shingen

Interesting topic! One of the first things I learned when I came to this forum was: When something looks to good to be true it most of the time is. For 4000 dollars it is quite a gamble indeed, I really have the wrong job The sword looked nice as well as the koshirae I guess it is a good thing you were able to return it as it wasn't what you expected it to be.

Thanks for sharing Malcolm!

Hello Tim, as a fellow newbie I know it is somewhat hard to control your urge to buy a sword but it is a must to study first. But you will enjoy learning about this magnificent hobby, it is well worth it. Keep up the good work, I mean study :D

Being new I have nothing to add to this topic, but it is very interesting.

Clear words Jean. Thanks all!

The owner mentioned the tanto being made of a cut down sword, I can't say if that is true or not just wanted to add the info.

Thanks for your reply Rich, well I do not own this Tanto myself but the owner just wrote it was made of Bakelite.

I came across this Tanto that has bakelite koshirae and was wondering if this is common to make koshirae out of bakalite? I don't know if it is a good Tanto or not I was just wondering about the bakelite koshirae.

My thoughts go out to the all the people of Japan as well.

My apologies Mark, I do really appreciate the friendly help from the people here. With I came across I meant a friend of mine spotted it on a website (Munster's site) and showed it to me. I thought I might be able to learn something from this and decided to post it here. I should however used the search function a bit more intensive then I did. Next time I will make sure I will post with a more clear background and more information like link. etc.

It is the same one as Munster is the one selling it on this website. So this is what they call Gimei? Thanks!

A friend of mine came across the following Gunto: I am still studying to learn the Nihonto basics but thought this might be interesting for discussion.

Thanks Dan, well I will tell him he is lucky then

Thanks for the information Vaidas! My friend bought it for 300 US dollars would that be a good price?

You have been a great help Dan, thanks!

A good friend of mine from the U.S. bought this sword for his world war 2 collection. He asked me to help him but I have no knowledge of Gunto's. As a beginner I am devoting my time to learn the basics of Nihonto so I told my friend I would ask here. Would the locking pin that is clearly missing be repairable? That is of course, if he can find one. And what would this sword be worth in this state? Locking pin is missing and it is not in mint state. I know Gunto's are becoming more and more expensive but I myself have no clue of it's price. Thanks! Rick

Wishing all the members of the forum a happy new year from the netherlands!! Cheers!

Welcome to the forum Anthony! :D

Yesterday I read the following: "A sword is thought to be the repository of it's history and of the spirits of past generations of owners. It's present owner is seen merely as the custodian of the blade, and he is obliged to maintain it for future generations to appreciate." So my personal (beginner) opinion on this subject would be either take proper care of it (let it be professionally repaired/polished) so it will be possible for future owners to enjoy it or sell it to someone who will take care of it and has the money to do so. I don't think it is a good idea to try doing something to the blade yourself, unless you really know what your doing and then still consider letting a professional polisher take care of it. So if there is no money or interest for it then selling it to someone who will take good care of it would be my opinion. Which would be answer c) then

Same here, got a mail from him a few days ago. I did get a email back when I asked for more info but what he offered I already had. Was interested in his price. Thanks for the warning Brian!

The military show was really worth going to. It is to bad I did not get the time to make photo's of the Japanese swords I saw. The show was to massive and there was just not enough time. There were Nihonto sellers there (swords over 18.000 dollars ) and of course some evilbay sword sellers as well. All in all a valuable experience even tough as a beginner you feel very uneasy looking at a sword. You want to determine for yourself if it is good or not, or trying to see things in the blade while knowing very well that you will not be able to do this for another 2 years or so. I had a few talks with the Nihonto sellers and that was really good, it keeps you motivated, they even let me hold a sword (I did learn the basic etiquette of holding and passing a sword, that helped ) Also I ran into the chairman of the Dutch To-Ken society there (I applied for becoming a member of the club/society few weeks ago) and I am not a member yet (the still need to decide if I can join) but he invited me to the next society meeting. So it was a valuable trip!

It does look like if you give it one tap with the Uchiko the sword will fall apart. But I to think that after 1200 years it is amazing they still look recognisable.

Thanks Stephen, Grey and Louis, I will have to get a bit creative with making photo's as I don't have a cellphone with a camera. (company I work for forbids them) But the friend I am traveling with most likely will have one that I can borrow. Will take a camera as well. I already heard from a NMB member that usually on this show there are dealers that sell Nihonto. So am looking forward to have a look at them.

This Sunday I am visitting the Militaria Show in Ciney Belgium (biggest militaria show in europe) together with a friend of mine. I have never been there but hear lots and lots about it. I am not visitting this show to buy Japanese swords but while I am there I thought it might be a great oppurtunity to start and get some needed hands on experience. (I only have books being a beginner) Could you lads give me some advice on how to get a bit of expereince/learning if I do come across Japanese swords? Thanks!

Ain't that the truth! Especially for beginner beginners like me :D