will be a good start until I have time.

On the subject of Japanese books,my wife bought me a Japanese book, cheap.

It explains everything,but I can't read it:)

The pictures are superb,and show every craft of the sword,from tatara, silk,Tsuba,saya togishi, forging.

Will you translate this title Chris picture attached.

 

Thanks to all for the lists,links and the photo of kuniie, I'll ask Ed if it's o.k to download.

 

Congratulations Joe on the Shigetsugu, I'd love a picture, being kuniies teacher,he will feature in my journal.

I have six books, so far and this unknown Japanese title,so I am reading, at least.

 

Take care all,best regards and greatest thanks

Ian Bellis

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zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Thanks Chris,

Is this a common book,or beginner's book,it looks a great read,covers everything,even to silks used,

It looks modern,any idea of the age.?

 

Not bad for 10 dollars.

Thankyou for translation, some lovely swords inside this book, but they look kindaito,or copies of older works.

This is the one by ono you quoted in the must have list,I am happy,it shows all the crafts,and the effort that is put into the full production of the sword.

 

I will probably buy the book Joe quoted and you,but it's hard when you can't read Japanese, and not worth owning, just to say you have one,the translation given is sparse at best.

 

When are you going to put us all out of our misery and create the quintessential guide to smiths,and swords of ww2, you are the most qualified for this book,and every copy would sell,hint hint.

 

I know your busy with child and house project, so thanks for your time,and tutelage.

Best regards, Ian Bellis

  • 4 weeks later...
zentsuji2 Community Regular

zentsuji2

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Thank you Peter.

I am so busy at home, I miss things like this,having a bad time at present.

Thanks for the link my freind.

Best of luck to you.

Ian Bellis

  • 5 months later...
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