Mike Noel

Thanks for the info Rob appreciated

HNi Bruce The good folks on this site tell me the signature translates to Seki Unjosai Katsunuga who was an undocumented smith that made swords for the Army and Navy. It is a heavy blade. Regards mike

Thanks for that Brian Exactly what I am looking for Regards Mike

Gents Can any body offer any guidance on learning how to read inscriptions. I am prepared to put the time in but find myself trying to match pictures of translated Kanji to the script I am tying to read obviously not ideal. Regards Mike

Hi Bruce Thanks for the reply as requested here is an image of the rig. If there is anything specific you want to see let me know and I will send a pic Regards Mike

Thanks Uwe

Hi Oli Thanks for the infoI have attached some photos of the blade

Gents Can anybody translate the inscriptions on this tang please. Kind Regards Mike

Gents Does anybody recognise this sticker. it is under the leather cover on a military Saya. The round motif is similar to the Chosen Government Railways Logo but I don't think that is what it is. The photograph is in focus, time has degraded sticker. Regards Mike

Hi Brian Thanks for the heads up. I have been polishing for over 20 years and don't take on any work for other people, my only comment on the subject of polishing would be know your limitations and pick your battles. I have had Les Stewart in Scotland polish some pieces for me as I accept that he is a better polisher than me by a long measure but I really do appreciate the information. I am well aware of the damage done to perfectly good swords by bemused individuals with delusions of adequacy and will no longer mention polishing in my posts. Mike

Hi Piers Thanks for the reply. I have no understanding of Kanji I haven't found the smith in any of my books but the first link you have given me plus the name was helpful. A brief online search of the name has also come up with some information, an undocumented Gunto smith providing swords to the army and the navy. All very helpful thank you very much. Regards Mike

Gents Can anybody translate the signature for me. I am currently restoring the blade from the hamon size and weight of the blade I think it is a gunto blade. I am new to the forum and not sure what I can bring for the benefit of others. I can polish, tie handles make sayas Kurikatas and the like so any help I can offer with this please ask. Mike