Identify a WW2 era sword

[KRisolute13]

Hey guys, 

 

First time posting here. I am looking for some info about a sword that my grandfather brought back from the Pacific. Here are some pictures, anything you guys can figure out would be great! Let me know if you need more pics. 

[Bugyotsuji]

See Sako Kaneyoshi. 

No pic here, but it was in naval mounts.

酒向兼義作 | 日本刀・刀剣購入・販売・買取なら刀剣杉田 (token-net.com)

[KRisolute13]

Awesome! Thanks! 

[mecox]

Yes, seems to be Sako Kaneyoshi but I could not find any record of him.  As noted the koshirae is kaigunto.  Of note the sword looks to have a long nakago and the jiri (end) is kiri (straight) but looks to be roughly cut.

All of this suggests he may be a smith working in an arsenal. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Welcome Kevin!

 

If you haven't already seen these in original condition, check out Ohmura's pages here: Navy commissioned officers Shin-Guntō 1937 (Type Tachi Guntō) (ohmura-study.net)

 

There are a couple of places you can get your tsuka (handle) re-wrapped for around $300, if you'd like to start restoring your kaigunto.  Let us know if you want to investigate that and we'll give you some links.

[KRisolute13]

Excellent! Thanks for the info Bruce and mecox! I am definitely interested in having the tsuka re-wrapped and would appreciate the links to get started on the journey. Cheers! 
 

Kevin

[Kiipu]

10 hours ago, mecox said:

I could not find any record of him.

 

How about Sakō Kanesumi 酒向兼住 via Sesko's swordsmiths, page 273?

[SteveM]

酒向兼茂　Sakō Kaneshige

 

 

[Kiipu]

I found a similar signature that was translated as Sakō Kaneshige 酒向兼茂 via the link below.

Two Signed Japanese Blades, Post #3

[Bruce Pennington]

1 hour ago, KRisolute13 said:

Excellent! Thanks for the info Bruce and mecox! I am definitely interested in having the tsuka re-wrapped and would appreciate the links to get started on the journey. Cheers! 
 

Kevin

David McDonald gets the most mentions:

Japanese Swords, Antique swords, WWII swords, Tsuka-maki, Translations, Restoration, Sell, Buy (montanairon.com)

 

Chris Lohman also advertises the craft.  Don't recall hearing any word-of-mouth on his work:

Japanese Sword Restoration Parts & Supplies - Fred Lohman Company (Japanese-swords.com)

 

There are probably more.

[KRisolute13]

Wicked! Thanks guys. I’ll try and do a rubbing of the characters and post it up.