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Here is another Gunsui-to signed 群永兼国作 - Gunsui Kanekuni saku. https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/38668-help-please-on-signature/#findComment-400729

Most generous of you, thank you @Danny D

is it uncommon? I can't seem to find anything on the internet. Also, How to take care of it so I can preserve it. I bought it with my own money so I want to look after it the best I can.

群水 - Gunsui. It was a type of steel made in an electric furnace and swords made with it are sometimes called "Gunsui-to" https://www.nihontocraft.com/Gunsuihagane.html

Hello, I have been cleaning out my wife's grandfather's shed and came across this blade. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me with the signature. I used AI to see what it would quickly come up with. It answered: "Made by Yoshikuni of Bi [Province]" However, I would like to verify and get more information on the blade and the craftsman from some experts. Thank you, Ben

My guess would be Taisho or maybe late Meiji given the SUYA TOKYO marking. Just my opinion and observations, but I think the European style blades were more prevalent pre-WW2.

Is that cloth material only at the end of the handle or is it applied the length of the handle? Maybe it was added as extra material to make the end cap fit more snug. The dirks are based on European designs. I wouldn’t lump dirk manufacturing techniques in with Nihonto.

Thank you! Which period is this from? Is it from pre ww2?

Awataguchi Tadatsuna(2nd) Katana (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon) A refined katana attributed to the second-generation Awataguchi Ōmi no Kami Tadatsuna, one of the prominent Osaka masters of the Edo period. Details: • Period: Mid Edo (1688-1704) • Province: Settsu • Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token • Mounting: Koshirae + Shirasaya Dimensions: • Blade length: 71.2 cm (2 shaku 3 sun 5 bu) • Curvature: 2.0 cm • Mekugi-ana: 1 • Motohaba / Kasane: 32.3 mm / 7.4 mm • Sakihaba / Kasane: 22.2 mm / 5.2 mm The blade reflects the refined character of Osaka workmanship, with elegant proportions and a composed, well-balanced sugata that sits naturally in hand. The koshirae is thoughtfully assembled, centered around a rare polished same (ray skin) saya, paired with shakudō nanako fuchi-kashira and aoi menuki. Akasaka-style sukashi tsuba completes the mounting, bringing a sense of quiet strength and cohesion. Altogether, the mounting presents with understated sophistication, enhancing the blade without overpowering it. $16,000 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15YCFRog4WH2x76ZN4iy-uxWKdhSQujKk?usp=sharing

Hello. It’s a Type 19 cavalry kyu gunto with a dress/ parade style blade. It’s marked on the ricasso by the manufacturer Suya Shoten.

I bought this sword from garage sell. I tried to find a similar one on internet but I failed to do so. So I think you guys could help me. the blade is dull and the previous owner seems to not be taken good care of it. Thank you everyone in advance. Here's the picture If you need more photo you can tell me.

I hope you are wrong, but the signs seem to agree with you....poor blade

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but I don't think the sword is in good hands. I think I know Eryk from local Polish marketplace. If that is the guy then it does not bode well. ... or translated from Polish.

Awesome!

The Japanese Sword Study Group Let’s learn about Japanese Swords! 日本刀勉強会！by TKG-Sword Study Group We are focusing on the understanding the history and craft of the Japanese sword (Nihonto) as a work of art. In our study session we will provide you with the basic hands on knowledge to comfortably hold the sword while studying its features. You will learn the manners needed to look at Japanese swords in any Sword shop in Japan. Furthermore you will learn the main characteristics and appreciation points for Nihonto, and also how to take care of the blade if you are thinking about owning one yourself. Japanese swords cannot be studied behind the glass walls of museums! With us you will be able to look in details what can be seen and admired in Japanese swords. So let’s make friends and study swords together. Although the Japanese sword is also a sharp weapon, but there will be no activities using swords for cutting or the like in this group. Japanese swords have been preserved and appreciated for over 1000 years. Let’s learn how to look at them and properly take care of them so they can last another 1000 years! We aim to have a friendly, easy going atmosphere for beginners. Location : Furei Nakano 6th Floor https://maps.app.goo.gl/8kHMxpwHqu16NFCN8 Date & Time: 25th (Sat) April 2026; 13:30-15:30 P.M. JST Note: - Content will be in English, but we also speak Japanese ! - Identity verification is required, please bring your ID-card/Passport for verification. - No Photos or video recording during session by participant, we will have a 10 minutes photo session at the end. - We will use real katana, so safety is very important, we reserve the right to cancel the session at any point if we notice any inappropriate behaviour. You are liable for your actions and any damage you might cause. - This is not a cutting lesson!!! We will teach you how to hold and look at swords, you shall not try to cut anything with the sword. - Do not bring your own sword. We will provide swords for viewing. Fee 2000 JPY per person 1000 JPY for student in Japan (Please bring your Student card)

Getting everything ready for the show. Only one more day of work helping students as a high school and college‑level private tutor in biology and chemistry before heading out. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it to the Chicago show this year. Everything I’ll be bringing has been appraised and is 100% authentic. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.

Hmmm… at that angle and focus it is difficult to say much. The 備 of 備州 looks somehow wrong in that shot.

Yours have 2 ana non-altered.

It's not even the beefiest blade on their site! https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk031-kazuyoshi

Gentlemen, $60 - "3. Japanese Dandyism: Samurai, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography" $ 30 - 4. Samurai Koshashin-chō, published by KADOKAWA. Best, Danny

PO-I, please sign all posts at least with your first name so we could address you politely. It is a rule here on NMB. . As there were more than 30 SUKESADA swordsmiths over a long period of time, the possibility of the blade having a fake MEI (= GI MEI, not gemei) is high. You will have to study authenticated examples and compare with yours as your photos will not allow to make a reliable statement. It is not sufficient to compare the signatures; the work of the related smith has to match in the first place. This also means that the blade has to be in good condition (= polish) to see all HATARAKI. The photo quality could be improved with a dark, non-reflecting background, taken in a dark room, with light from the side. The SUGATA of your sword (if not SAIHA) could speak for an older blade or one made in that style.

Thank you. Sent you a pm here.

Marcin, that should not be a problem unless you were shorter than 220 cm!

Hello The seller was kind enough to send me a scan of the registration card. Since I already bought it, I hope its okay to share. This one was registered in Aichi, which has their own Number, on March 16, 1951.

Oh, sorry Jean I didn't noticed this. I was looking for Mark's crest