Disassembly Advice

[LionsFan]

Hello All, 

 

I just bought the below sword at auction, and was hoping that someone could give some advice on disassembly? The pin seems to be an odd type, more similar to a screw to be honest, and is one I have not encountered before. 
 

Any advice? 
 

[Ray Singer]

Unfortunately this does not look like an authentic antique Japanese sword

[LionsFan]

That is unfortunate but not entirely unexpected. Are there any key points that you can point out that indicate it is fake? 

[Ed Harbulak]

The most obvious points in the limited photos you have provided are that all the crossings of the ito are in the same direction. If you look at an authentic Japanease sword, the  crossings will alternate. There are exceptions, but not very many. Instead of a bamboo mekugi what you see is a screw of the type seen on some WWII era gunto blades.

[Ray Singer]

http://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

[Bruce Pennington]

The screw is what is normally seen on a Type 95 NCO gunto with aluminum handle (saya).  The fuchi (handle collar) is a close approximation of the Type 98 officer fuchi, but only close.  And while there are variations of the release button, I have never seen one with this pattern on it.  If you want more verification, please give us photos of the full sword, a clear shot of the blade and blade tip, and certainly remove the screw and take off the handle so we can see the nakago (tang).

 

You can buy the 2-prong driver tips at Ace Hardware, or I use a tool like this one to hold the nut while turning the other side with a normal screwdriver:

 

[DTM72]

The tsuka also seems to be wrapped in some kind of lizard or faux snake skin. One would "normally" expect to find same' skin. (stingray)

[GrozaB]

On 10/28/2021 at 9:59 AM, DTM72 said:

One would "normally" expect to find same' skin. (stingray)

Yes. I but I saw few swords with tsuka wrapped with other skins, snake and salmon with removed scales. I will try to found some photos

Edited October 30, 2021 by GrozaB
picture added

[LionsFan]

Thank you all for the comments, I was able to get the pin out with the help of a jeweler but the handle still refuses to come off. I have tried both the traditional method and the wood block/hammer approach, but have not had any luck.

 

I was thinking about using some WD40 to loosen things up, but any alternative advice is much appreciated, regardless of if the blade is authentic or not. 
 

 

[Ian B3HR2UH]

It is a fake don't waste your time . If you must try,  wrap the blade ( so it is not damaged )  put it in a vice and then use a block of wood and hammer to hit the tsuba . When you have the handle off you will have discovered nothing other to confirm that what you have is a Chinese fake . My best advice is to move it on .

Ian Brooks

[ROKUJURO]

On 10/28/2021 at 4:59 PM, DTM72 said:

....One would "normally" expect to find same' skin. (stingray)

No, SAME is pacific pearl ray.

[Bruce Pennington]

If it were my sword I would want to know as much as possible. Seeing the nakago is a crucial part of determining the origin of the blade.  If it is stuck, it’s simply rust. Get a rubber mallet and tap the hand guard until the handle and hand guard come off. I’ve done it numerous times. Sometimes the hand guard and spacers are simply fitted too snug.  You will not harm anything by forcing them off.