Keith

On Feb.6, I posted questions about my katana. The response was appreciated. The mei is fake,I get that. The opinions the blade is of low quality and not worth restoration polish is my concern. The poasted pics. were poor and may have led some to beleive the blade was monosteel construction. It is my opinion it is a traditional folded forged blade. If my assumptions are correct,does it change opinions of restoration status? I'll post close up of layered erosions. Thanks, Keith

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Thanks Chris and Matt. I think I'll clean it up just a bit and enjoy as is. Again thanks for time and recomendation. Keith B.

Members, I need your help. My Father purchased a WW II katana in 1950 for $30.00. It was damaged by flood waters of hurricane Katrina. My father has passed the sword to me. I would like restore it to its former glory. I have spent far too much time browsing the internet over the past seven years researching this sword and I'm still left scratching my head. Description in laymans terms. Officers sword with leather clad scabbard, mon on kashira. The blade is 28.5 in. The boushi requires repair. A nearly straight hamon is present to the tip of the blade. It has one slight bend midway through it. I belive there is enough "meat" to polish out MOST of the surface flaws. I know Bla.. bla... bla... typical WW II sword story. This is where it gets intresting mei : Sashu Ju Mondonosho Masakiyo? No arsenal markings. No hollyhock. The 6th and 7th characters are switched posisitions from signatures I have viewed. Could this be that a forger did not have access to the actual signature? Is this a prized shinto era Masakiyo blade that should receive a full polish by a master craftsman. Is this a common ugly duckling forgery that should be hand polished bright and accepted as "it is what it is"? Need your Opinions. Thanks Keith B.