dwmc

My comment was only made as a weak attempt at humor. I obviously can't speak for everyone, or anyone but myself for that matter, but I personally don't find an adjustment or an honest attempt to bring a sword back to original configuration as long as the modification (if known) is identified when selling... I realize neither of you had anything to do with changes made, but to see a sword show up seven years after traded in a different configuration leaves one to wonder "What the hell". People simply want to know what their buying...to many deceptive "Monkeys" out there these days. Dave M.

Aha, a "f*ckwit" mystery. Lets root out that sucker. Lance; Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth so help you god? Adam; Do you swear... Just kidding fellows...seven years a lot can occur! Dave M.

OK, I get ! The auction site representative made an acceptable credit to your account. However, I still find it a bit disturbing a reputable auction site hides a horrible Chinese fake amongst legitimate items...Questionable tactics to say the least !! Dave M.

https://katana-atoz.com/wazamono/ Dave M.

Thank you Steve, This was what I was having a problem with initially. The characters were a bit confusing to me, and the black paint didn't help matters. I think you're correct though, "Kiyomichi". Again, Thank you and Jussi also, Dave M.

Thank you Jussi !! Dave M.

Hello, This is what appears to be a very late war (short) Kai Gunto. It was displayed on an antique store wall for many years until I was able to purchase it recently as the store decided to close shop. The sword is very light weight with a nagasa of 22". One hanger, and without the rising sun o-seppa. I believe the Mei is possibly "Kiyonobu", but by no means am I certain. Please let me know if this translation is correct. Thanks Much, Dave M.

A bit like this possibly ?? Modern Chinese? I don't think so... Dave M.

My guess would be a WWll era faux paint patination with a bit of post war touch up. Possibly all post war as John mentioned. Either way, I do like the look for some reason... Dave M.

As I was discussing a sword I own with very highly rated Togishi, at one point during our conversation, he looked at me in a very serious manner an said " You do realize these swords have a spirit ." I was somewhat stunned and replied, " I suspect they very well could." I have in my possession Japanese swords from Koto to Showa and prefer not spending a great deal of time dwelling on what they may have been involved in. I think it was Dave R. that mentioned once, " It's a very good thing they can't talk," Dave M.

Jesse, Please take the time to read forum guidelines, all posts require a signature. NMB members are normally extremely generous with information but sometimes quite intolerant with disjointed request. The two swords you request information on the are intermixed, the kanji characters are sideways or upside down. Please separate the two swords, possibly move the unsigned Shin Gunto to the Military sword section. Do an online search of the Ohara Sanemori (Lots of Info) take proper photos and repost. Take the time to see how others have properly presented sword pictures for review... Good Luck, Dave M.

Your Ohara Sanemori could be a excellent sword indeed. Those more expert will hopefully respond! Dave M.

Keep an eye open as your time permits Adam, I personally have never bought a sword off Ebay, but it appears you've done fine. I only search estate sales, antique stores , pawn shops, attend antique auctions, etc...I don't have patience for most basic "garage sales". You'll find a decent Kai Gunto eventually. Good Luck, Dave M.

Hi Adam, You did a whole lot better than terrible. You know more about Japanese swords than you give your self credit for. Newbie's generally don't stumble on to the type swords you have purchased at those prices. You can do my sword shopping any day. Did you purchase them locally in Wisconsin? There's still a few deals out there if you spend the time to search. I'll share one I purchased in a package deal along with several other WW II items for a total of $700. Again, great job! Dave M.

I'm with 16K, I took a closer look at Dean's sword and still unable to see discernible Hada. Very nice looking though! Dave M.

Hi John, Didn't mean to drag the thread off topic which I suspect could have easily been explained as modern steel folded, modern steel not folded. Basically, I read the term "Sunobe" as usually meaning all swords made using modern steel, and the exact term meaning block steel without folding. I'll take a closer look at Dean's sword, it is a rather nice sword and your list does appear quite logical. Also, off topic, but I really like that "V" stitch tassel you came in possession of. Just a word of warning with that variation. One little snag and apart it goes... Appreciate your explanation, Dave M.

Bruce, I think in the strict sense of the terms your exactly right! Dave M.

Quite true John, No doubt Sunobe and Han-tanren are different types of construction. One folded the other not. I'm just curious as to the term Han as possibly implying Semi rather than Half. As was explained to me at the San Francisco sword show Han-tanto-to was a sword which had received only a partial level of forging. There's no doubt Neil's sword has some sort of folding. The other's (Dean's) , I struggle to see grain. My sword definitely has no grain. My train of thought is more along the line of semantics as opposed to construction as I feel the exposition clearly indicates also. My sincere condolences to all of those devastated by fire in Australia... Dave M.

Good point Bruce! This whole topic of Sunobe ( at least to me ) is still a bit confusing. The way I read the exposition is the word "Sunobe" is used for all swords made of modern steel. This is why I think Han-tan-to is simply a variation of sunobe. The Japanese definition of Han is (half or semi). I feel the term Han may be used in a rather "loose" sense of the word. Taren-to is described as fold welding, how do you manage to half fold a sword considering the strict definition of the term Han-Tanen-to? The beat up example of Seki showato I showed above could very well be Sunobe in that it could be a single bar of homogeneous steel. I see characteristics which could indicate either... Dave M.

Bruce, I'm normally 99% wrong with all shin gunto opinions and have to lean heavily on others in fear of going a complete 100%. However, after reading Dave R's exposition in post 10 ( a couple of times) hopefully I/we can have a little better understanding of showato terms. I'm getting the han-tan-to may be just a variation of sunobe-to. Dave M.

This is a Showa 17 Seki showato. I'm not sure whether it will contribute to the topic or not. I've shown it to many knowledgeable individuals at gun and sword shows over the years. It has more often than not, (even though likely a misnomer), been classified a Han-tan-to gunto. In Dave R's post # 10, the exposition does an excellent job of describing mis-used terms and explanations of such. For example, what exactly would be a half folded blade.. Han-tanren-to??? As explained to me, Han-tan-to would be considered a non-folded blade, oil quenched, with a certain level of swordsmith work applied...Seki showato.

There you go Stephen. The fuchi width is close to perfect. We knew the the length was going to be long by approx. 6 mm. The depth is fine. I think after seeing the fuchi on the tsuka it would be hard not to agree the menuki should be a pair of Paulownia of some type. After I locate a set of menuki I'll send it to David McDonald and hopefully he can make it all work. Thank you NMB members for your input, and a special thanks to Mr. Schiller for the fuchi. Dave M.

Will do...

Guido, I double checked my fuchi measurements hoping I was in error. It remained at approx. 32.25 mm, quite small. However, I like your fuchi and wouldn't mind having it in my assorted parts collection. I'll PM you for address and details. Thanks again, Dave M.

Hey, I'm willing to give it go Stephen. I'm planning to send the tsuka to David McDonald when I get everything sorted out. I guess a slightly larger fuchi would be much better potential than a smaller. I'll PM Guido for purchase and shipping details. Thanks, Dave M.