John C Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 Hello: I just received a patrolman and sergeant sword (style 4) from Matt at StCroix swords. It showed up with a pretty wicked bend and slight twist to the blade right at the tsuba (which is also bent). It must have happened during shipping. He offered to take it back, however it was a decent price given it has an original tassel and I prefer to keep it. My question is whether or not the consensus would be to try to straighten it or leave it as is for fear of snapping the blade. Thank you for your opinions, John C. Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 A good Togishi should be able to correct a bend without too much fuss. The main risks are unsightly Shinae (wrinkles) forming, or the blade developing Hagire. 2 1 Quote
lonely panet Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 The blade is most likely not a true nihonto. The vast majority of these sword model have Blacksmith style blades. So a talented Blacksmith might be able to help, as the metal in these types of blade can be springy. . Pics will help, as i dont see a mekugi so i bet its either a screw in the pommel or a peened over end 1 Quote
David Flynn Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 I have never tried it but, I was told many years ago that, if you use a large vice, with 2 pieces of wood, it can work. As said I've never tried it, but on a non Nihonto, it may be worth the risk. 1 1 Quote
John C Posted February 21 Author Report Posted February 21 I agree. I do have a vice and can fashion a straightening jig (two pieces of wood on either side of the bend and one right at the bend on the opposite side). Good point about it being a machine blade and not a nihonto, Hamish. Maybe I'll give it a shot and let you all know what happens. John C. 1 Quote
Kiipu Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 Ditto what David said above. Place the blade, sandwiched between wood blocks, in a vice near the bend and gently pull the handle toward you. Might not need to remove the handle to do this. No need to use force on this, just leverage it gently. (This only applies to blades of one-piece construction, such as bayonets or Type 25/32/95 swords.) Good luck and keep up posted. Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 There was rather indepth testing done during the war on the performance of swords in various temperature extremes, it was found that swords (especially polished down Koto) were more prone to bending at temperatures above 40 degrees celsius. Might have more luck leaving it out in the sun before attempting to straighten it. It also goes without saying that any advice given in this thread should NOT be used with real Japanese swords! 1 1 Quote
John C Posted February 21 Author Report Posted February 21 1 hour ago, PNSSHOGUN said: 40 degrees celsius. Not too difficult where I live. It will be 28.8 degrees C tomorrow and will hit 40c by July. John C. 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 John, just curious why you thought the bend happened in shipping. Did the seller say there was no bend originally? If it was in the saya, I don't see how that bend could have happened. I have read quite a few reports, and complaints, that the western swords (and some later Japanese) bent during use in the field. Quote
John C Posted February 21 Author Report Posted February 21 53 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said: John, just curious why you thought the bend happened in shipping. Bruce: PM sent. John C. Quote
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