Joe Choi

Hi.. Yes it's the same sword "Mantetsu with attribution"

OK.. the last one that I have... Many have come and gone ... if I find any pics, I'll post them.

Another one ...

Hi Bruce... One more for your record keeping..

Hello... Long time no post... was just passing by ... I'm the one who has the Mantetsu with attribution 鷹信焠之 (Takanobu kore o niragu) This sword also have the "wave" hamon… maybe a missing link to all the wavy hamons ?

Hello... Long time no post... I have a Hattori Masahiro in Civilian Mount that has the "Battle Scars" It has the damages in the right places...

Thank You so Much..... !!!

Hello... Need translation help, written on the shirasaya. Thanks in advance... Joe

Need Help on the inscription on the blade of a Korean Sword. Any help would be appreciated, got a rough translation stating "when you were born,the king was healthy and lived long life,the country was strong and rich. But,after the King conquer another small countries,you will be an official". Thank You in advance... Joe Choi

Thanks.... This might get me back into collecting swords again... Thank You.... Joe

Got good news..... Sword passed at the Minneapolis Shinsa, 76 pts. Kunisuke 3rd generation. Told you he sometimes signs it with big letters.... :D

FORMOSA / Occupied Taiwan

It's Korean, Presentation Sword of sort. if you can post or email me with a larger pic, of the plaque, I can translate it for you.

KaneKado with Kokuin

Ma kane hisa or Shin gane iru stamp... Mumei

Thank You... Stephen and Everyone else, now it's time to put the sword back together and off it goes to the display wall. Thanks again for taking your time and helping me out.... Joe

I've tried to quote you again Ted... this time I'm seeing my name. Anyways, just for curiosity... which Samurai Families MON is this? I have no reference avail on MON's. Anyone with a book... help. Thanks.... Joe

I refuse to believe you.... I'll take it to the shinsa... and prove to you that he does write big sometimes.... Do you know when will be the next time shinsa team will be here in east coast? Just don't feel comfortable sending it to Japan and couple of other reasons. To tell you the truth, I'm just happy that I have this old wak in gunto fittings, like everyone says, buy the blade and not the mei. Didn't even know who it was till I won the bid. Thanks again everyone... Joe

Here's some pics from Copper NCO. ( well.. since it's the only one that comes apart) As you can see the inner tsuka is in bad shape, had to hold it with tapes since some parts are missing. Notice the slot carved on top to allow the catch? mechanism.

Finally got my scanner to work... Another pic of the Mei and as for the ashinaga... hard to see, but here's the shot. Thanks all for sharing your knowledge

Anyone? If someone has a pic or a oshigata, I could compare to, it'll be greatly appreciated. Or is it a Gimei ??? Thanks... Joe

Just got this off of ebay, in Shin Gunto Fittings. I've read all the previouse post regarding this smith. Could this one be genuine? Searched the web also and the Hamon seems to match that of the Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke 2nd. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks... Joe

I think its made by Citadel, modern cambodian made. They do make excellent (Japanese Style) sword, if you are into cutting things, they cut very very well.

Hello.... I have a mini tanto (not sure what they are called) that seems to have "HON" Stamp. According to Swords of Imperial Japan / Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson (pgs. 25,26 and 29) they were used during Meiji Period on swords imported from Germany. Does the stamp on my tanto look like a "HON" stamp? or do you guys know of any other stamp that might resemble this? The last pic is from the book showing the "HON" stamp. Thank You... Joe P.S..... it's a great reference book, a must have if you are collecting Japanese Military Swords.

Mantetsu Tanto, showing it's flying wheel logo. I guess it was made for a Rail Road official? Looks like some type of transfer applied to the tsuka on both sides, blade is nothing special, not Mantetsu steel Nagasa of 5.5"