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Meiji/taisho Arsenal Blades


PNSSHOGUN

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Is there any conclusive document or knowledge available about this period of Arsenal blades commonly seen in combat versions of Kyu Gunto and other swords of this period? The only information I have found is on Murata-To, but the scope of that process is unknown as they are usually associated with the Kogasa-Maru style blades or signed blades made by General Murata himself.

 

I ask because some of these blades are a step above what we normally see in arsenal blades made during WW2, the one I have could be mistaken for Nihonto until looked at closely. The sword is tempered with etched hamon and NOT a parade style blade. I have seen a few other examples with similar quality and pattern blades so I wonder if other members here have Kyu Gunto with these Arsenal blades and have any further information at hand. One detail I have noted is very similar Horimono on all of these blades.

 

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Here's an almost identical blade but clearly handmade with real hamon: http://www.artswords.com/a_nice_katana_mounted_in_Imperial_Japanese_kyu_Gunto_Mounts_042508.htm

 

post-3926-0-69569100-1517568465_thumb.jpg

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John,

 

After a brief perusal of Dawson's book, he has a couple of examples, one a Type 8 and the other a court blade, that have serious blades like yours. Both were custom made, but he seemed more focused on the fittings rather than the blade.

 

Fuller & Gregory state: "The blade was down to the owner's choice and may often be of some age, being reused from older samurai swords. Contemporary oil-temered or hand-forged gendaito can also be found but are in the tradtional shinogi-zukuri form."

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