bmlusk1911

I would recommend a Cas Hanwei blade. I bought a couple to study Toyama Ryu Battendo, because I don't feel like putting a true nihonto at risk and gendaito are a touch expensive for a novice. v/r Brock

Thanks for all the replies! I wasn't really looking for anything other than verification of my very amateur assessment. I was wondering if I missed something when I looked at it. With the exception of the mystery gunto, I'm saving my pennies for the Tampa show so I can get something nice in hand.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220893596842?ss ... 1423.l2649 I saw this auction a couple hours before it ended, and typically while I'd be willing to gamble a couple hundred bucks on a rescue sword, I saw this and was concerned about a possible fatal flaw. I think I see a chip in the blade (outlined in red) with the rust concealing whether or not it extends beyond the hamon. Any thoughts?

My humble contribution, the "To" stamp of Tokyo Arsenal System. v/r Brock

I'm considering in a year or two, when I've finished setting up a wood shop, beginning to manufacture Katana Dansus. But, it's still just a crazy idea at this point. I definitely plan to make one for myself, but was wondering what the interest would be on hand-made furniture of this sort. It's not going to ever be a career, but if I could find a hobby to pay for all my others.....well, the wife would be most happy.

I figured as much, but it was a bizarre enough combination to peak my novice interest. I didn't see a hamon on the blade, but might take a second look just for curiosity's sake....

I figured it was something along those lines. It just seemed a bit nice for a "Chinese" copy.... Does anyone have any clues about the "stamp?" It looked to me like a partial Seki or a tiny "To" stamp like those found on some Type 95 NCO swords, although it lacked a serial number.

Photos of the blade.

I recently picked up this Gunto and wanted to poll the forum's thoughts. It was a "Vet Bringback" but I believe it's an amalgam of a Type 3 Saya, a Type 94 / 98 Tsuka and koshirae, a Type 94 / 98 tsuba (for a leather strap,) and a machine made blade. The only theories I have is: 1.) It was a piecemeal sword assembled in wartime. 2.) It was put together from the "best" pieces by a vet before coming to the U.S. 3.) I may have paid a part of my tuition. v/r Brock

How else would it get to Cornwall? A Shin Gunto sounds just as classy as any other travel options for an obscure medal!

As one warrior to two others, I salute Colonel Weightman for the Honor and Integrity he displayed! Hoorah!

Finally got around to getting a picture of the nakago, and my first attempt at a sketch of the nakago.

http://www.tampajapaneseswordshow.com/ I just wanted to post this as an FYI for everyone. I found the website yesterday, and Mr. Baxley mentioned last year the Florida Token Kai wouldn't be hosting this year. PARTY at my house! Don't tell my wife though.....

My humble collection. I plan to at this point listen to the advice of the senior members of this board and stick to reading for the time being (finally, you got through to me.) I figure I've got enough hardware to learn the physics of things from. I will be saving for a nice Katana in polish probably Shinto or Shinshinto. My goal is to have the funds by the next Florida Token Kai. Future plans are to add a traditionally made WWII Gunto (reading about the Yasukuni Shrine has interested me in studying one of these blades.) And for some reason I want a Naginata or a Yari....No logic, I'm just interested in studying one.

More Photos, the Ware is circled in the first picture and visible in the third.

Length: ~39 cm with Hira-zukuri, ihori-mune, Hamon: Suguha Kissaki: O-kissaki Nakago: Ubu, Futsu shape, ~13 cm, 1 Mekugi-ana, Katteagari Yasuri-me, Kurijiri Nakago-Jiri Signature is Kane Sumi (aka. Kanesumi, Kane Zumi, Kanezumi) The Shirasaya is tight, and I'll need a splint to work it off if anyone wants a photo. I'm positive about this signature, it was an exact match to the Shinto Bengi Oshigata and the JSSUS index. This was also the maker, Mr. Benson identified as the swordsmith. JSSUS index places him around 1560, while the Shinto Bengi Oshigata identifies him as working around 1624. There is a ware located near the hamon (see the highlighted picture.)

I'm not sure about the laws concerning swords, but I was assigned to California back in 2002 / 2003. The gun laws prevented me from bringing part of my collection with me, and Wal-Mart freaked out when I tried to buy 200 rounds of .45 ACP! "Why do you need 200 rounds of ammunition?" "I want to go to the range for a day of shooting." "I'll sell it to you, but we'll escort you outside the store." "You realize without a firearm this is about as effective as pebbles, right?" My experiences navigating the firearms laws of the State of California gave me the opinion of "err on the side of caution." One option available to you is to call your county's "Code Enforcement," Sheriff's office, or public defender's office. Explain you need clarification of the law before you purchase an antique weapon. Record the name of the individual you talked to, the time you talked to them, and what was said in a safe place. Have them email you clarification if you can.

Thanks Morita, it gives me the ability to add a bit of the history behind the blade. Next time we cross paths at a sword show I owe you a beverage of choice!

Thanks Morita! Just a question, when was your uncle in junior high school? I'm just wondering about the time-period in the Showa period....

Thanks, Grey. It was sold to my wife as a modern blade, so I wasn't expecting anything spectacular. But, now the sentimental value makes it priceless to me. I meant to type showato, but typed shinto by mistake.

Last pic for now.

I just had to brag a bit, my wife let me take an early look at my birthday present. It's a tanto, with an old polish in shirasaya. My initial, and quite amateur, impression is Gendaito / Shinto. Hamon: Toran / Gunome Nakago: Futsu with Sujikai file markings and Iriyamagate Nakago-Jiri Nagasa: 18.4 cm Mune Machi: 25.7 cm Any more information would be appreciated!

It may be because I'm prejudiced towards the Shiba Inu, but I'm surprised the dogs I've seen represented in Menuki and Tsubas don't have the characteristic pointed ears and curled tails of the Shiba or Akita Inus...

Bottom line up front, if you're not willing to drop serious cash; you're not going to get a showpiece to start with. There's a part of me which desires to find those blades that need a little TLC and help them return to their former glory. But, I realize this is going to be a serious drain on my finances. While I may get a $500 or $1,000 blade at the start, it's going to need a polish ($100+ an inch,) koshirae, etc.... The initial "deal" is going to add up in the long run. I'm OK with that for some blades. It's not so much an assessment of the blade's value itself, but I realize some blades will call to my heart and I'll give in. I personally plan though to save not for those orphan blades that need a home, they'll end up in my collection whether I like it or not. But I have already begun saving for a nice Katana in polish and shirasaya. I have tried to follow the advice of the collectors on this board, but as a "new guy" I know how hard it is to buy literature when you want to feel the weight of a blade in your hand! I was lucky at the Tampa Show, and picked up an O-Tanto which needs a polish and furniture. I was also lucky with my first Nihonto (my wife bought me the Wakizashi posted in the nihonto forum.) Holding and maintaining those blades, taking Toyama Ryu Battodo classes, and seeing the swords at the Tampa Show have taught me more practical knowledge than the reading I've done. The reading I've done though has augmented the practical knowledge of handling these blades. Since you are now entrusted with the care of a nihonto (and being a family heirloom,) take the time to do the reading. You'll read something, go look at your sword and think, "Wow, never noticed that before!" I do that at least once a week. As a soldier, raised in a "warrior" family one of the fields which has fascinated me greatly is learning about the Samurai themselves. I recommend a good translation of "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. It's a great read into the psychology of the samurai.

His family and friends will be in my prayers. Godspeed, Sir!