Prototypes or just Variation of Type 3 Rinji?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Do we call an elephant a horse because it sounds better to us? Time to put feelings aside for actual documented proof of what this sword was designated by the army.

[Bruce Pennington]

6 hours ago, vajo said:

 

In Germany we called FIAT cars "Fehler In Allen Teilen" (failure in all parts). It was from the 70s up to the 90s a big problem for that company. 

Ha!  We have a similar translation of FIAT - Fix It Again, Tony!

Yes, Type 3 is likely the most universal term in the community.  It will wash out in time, as all the terms get stirred in the pot and something will come out the other side.

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

2 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Do we call an elephant a horse because it sounds better to us? Time to put feelings aside for actual documented proof of what this sword was designated by the army.

 

There is a story that Abraham Lincoln was chatting with a guy (topic lost to time).  Lincoln reportedly aske the guy "If we call a dog's tail a leg, how many legs will a dog have?"  The guy said "5".  Lincoln replied "No, a dog has 4 legs no matter what we call his tail."

[mecox]

2 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

8 hours ago, vajo said:

 

In Germany we called FIAT cars "Fehler In Allen Teilen" (failure in all parts). It was from the 70s up to the 90s a big problem for that company. 

Ha!  We have a similar translation of FIAT - Fix It Again, Tony!

Yes, Type 3 is likely the most universal term in the community.  It will wash out in time, as all the terms get stirred in the pot and something will come out the other side

@Bruce Pennington   @vajo   Well I was brought up with Fiats in Aust  ..... in late 1960's I had an 1100, then 1200 waggon (lay back seats) and my dad had a 2300S coupe and mum a 600.....motto then was "First In All Tests".  Of course FIAT is Italian for the company in Torino, or in Latin is "let there be".

[Brian]

I think we are making more of this than necessary personally. As collectors, we came up with the words Showato and Gendaito to differentiate between arsenal/mass produced swords and handmade ones. That is not strictly correct and only concerns eras. But it simplified things and works for everyone and has stuck. Similarly, whatever works for us so that we know which model we are talking about, is fine with me. If someone says "Type 3" it may not be correct, but we know what they are talking about. Or if another term becomes commonplace, then we will adapt. As long as the meaning is known, I don't see a huge issue.