Martin

[martyd]

Hi, people. Just purchased my first Japanese sword. It's a 1941 mill steel water quenched kanemichi . 

I've not paid alot , I don't  think.. 

The blade is immaculate, fittings is a little worn. ( bought from a local collector who didn't even want this sword, but bought as a job lot, so he didn't have alot invested) seemed a very knowledgeable and genuine person. 

I know that there's multiple different ways of making these swords. I just wondered which was the rarest most desirable to collect?

 

Also torn between polishing fittings etc, or leaving the patina. I don't want to ruin it.. thanks

 

[Geraint]

Welcome to NMB Martin.

 

Point 1 Don't poliosh anything!  I assume that you know not to touch the blade with bare hands, just a little light oil on this, very thin coat.

 

So far this looks like a nice example and, depending on what the nakago/tang reveals, by a smith who commands some interest.  Do you know how to disassemble the sword?  If so then a good shot of the tang/nakago would be interesting.

Next question, is the tsuba/guard pierced?

 

Depending on where you are there may be some members not too far away who would be happy yo tell you more with the sword in hand.

 

All the best.

[martyd]

Hi, thanks for replying.

Unfortunately it's not a pierced one, just a standard type 98.

 

I've only taken one bad pic of the tang myself but it has been translated by previous owner. And cross referencing a page in swords of Slough which he went through with me. Will take some pictures of the tang and add as the ones I've taken don't show much and I'm currently away.

 

Thankfully he's taken the time to give me some maintenance instructions. No touching, oiling once a week or so and also suggested mounting outside of says a he doesn't trust conditions inside?

When he purchased the sword the blade was covered in a hard/dried wax of some sort, which is why blade really is in immaculate condition. No scratches, rust, potting or edge damage.

[martyd]

[Bruce Pennington]

20 hours ago, martyd said:

I know that there's multiple different ways of making these swords. I just wondered which was the rarest most desirable to collect?

 

Martin,

Yes, there were several methods of making blades, but once the blade was finished, it's pretty darn impossible to know which one was used.  Some blades will literally say on the nakago, but most do not.

 

In broader terms, you can distinguish between zoheito, NCO, stainless steel, and with some telltale signs, gendaito vs showato.  At that point, the desirability varies by the tastes of the collector.  In general, traditionally made blades go for higher prices, which indicates desirability, but even the humble Type 95 NCO is going for prices equal to, and sometimes higher, than many officer blades.  Mantetsu blades are slightly more rare than standard officer swords, so they earn a higher price, usually.  

 

It all comes down to what interests you.