new sword

[Darren S]

 

 

Hi all,

 

I'm still very new at this but let's see if I'm heading in the right direction: I have 5 characters grouped together on the tang with a 6th one by itself higher up, closer to the blade. I'm assuming the single one is an arsenal mark but am still working on it. Of the five characters, the bottom one matches the "made by" kangi - almost!, but I'm guessing that's what it means. I assume the rest of the characters has to do with the swordmaker's name? Am I close? There are no numbers anywhere that I can see. OK, two more questions: 1. on the reverse side of the tang, there appears to be nothing but some dirt. When I looked closer it looks like one, maybe two painted? type symbols. One, to me, looks like a serpent? Any ideas or is it my imagination. Question 2: I just received this sword a couple of days ago. I know it has been in a closet for 20+ years. After reading about "Care of Swords" from various sources, I would love to clean this sword but am half afraid to even touch it. What can I do to help get rid of some of the dirt and to protect it from rust? On my antique guns, I use a light oil. Is it ok to wipe the sword with that? Can I do anything preservative for the wooden scabbard?

 

The folks from this forum helped me out a couple of days ago and I can't begin to express my appreciation for those of you willing (even excited!) about sharing their hard worked for knowledge with laymen like myself. You are admired and appreciated.

 

My very sincere thank you.

 

Darren

[cabowen]

Seki stamp 関

 

Signature reads "Ishihara Michihiro saku" I believe.....

[jason_mazzy]

the back would be a laquer or paint commonly seen on ww2 produced blades. sometimes a symbol, sometimes a number, and sometimes a couple what appear to be random lines. I do not know the signifigance of these laquer marks but have seen them several times.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Darren,

About caring for/cleaning your sword. 1st, don't do anything to the nakago (tang), period. Whatever you think of, don't do it. The most you can do to clean the blade is to get an uchiko puff and use it as recommended here: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm on the NBTHK American Branch sword care and etiquette brochure. After cleaning with uchiko you can apply a light coat of oil, once again as recommended by the brochure.

Not much you can do to the saya (scabbard); best left alone.

Grey

[Darren S]

Thank you all. As before, the information was much more than expected.

 

As I am trying to learn, I hope you will be patient with some more questions. I'm sure you get hundreds.

 

First: Thank you Chris. According to the book I am presently reading, the term "arsenal stamp" I have been using may not be exactly accurate. My mark is an "acceptance" mark which means that the sword could've come from one of three arsenals. Does that sound correct? It also says that that would date the sword to post 1942. I will continue my research on the maker as I am learning that there is probably additional information out there. (I can see how folks "get into" this.)

 

Second: Thanks Jason. I will continue to look for information re. those lacquer marks, although it's hard to imagine I would come up with anything more than what you folks already know.

 

and Third: Thanks Grey. I forgot to mention that the handle is dirty also. But I'm guessing that I should leave that alone as well. Is there any substitute to using Uchiko powder? Where does one get this? I'm guessing Wal-Mart doesn't carry it. Can I just wipe it with the tissues and than lightly oil it? At least for now?

 

I DO appreciate the help and the learning.

 

Darren

[Grey Doffin]

Darren,

The uchiko isn't necessary for sword preservation, just for cleaning (uchiko will remove some of the schmutz that is obscurring the blade) and removal of old oil when you want to look at the sword. Light machine oil will be sufficient to protect the blade from further corrosion.

Uchiko is available on ebay if you want some; search for sword care kits.

Grey

[Jamie]

Darren,

Don't buy cheap Uchiko. You want a Japanese kit.

 

Here is a good source.

http://www.Japanese-swords.com/pages/maint.htm

[Darren S]

Thank you Grey and Jamie.

 

Kit already ordered.

 

Darren

[moss]

Darren,

 

The lacquer marks are probably nothing more than assembly marks from the arsenal.

They would only have significance to the people who put the blade and fittings together.

 

Cheers

Moss

[jason_mazzy]

I get that, but i am curious as to what any of them were for. they seem to differ alot on many of the ww2 blades.

[SwordGuyJoe]

My understanding is that it was meant to keep the blade and associated koshirae together. I.e. The blade numbered "XY" would have a matching set of koshirae manufactured (numbered as well, but not necessarily "XY" as the blade is) and the individual responsible to put the two together could look up the blade and koshirae that we meant to be a pair. If I am wrong, someone certainly will disagree.

[Jamie]

I've read the same thing as Joe. Although I am certain others certainly know better than myself.

[Turbo storm]

Well I guess I'll be #3 for the paint mark story. I've been told the same thing, just markings to keep the same set together.

 

For WWII blade such as this, Fuller & Gregory: Swordsmiths of Japan: 1926 - 1945 or "Military Swords of Japan" is a good resource for information. I can post more info on this and other good WWII blade books later this evening.

 

The "acceptance stamp" you see is identified as a Seki stamp. Fairly common as is the showa stamp.