dwmc

Bruce, I noticed the black painted Type 32's were mentioned a couple of times in the Type 95 Black Saya thread. Interesting opinions on the 95 black saya's. The guy I bought my 32 from seemed to think someone post WWll had possibly painted it. At the time, I didn't give the black paint much thought due to the fact the sword was in overall good condition with matching numbers. Eventually, I began to notice a few 32's on ebay with black paint also. Oddly, many if not all, were painted entirely black, saya, guard, backstrap, handle, wood and all. I couldn't help but think how odd, painted entirely black. I feel relatively confident that this is at least paint wwll and very possibly before. Trystan thought he read they were painted during factory refurbish which makes sense. I'm also wondering however, if it may have been a cavalry or regimental designation? Appreciate the input, Dave M.

Thanks Trystan, interesting possibility. Dave M.

Over the years I couldn't help but notice many Type 32 Gunto's, both Ko and Otsu's have been painted black. I get the sense that these black painted Type 32's were painted either WWll or before and not post war. Anyone happen to know the reason behind the black paint? Thanks, Dave M. https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Japanese-M1899-TYPE-32-OTSU-TROOPERS-SWORD-SCABBARD-MATCHING-NUMBERS/224236094829?hash=item343583456d:g:djgAAOSwiVRfsZnP

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IN-HAND-TAMAHAGANE-TATARA-NBTHK-1st-Grade-60g-with-Tung-Box-FedEx-DHL/313334756394?hash=item48f434f42a:g:BJkAAOSwnNtfz3X8 Dave M.

Definitely agree Chris, to the trained eye, very big difference indeed ! It still however, annoys me to see these Fake attempts at true Nihonto hada...🤔 Dave M.

Another disturbing feature of many of these fake swords is they seem to more often than not copy the " Hada Tatsu" style of Ji-hada . Then, even when a legitimate mixed metal type Hada from the Meji or Showa era is presented to the NMB it almost immediately falls suspect as being a Chinese reproduction ! I personally find prominent Itame/Mokume Hada's used for forging Nihonto to be quite attractive of all era's, only to be somewhat diminished by these pathetic modern fakes!! And to be selling for how much...Seriously!!! Dave M.

Well, I must say, I've been curious as to when this Type 94 Shin-gunto show down was going to eventually occur. You guys should all feel ashamed by this overt and flagrant braggartry of beautiful swords in 94 korshirae, making many of the rest of us with a mere 15 or 20 non Type 94 swords feel badly...☹️ Though, very much kidding Gentlemen, all seriously beautiful swords. I'm beginning to think Mr. Neal (IJASWORDS) is absolute king of Australian Gunto . What, 25-30 in that one display case... All very nice indeed ! Just envious, Dave M.

Thank you guys, I had no idea there were male and female dragon menuki. I've been a nihonto enthusiast for many years and have (obviously) not paid enough attention to menuki. I now see that menuki are a further and fascinating facet of nihonto to study.! I've decided to use my dragon menuki for the tsuka, and will be contacting David McDonald soon for restoration. Again, information very much appreciated. Best regards, Dave M.

Thank you for the information ! Dave M.

Thank you again Jean. Your opinion is greatly appreciated ! Best regards, Dave M.

Dear Members, Thank you again Jean for your quick response. These two sets of menuki below are my 2nd and third choice for tsuka restoration. The dragon menuki, I know are edo period, but just noticed they are actually a miss matched set, they were however on same deteriorated Shinto era tsuka. The Sakura menuki (appear) to be an older set, but would appreciate an opinion if this actually is the case. If there is any doubt as to the Sakura menuki not being at least Shin Shinto, I will use the miss matched dragon menuki. Again, thank you in advance for you opinions, Dave M.

Thanks Jean...just as I suspected !! Dave M.

Dear Menuki knowledgeable NMB Members, I'm in the process of restoring a Shinto era Tsuka. The tsuka needs ito as well as menuki replacement. I am finding it very difficult to decide on menuki, and have acquired several sets to choose from. (However, I definitely do not want to use some modern reproduction type menuki.) I recently purchased the set below and think the set would match well with the koshirae. I may be ok with with the menuki if they are at least Japanese Meji or Showa period. Please inform me, if possible, as to the time period of these menuki. They are a very light weight material, tin, aluminum, with two small prongs on under side, also with something which appears like a black lacquer. I would greatly appreciate your opinions. Thanks in advance, Dave M.

I think it was Chris Bowen that once mentioned something to the effect of "beware of a wwll era made swords with two mekugi-ana." The day before the estate auction you were allowed to view items in which you may have been interested in bidding. The sword pictured above, I noticed was in overall excellent condition, the son of the deceased owner of the sword was not allowing the tsuka to be removed, which concerned me somewhat, but could also understand him not wanting people to assemble and disassemble and so on. I decided to roll the dice and bid on the sword the next morning. Apparently, some one had convinvced the son to removed the tsuka and I was able to take a brief look at the nakago. I immediately noticed the two holes and should have been able to translate the inscription as an Amahide, but couldn't for reasons I can't explain. Possibly due to the variations in signatures. The habaki was stuck tight and was going to be difficult to remove with out some work. I've managed to make a short story long and apologize, but I can't help but feel this is all part of an on going story of a sword which began in a Seki sword factory in the 1930's or 40's. After I won the bid and got the sword home and managing to get my eyes realigned, I realized the inscription was Amahide, which was amazing on account of my fathers bring back being an Amahide also. On to the two holes and the habaki . It took a while to gently remove the habaki , but when I eventually succeeded, the two holes were glaringly explained. This was machi-okuri due to a forging flaw moved from the blade to the nakago. I'm sure as suggested by others there are many reasons for these Showa era two hole nakago's, but in this case, as Dave R. suggested...a repair! Regards, Dave M.

Hi Dave, I think you can just click on "down loads" at the top of the page. It should be the first article under "whats new" Dave M.

More than happy to provide photos Mal. These are not the best of pictures , but hopefully adequate. The 1946 bring back is in possession of my younger brother, however, I do have oshigata photos. I'll provide it to you when I locate them Thanks again, Dave M. 20201113_142918.mp4

Mal, I would like to thank you also. My father brought home a Amahide in 1946. Almost unbelievably, I purchased a Shin-gunto two years ago at an estate auction, only to discover it was also an Amahide. Both swords are signed with "kitau kore" which hopefully suggests traditionally forged. Below is my estate purchase which is daisaku daimei Amahide by Ido Hidetoshi. Excellent article! Again...Thank you!! Dave M.

Correction...Good eyes Gentlemen...Horizontal stroke not diagonal..."Kanesaki" Dave M.

Hello Chris, I would also suggest as Maxime mentioned above, a light coat of oil on the blade. The signature on the nakago appears to be Kanemitsu, other board members will surely correct me if I'm mistaken. There were many swordsmiths using the name Kanemitsu from Koto to Showa. Your sword appears to be in fairly good condition outside of the light surface rust. Judging from the nakago, I would guess the sword is at least Koto or early Shinto. Of course, as with many swords there are things that don't seem to make sense such as the large Mekugi-ana below the signature. Normally, this is due to the sword being shortened, however, too me, the nakago appears ubu. Again, other members may have a more accurate explanation... Dave M.

This may not be the highest class Shin-gunto. However, I suspect it would be a welcome addition to a most collectors looking for a fairly nice looking gunto in good condition. Also, as Stegel mentioned above, simply trying to keep the thread active! Regards, Dave M.

Too much wine color?? Not enough contrast as green or cream perhaps ? Dave M.

Just wanted to clarify my earlier suggestion...bright Christmas red would not look good, but a darker maroon or burgundy color of red I think would look great! Cream color would also be a good choice! Dave M.

Chris, It's not easy ! If it had a bit of original ito, at least you could justify using the same color. Hopefully, you have menuki your happy with and don't have to suffer through making that decision also... I think the Fred Lohman silk Tsuka-ito # 13 Blood red would look nice on your Tanto ! Regards, Dave M.

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Dave M.