PNSSHOGUN

His other listing is weird too: https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Japanese-Samurai-Sword/232651766892?hash=item362b203c6c:g:biQAAOSw37Bac9xs

I think this is a chinese blade, the Ito also looks suspect. Put together with some original Gunto parts.

Is there any conclusive document or knowledge available about this period of Arsenal blades commonly seen in combat versions of Kyu Gunto and other swords of this period? The only information I have found is on Murata-To, but the scope of that process is unknown as they are usually associated with the Kogasa-Maru style blades or signed blades made by General Murata himself. I ask because some of these blades are a step above what we normally see in arsenal blades made during WW2, the one I have could be mistaken for Nihonto until looked at closely. The sword is tempered with etched hamon and NOT a parade style blade. I have seen a few other examples with similar quality and pattern blades so I wonder if other members here have Kyu Gunto with these Arsenal blades and have any further information at hand. One detail I have noted is very similar Horimono on all of these blades. Here's an almost identical blade but clearly handmade with real hamon: http://www.artswords.com/a_nice_katana_mounted_in_Imperial_Japanese_kyu_Gunto_Mounts_042508.htm

I've always been turned off his blades because of the polishing, makes them look like chinese swords with "Hybrid" sandpaper/acid polish. That said he does have some really top notch unmolested blades on occasion.

Thanks for that Steve, half the Buddhist Scriptures he's popped on that sword! Not unusual to see small quotes, names of Kanon or patriotic inscriptions engraved but this is the first time I've seen such a lengthy and comprehensive one like this.

What on earth is going on with this sword? I've never seen so much stuff written on a blade before. Anyone care to translate? https://www.ebay.com/itm/H-6-Japanese-sword-in-mountings-Asakamaru-hitatsura-temper-horimono/232650252229?hash=item362b091fc5:g:IYEAAOSwp7tacldY

They must have recently changed the dictionary definitions of Gendaito, Handforged, Mint and Full Polish. On another note, what in the hell is going on with this sword??? https://www.ebay.com/itm/H-6-Japanese-sword-in-mountings-Asakamaru-hitatsura-temper-horimono/232650252229?hash=item362b091fc5:g:IYEAAOSwp7tacldY

The pierced tsuba always command a premium, usually 1.5-2x the standard solid ones. Ebay or a post in the wanted section is your best bet.

Time machine handle.

Honestly flaws are generally only important on blades that were being used in combat or for Tameshi. While no flaw is good, or sought after, sometimes they can drive the price down a bit for collectors.

My conclusions have been that it's either Gimei or from one of the many generations of Moriie in Muromachi/Shinto. Here's a 5th Generation for example: http://new.uniquejapan.com/a-moriie-kodachi/?com=Swords

Bidding must start at 4K?

Another ware. You'll go mad if you try and identify every little speck and flaw in a handmade Japanese sword.

Hmmm, 66cm? Hope you have one of these bad boys in the collection:

Carbon dating is 100% the way to go on things like this.

Well beyond the scope of most of the collectors here. Anything of value is lost under that rust, even if it were to be polished.

I'd say it's impossible as well but you might also disagree if you had tried my friends homemade liquor before

Pure alcohol with microfiber cloth/good quality tissues is pretty much bombproof.

Brad, I would avoid using wd40 on nice swords, there's a thread all about different cleaning products in the general nihonto section and WD40 is too harsh.

I think you're fine, just a small forge opening.

Let me know where there are mice that eat through treasured blades so I can be sure to thoroughly avoid it!

Could be made from the tip of a broken sword.

Hard to say, not in polish and shortened, get it for what you can but don't go crazy.

Mantetsus are getting more and more collectable. This piece would be more interesting if the suriage occurred during WW2, but that would be hard to prove. Get it if you can, Mantetsu still in mounts with the emblem are rare and sought after no matter the condition.

Ah excellent, I'm glad someone did it for Nihonto oil, it's really interesting seeing the two tests side by side.