Info about sword

[Sword wonder]

 This is my grandpaws sword I received from my aunt. The story I was told is he brought it back after the war and was believed to have served in the pacific maybe the Philippines. This is the only identification on the blade under the wooden Handel. And help with info on this would be appreciate it

THANKS 

[Franco D]

Although reading kanji is not by any means my forte this looks to read Kane Mitsu. Corrections welcomed and will surely come along shortly. Which Kanemitsu made this sword needs to be determined. Images of the entire sword would be most helpful in making that determination and appreciated. Signatures (Mei) can be shoshin (genuine) or gimei (false). In general what is called a Shinsa can certify its validity and pinpoint the maker. The patina on the nakago (tang) hints that this sword is of some age and appears to be well cared for to this point in time, don't mess with it - carefully research proper Japanese sword care articles, there are many posted on this website. 

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Richard,

Agreed to Kanemitsu and scroll down on this link for care & cleaning:

https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Grey

[Sword wonder]

Thanks guys it’s a short sword I can get it measured if needed . I absolutely know nothing about it . Also my plan weren’t to touch it much I was just trying to get info on it . Maker , maybe some dating or even if it was someone’s personal sword or military of some kind . Not sure of value but it will probably stay with me for awhile since it was my grandfathers bring back from the story that came with it 

[ChrisW]

If the cutting edge is 24" or longer, then it is a katana.  Less than 24, but more than 12 and it is a wakizashi.

[Sword wonder]

The cutting edge seems to be around 21 inches entire length of steel is 26 1/2 

[PietroParis]

Bringback swords usually come in military mounts, whereas this one is in a storage sheath called shirasaya (to state the obvious, the handle has come apart). Do you know if your grandfather had the shirasaya made at a later time?

[Sword wonder]

Not sure about when or where he pick it up as he passed away many many  years ago when I was a lot younger . Again the story of it being a bring back may have been just been what was thought of where it came from. It was amongst things they had kept after his passing . A  type 14 nabu pistol & a Japanese flag along with the wrap the blade was wrapped in with a tie around it also a fan that has been broken threw the years 

[Sword wonder]

18 minutes ago, PietroParis said:

Bringback swords usually come in military mounts, whereas this one is in a storage sheath called shirasaya (to state the obvious, the handle has come apart). Do you know if your grandfather had the shirasaya made at a later time?

I’ve been told by some that u can take a chop stick & pass it threw the Handel to hold it back on the tang . I was told it’s as u stated the wood was for it to rest on a mantle or to save it

[PietroParis]

I just meant that the two halves of the handle are usually kept together by rice glue. Anyway I know next to nothing about swords, some more-experienced members of the forum will certainly advise you on how to properly preserve yours.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Richard,

Your handle needs to be reglued and it should be done as traditional, with rice glue.  And, because the sword is in danger of damage without the handle and pin through the hole to lock the blade in place, you shouldn't wait too long to have the work done (it won't be expensive). Too much typing to discuss your options for this.  If you want to give me a call sometime I'll talk you through it.

Grey  218-726-0395 central time.