Brian

To me, it resembles one of the well known horimono done during wartime, sometimes seen on Gendaito and wartime civilian swords taken to war

Best to make a new post in the Nihonto section, so we can discuss the sword itself as well as the horimono. We'd need far more pics, including the nakago and blade etc. To me, it resembles one of the well known horimono done during wartime, sometimes seen on Gendaito and wartime civilian swords taken to war. But let's see more and take it from there. Edit to add: I see you have a discussion on it going here: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/52406-can-anyone-help-identifying-this-blade

Well done guys! Absolutely jealous. Fantastic organizing as always. My only hope is that work sends me to SHOT again in Jan, then I can see some of you again in Vegas. Thanks for the update Bobby.

So you worry about the ramblings of one single person who is known to be that way? You must live a very cloistered life if you worry about what a solitary clump of pixels says on the internet. Suggest never leaving the house. C'mon man. Ignore him like the rest of us do.

His browser wasn't loading the "capcha" below that question. Probably hasn't updated it in a while. That's why I always recommend trying a different browser. Since they are free, on my own pc's I always have Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Opera installed. You'd be surprised how often I have to use different browsers for different reasons. Glad he came right.

Japanese sword or any version of that works fine. If he still battles, the main page https://www.militaria.co.za/ has an email link, he can contact me. It works every time...unless his IP is flagged for some reason and the automated checks are blocking him. He can also try a different browser.

Before making an uncertain purchase, here are a few sites worth checking out first. They have good examples of what to look for, and show some of the common fakes. https://geishasblade.com/beware-of-fake-japanese-swords/ https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/repro.htm https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/realold.htm https://www.japannakama.co.uk/lifestyle/how-to-spot-fakes-and-replicas-when-buying-samurai-swords/

Horn is also fibrous and won't just snap....so I guess it performs the same function but a bit more classy. Mekugi are chosen because they have a structure of fibers running lengthways, which gives strength and don't separate easily when broken, as mentioned above.

No way to add the non-simplified version because it will automatically post the simplified one, as that is what is in the fonts files I think. If someone can post the kanji here, I'll see what it will do if I add it. Need the kanji pasted here, let's see.

No, I have no problem with real swords being shown in comparison with fake ones to show the difference. It's not a rule to prevent any real Nihonto from being posted, but the aim should be to show why something is fake and what the difference is. I just don't want people posting their swords here and asking if it's fake. If it's determined to be a fake, we'll move it here. The idea is for people wanted to check their possible purchases to have a section they can read through and see many examples, and why they are fake. Instead of the one or 2 pages on the net showing generic examples. Like to hear some feedback from members if they think this is a good move. I don't want to hear the arguments about fakers using this section to improve their works...I already regard that as nonsense since they can buy real ones in just about most countries on earth if they really want to compare. So ignoring that argument, do we think this will have some value here? Even if just to separate out the fakes threads from the other sections.

Ho Bird for sure.

I have created this section (on a trial basis) to archive all swords (we will look at fittings at a later date) that turn out to be fakes, from the worst kind of junk to the more modern and clever fakes. This is NOT a place for people to ask about their swords. Swords that are posted elsewhere that turn out to be verified fakes/clones/reproductions will be moved here. This accomplishes 2 things. 1) Fakes won't take up discussion space in the Nihonto/Military sections, and 2) People who are newcomers to this will have a place to learn from by browsing the posts, and seeing pictures of what to look out for. People may post external links and discuss fakes from elsewhere here, but only for educational purposes, advising what to look out for and the pitfalls. There are a few pages on the net briefly discussing fakes, but with such a wide variety of things to look out for, a comprehensive section advising on the things to watch out for is needed, and would be valuable to those who are starting out. I would like this section to only contain verified fake swords that are not disputed. This can range across the board, from "Damascus" serial numbered junk that is blindly obvious, to the suspected modern made Thai or Chinese swords with gimei signatures intended to deceive. It is NOT intended for gimei or poor condition Nihonto, or anything that may have fake mounts but a genuine blade. It is purely for swords crafted to fool buyers at any level. As mentioned, I am trialing this section to see if it is useful. Please follow the usual rules and remain respectful. If people purchase fake swords, after verifying they are fake, they will be moved here to assist others in future. As always, buyer beware and it is far better to ask before purchasing than find out you made a mistake after. - admin -

Brilliant news.

It's incredible to see the shape of the sword that goes into the water, and what comes out. That is the real amazing part of the making of these swords.

Mild hand soap and a soft toothbrush is the most I would do.

Don't know enough, but that's what came to mind for me too.

Definite improvement. Someone put a lot of effort into cobbling those parts together. Seems there is no end to the trickery used by sellers. But at least they are genuine parts, and maybe you can eventually put it back into the correct ones.

Nice ones, and as Piers said, the wear isn't a terrible thing on old ones like this. Also, unless you are the high end of quality and minty ones, even the small crack wouldn't be too serious. These are lovely depictions of the Japanese art, and both can be enjoyed. Hope you enjoy your studies in this hobby.

Brought back a koshirae from San Francisco to SA. Also was frustrated that no matter how I tried, it would not fit in the luggage. So had to go buy one of those shipping cardboard tubes from a stationary store and some bubble wrap. Then had to declare it as a separate item of luggage and pay about $100 for it. Second airline (was a multi stop trip) I explained to the lady what it was, and she checked it in without the charge. So depends on the person at the desk, but this is the way. It arrived with no damage. Except there was the panic when we arrived that it didn't come through with the luggage...and after an hour we thought it was missing. At the missing luggage station, someone asked if we had checked the separate pile of luggage where they unload oversized packages and luggage. After finding this unknown area, there it was.

Bravo Manuel, well deserved. What a stunning tsuba. Congrats and all the best going forward.

Condolences to all. RIP, sounds like a big loss for the community

Was watching old episodes of Antiques Roadshow from a few years back, and someone brought in the most gorgeous snake jizai okimono. So well done, the expert commented on how it felt alive. Was sighned, Nobu something. Anyways, it was one of the top works from my humble opinion. I had a good chuckle when the expert commented on how good it was, and then said it has an auction estimate of between GBP1200 and 1500. Lol. Imagine you could pick them up for that price. Even 5-8 years ago.

Originated as a genuine tanto, maybe repurposed by someone or some group. I still suspect some or other more primitive group.

Welcome, glad to have you aboard

@Peter Bleed