Thomas R

I want to thank every one for their help with this. I didn't realize that it would promote such a lively discussion. Looking at the pictures I can see the point that Mr Bowen makes about a weld. And I know that pictures do not compare to holding the actual sword itself. But what I see in the pictures I am having trouble seeing on the real thing. Maybe it is just my bad Eyes. I have tried to get better pictures, that is why it took so long to respond. waiting for good weather and lighting better than my desk lamp. Looking at these, do you still support the idea that it was welded? Ultimately the answer wont matter to much as I am still proud to have this sword. It fits me in that it has some minor flaws, and maybe a little tired, but still 90% good. I hope that I can age as well as this sword has. I have posted High res pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/120475074@N07/ there are also some close up pictures of some of the flaws that are on the blade. Can make for a good study for others trying to learn. Thanks again for all the opinions and advice!!!

I have posted more close up pictures of the area in question. http://www.flickr.com/photos/120475074@N07/ I managed to pick this up for what would be considered a steal, cheaper that ordering a new cutting sword, but I will lean towards your opinions and just display it. As it is older that me (52) I would feel horrible if something happened to it. There is space for a tsuba to fit. my pictures may not have shown that clearly.

I have added extra photos of the nakago that give a little more detail. This does does not look like damge some as forging roughness that was not filed off? Thanks for your help and opinion!!! One more question: what is the shape of the Menuki? Looks like a flower? Thanks again!

Greetings to all from a new member. I have always dreamed of owning a Japanese sword and recently manage to have the luck to buy one from a friend that did not want it any more. He received three swords from his father who brought them back from the war (WW2). The two that he kept I now know (from this site!) to be nco swords or guntos. I am looking for an opinion about the sword I have. He said it was an enlisted mans sword, (I know, no such thing) but I am not sure that it was a military blade. From what I have learned from this and other websites, I know that this is not an Art Sword, nor is it one with great value. it does have small flaws in it but nothing critical. I do not think it is valued high enough to justify a professional polishing, but I have learned enough from this site know better than to try it myself either. Lets just say that my attempts to polish an old beat up bayonet proved that I should never attempt that on this sword. I am curious about the saya as I have not seen any thing similar to this one. the sword is missing the tsuba. I have carefully cleaned it with mineral oil, but otherwise not done anything else to it. One question I do have, should I only mount it on the wall and be proud of it or would it bee a sin to try one cutting (Carefully!) with it. Thanks in advance for your help in this manner. Link to high res pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/120475074@N07/