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I looked the blade over thoroughly and there are no major scuffs or discolorations over the entire blade. There is this extremely small mark that I have attached a picture of. The mark is about the size of a mark that a ball point pen would leave if pressed down on a piece of paper. Also, in one of the above pictures there are two really small marks towards the top portion of the blade (viewable if you zoom in). I have attached a picture of the main mark on the blade. Another poster mentioned the word “Shoshin.” I was curious as to what this means. Thanks for help and opinions, Steven

It's a good idea to use some penetrating oil first in these, don't try and force them as they will strip in a heartbeat. Checking under the Habaki would likely give you just as good idea on how much metal has been removed.

Hi Steve, I know - you can feel the spiritual intensity in Tesshu's work! I had no idea about the instruction book but I find it fascinating to compare his signatures before and after his enlightenment.

@Anto Hi Cole, To dismantle the scabbard, you need to unscrew two, very small brass screws in the brass fitting at the scabbard mouth. I've enlarged your photo to show you the screw head on one side. You will then be able to pull out the wooden liner and separate the two halves. Good luck!

Nothing much to be seen, need photos of the Nakago and Sugata to get an idea of the whole thing.

Everyone, Appreciate the comments. When I mentioned reattaching it to its original home, I was referring to having restoration work done on the ‘scabbard’ and then having the blade remounted to the original ‘handle’ (sorry I don’t know the proper terms for these pieces). I have not yet been through all my father’s folders and different locations where he would store something like this, but I am hoping I can locate some type of certification. I highly doubt he would have purchased something like this without some type of form or certificate assuring its age/authenticity. I measured it (blade length is 12in) so I believe it’s a tanto and not Wakizashi. I have attached two more images of both sides of the blade. As far as I can tell the blade is free from any major marks or discoloration. I appreciate all the replies to my post. The process of getting this certified (if I can’t locate this in my father’s belongings) seems like a lot. I would be hesitant to ship this overseas as it is one of the only things I have left to remember my father by. If I can’t locate some form detailing authenticity, does anyone have someone who is trustworthy and that they have used before to get a sword certified? Thanks, Steven

Any clue on how old it is? I know it was brought over during WW2. Do you have any suggestions on where I can take it to have it looked at? I can't find many local places and I haven't had much luck online with the big auction places. Thanks for the info!

No signature anywhere that I can see. It is pretty dirty so there could be one in the darker areas. I was trying to upload from my iphone.

Kobayashi Taigen (1938-) is the Abbot of Daitoku-ji temple. This painting and calligraphy pay homage to the lay Zen master, swordsman, and calligrapher Yamaoka Tesshu. Mount Fuji (富士山) Translation (John Stevens): Perfect when clear, Harete yoshi Perfect when cloudy, kumoritemo yoshi Mt. Fuji's, fuji no yama Original form, moto no sugata was Never changes. kawarazari keri Mt. Fuji is depicted in a single, dynamic stroke of wet ink transitioning to "flying white," accompanied by a famous poem written by Yamaoka Tesshu. It tells the story of Yamaoka's own enlightenment experience. After three years of training under Seijo, abbot of Ryutaku-ji in Izu, Seijo pronounced, "Your study here is finished." The puzzled Tesshu did not know what to make of this declaration because he still had many unresolved questions. As he pondered this enigma on his way back to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji suddenly came to view. "Oh!" Tesshu realized. When Tesshu ran back to thank Seijo for his teaching, he found the abbot waiting for him. Underlying the surface phenomena of duality (clear vs. cloudy) lies an "original form" that is immutable. The signature is stamped as "Obaishu Taigen of Daitoku-ji Temple," and on the inside of the lid of the original box is inscribed "Self-praise of Mt. Fuji, a beautiful day. Obaishu Taigen of Daitoku-ji Temple." This one by Yamoka Tesshu is from the Zensho-an temple founded by him.

Mine shin gunto has got the same habaki

Can you post more pics including whole blade with habaki removed? There will be people here to help but will definitely need more pics. Jason

Sold. Grey

The books are back to their original prices. Grey

Maurice, Thanks! Was watching it till the end but knew I was gonna let it go after it got a bid. Not a tanto collector but still would have purchased it at its starting price. Adam

thank you

thank you looks to good to me to be real

Yes, the Type 95 you posted is fake.

Here’s what I got hopefully these are good enough, I wasn’t able to take the scabbard apart.

Price drop to $325.

Price drop to $200.

Thanks for all the great info, it's greatly appreciated!

Mark, as Bruce said...... it would help to have shots of the full tsuka (handle), blade, blade tip, and bare nakago (tang I find this interesting, the 'patina' and condition of the ito looks period or very well 'aged' .....and the leather combat over has either shrunk over time (which is normal) or its been cut to look that way. Not military mounts but with a leather saya cover, i5 could have been pressed into action ....or .... just made to look like it has. Looking fwd to further pics.

Would this be muku kitae?