PNSSHOGUN

About as good a Mei as you could ask for.

It does appear have the coarser grain often seen on Uda works. Most interested tosee what an expert says with it in hand.

If you could get us a clear picture of the blade and any Hada that could also help, Uda school Hada can often be very identifiable.

It looks like there was a Mei but it has been all but lost, which could indicate this is quite an old Tanto. You could try carefully dust some chalk over it to improve visibility, it may be enough to reveal a few characters.

Great package, lots of detail and decent quality to be found.

Good man, it wouldn't surprise me with all those chips and dings a hagire would be in there. It would've still been an ok display piece if you got the saya chromed.

I suspect that link is for modern made martial arts swords, not Nihonto.

Looks more like a good quality oil tempered blade from Meiji period. You have some nice swords, you're wise not to sell them.

Sounds like they screwed up royally. Seriously though, keep on them nonstop and record everything. Simply unacceptable for this to happen to tracked & insured post.

Looks to be a Shinto blade as well, if it looks old many sellers will slap on "Koto" to generate more interest.

Kyu Gunto are very nice, especially ones with family blades in them. I would avoid that one though, in quite poor condition.

Polish has been done with sandpaper & acid. Avoid.

Max, there is a proper Togishi in Melbourne: https://touken-togishi.com/restoration-services/

The want the sellers shirt off their back these days!

I think there is a chapter in Jim Dawsons book early on that mentions these contract swords.

The value simply changes from Nihonto to historical relic.

Please provide a more thorough and comprehensive body of work in this matter that has had over 200 years of testing, that has been widely accepted and been backed up by numerous high ranking papers and expert opinions over the decades. Until then the Wazamono index is the accepted body of work in judging a Japanese blades cutting prowess on human bodies.

Great to hear Markus, will be donating soon.

Yes Jason, it's not like there was any practical reason these tests were done in an age where swords were still used to kill people. As for not scientific I would have to disagree, at the time it was quite a scientific matter, performing a large volume of tests, collating the results and drawing conclusions from these results. Is that not science? "Science: the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment."

Some absolutely corking examples here, thank you all for sharing these. I would also like for Bob to clarify what spirits are attached to the sword!

I wouldn't be too pedantic about a little extra force here or there, the blade is already in rough condition. I would also suggest the traditional method of holding the handle firm in the right hand and hitting the base of your right hand with your left until you feel some movement. If that doesn't do it a thick towel around the tsuba and some gentle but firm tapping with a wooden or rubber mallet isn't likely to cause any significant damage.

It's a real Type 98 Shin Gunto, the blade looks traditionally made but I'll let someone else translate the Mei for you.

My guess is early vs full production variants. Often quality starts higher (checkered release) and is reduced for full production.

Having a look on past sales is a good way to quickly accustom yourself with what real Shin Gunto look like: http://www.guntoartswords.com/sold.html