Kyu gunto Sword

[KB1107]

Hello all,

 

I’m looking for a little guidance on this sword that I purchased a few months ago. The sword was in “OK” condition when I received it... but really needed some TLC. Since being retired, my passion has been buying pieces that need fixing or repair (WW2 Guns, swords, and bayonets). 

 

Anyways, the piece of the sword in question is the tang, primarily the holes in the tang. The three holes you see are all relatively close to the same size, one might be a smidge larger than the other two. The weird part is the two holes in the handle are much larger than the holes in the tang.   The peg used to secure the handle to the sword has to be small enough to fit through the hole in the tang, but doesn’t do much good for the handle. This causes a lot of up/down movement in the blade. Has anybody had this experience? Any suggestions on a fix?

 

Also, there wasn't a seppa on the sword when I received it (I’m currently working on fitting a seppa or two to the sword). The first hole is the one that I’ll be using. I don’t know if the hole was time period made or not, I have my suspicions. I also wonder if the handle is original... the holes in the tang are much smaller than any of the swords that I have. I also find this a bit bizarre. 

 

The saya had had a ton of rust on it... I was surprised to see a finish still exists under all that rust I cleaned off of it. The wire wrapping around the handle was all loose and bent (That wasn’t very fun to fix)... the blade looks to have an odd hamon, initially I thought it was a straight hamon line... but it looks different in different lighting. Some surface scratches on the blade, but not rust or pitting.

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi David, it looks like the Nakago has been rather crudely modified to fit the handle. Whether this was done post war is hard to tell, Nakago were often quite radically altered to fit Kyu Gunto mounts but this is really extreme.

[KB1107]

Thanks for the reply John,

 

Yes, the Nakago it’s definitely JACKED!...  I’m with you... who knows when it was done. Other than the Nakago, I’m happy with the sword and shows well. I just don’t now how to make the handle fit tighter to the sword. I really don’t want to alter the Nakago to fit the handle tighter. I’d rather leave it as is and just get creative.

 

i can take up some slack with the seppa(s)... I’ll think of something to make it work. Was just hoping somebody here could help.

 

Thank you again for your reply,

David

[Bruce Pennington]

I’ve tightened them up with extra seppa.  Works well.

[ChrisW]

You could also try cutting various thickness of leather scraps to make a leather washer to fit the gap size needed.

[KB1107]

Thanks guys...

 

I've experimented with the seppa’s... 2-3 is max... takes out a lot of the slop... but the problem is mostly in the tsuka &  the Nakago. I might have to stuff something in the opening of the tsuka to take up the slack. I’d have to use too many seppas to get to the bigger hole in the Nakago..

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi David, you can try the traditional method of wrapping the Tsuka with Washi paper. This does no harm and will remove any lateral movement.

[KB1107]

I’m not familiar with that... I will google it. Thank you!

[PNSSHOGUN]

You could really use any paper I suppose, but Washi paper is thicker & tougher. Plus you don't have to see the crosswords every time you take the handle off.

[KB1107]

Hahaha nice!

[KB1107]

All done... cut & fitted both seppas, works well. I had to do some work on that locking pin that locks the sword in the scabbard (The locking piece wasn’t quiet long enough to latch to the saya). I’m convinced that the handle isn’t original to the sword. I believe the scabbard/ saya is original. 

 

Lastly, the paper actually worked... it’s nice and tight!

 

I receive another orphan tomorrow that needs lots of work... For $300.00 I’m not complaining too much (WW2 Katana and saya). Thanks again for the help..

D