WW2 Katana

[SamFan]

Hi all,

 

I look forward to joining the discussions on this forum. I have an interest for swords and have decided that I will buy two swords - one from the ww2 time period and a older one later on.

 

For now - I dont have any swords today but have done a lot of reading on the net but would like some guidance if possible.

 

Can you assist me in finding a ww2 katana?

Hand forged preferably - I do not it raises a lot of questions but I will try to use the below as example.

Please excuse me for my lack of knowledge, but need to start somewhere…….

 

I am looking for one where the blade is in good condition.

 

How about this one?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-WWll-Army-officers-sword-in-combat-mountings-hand-forged-Kanenao/362924325989?hash=item547ff9bc65:g:238AAOSwS5ReUxn7

 

 

Perhaps anyone know the seller? I would prefer to "buy the seller".

 

 

 

 

[Shamsy]

You would do well to steer clear of eBay if you're looking for good swords. There are a good few members here who deal swords at good prices and without the 'hidden' surprises eBay usually entails. Their knowledge is far superior to most of the eBay sellers too, and they can help you find something worth owning. There are also a number of merchant sites you can find listed under the introduction page who have a good reputation and good stock.

 

It gets repetitive always saying it, but you'd be doing yourself a favor to do s little more digging before you buy anything. There are numerous styles, levels of quality, iconic swords and smiths... there is a recent thread Neil started about iconic works of WW2 which should be your starting point.

 

Good luck.

[ChrisW]

Also as a footnote: absolutely STAY AWAY from Showa22; he is a known charlatan.

[PNSSHOGUN]

If you must buy from ebay without the right knowledge then definitely stay away from Showa22 but ESPECIALLY  "thesamuraimonkey".

[Utopianarian]

I definitely agree with John. Increase your odds of not getting burned on your first purchase by not dealing with Showa or monkey. Go with a reputable dealer or fellow board member here

[SamFan]

Hi Guys

 

Don’t get me wrong I have done a lot of reading and I have concluded the following.

 

I believe the next step is to find different swords to review and hereby decide which one to buy.

Can you link to recommended sellers? To be honest I can’t tell the difference from pictures hence I will rely on respectable dealers. 

I did look after the ones in the introduction without luck.

To be honest I can’t tell the difference from pictures between the swords which are hand made and the ones polished to look like it. 
 

I am looking for a shin Gunto - not nco or Kay Gunto. Further, preferably hand made but not an requirement.

 

But condition is very important and secondly it needs to have signature.

 

I don’t prefer specific smiths or arsenal. 
 

Would love to have one with very visible Hamon but not looking for a specific pattern.

 

 

[SamFan]

And as always. Thanks for input to a newbie in this matter.

 

[zook]

Based on your latest post, there are many options .... and Brandon Reed comes to mind ..  

[reeder]

  On 2/29/2020 at 3:36 PM, zook said:

Based on your latest post, there are many options .... and Brandon Reed comes to mind ..  

 

Thanks!!!  I don't have any low grade showato at the moment.  Mostly mid-grade gendaito/RJT smiths.  About to go through the swords and see what I can live without.  Know there's a few by Nagamitsu & a nice type 3 w/ RJT mumei blade.  I might let go of some a few by good smiths that are a little shorter than I like, but probably will wait for others I'd prefer to move to go first.