PNSSHOGUN

Very nice score, they look like quality pieces and still in fantastic condition. If you could please get us pictures of both the blades we can start to determine exactly what you have. Pictures of the tip, any patterns in the steel, overall length of the blade and both sides of the tangs would help immensely. You can very carefully wipe the blade only down with some light gun oil and tissues to remove any old dust and grime from them.

My immediate thought was Uda as well.

Stephen I believe they used standard Navy/Army Kyu Gunto ball type tassels from what I can see in the pictures. There's one on ebay now: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WW2-Vintage-Imperial-Japanese-Army-Officers-Sword-Strap-Gold-w-Case-a7744/253311746877?hash=item3afa8e833d:g:vkUAAOSwyGZaMgLf This is certainly the Korean one, the Naval Kyu Gunto lack the ears on the handle.

Section in Dawsons 346-349

Easily Hozon and TBH should be fine. I would love to see some better pictures too!

Yes, I wouldn't consider it for Iai myself. Regular Showato remounted are rock solid, or just buy one of the many good quality chinese martial arts sword designed for this purpose.

Return it. Should've been noted in the listing.

Read the thread carefully then post. Unless you're just in the mood to argue for no reason?

Pictures speak a thousand words......

I suggested he simply take it out into the sunlight, usually best idea before gettimg drastic.....

Some large delaminations in the monouchi, chips, active rust etc etc Nearly 5k in it already after polish and Shinsa, then what if Shinsa perhaps comes back with average Kaga Muromachi/Shinto piece? i don't know if it would pass TH with such big flaws, even if it is ubu. For me it just seems a bit of a gamble.

Virtually the same except for the extra horimono.

Someone bought a money pit IMO.

That is quite extraordinary to pass TH, it must be a good sword indeed.

I think they need to change the apprenticeship rules, 5 years unpaid is a huge strain and commitment on both the Master and student. It takes some extraordinary will to go through this process only to then struggle until you win awards and reputation. I believe some sword smiths have to make kitchen knives to support themselves day to day.

I have to agree with the previous statements. I do not understand why you are polishing this piece beyond sentimental reasons. I would see the polish through, but it makes little sense to me in the first place. Then again I think quite a few of us have had blades polished that we know will never recoup money on, it's for our own satisfaction and pleasure sometimes To me, Kizu only seem serious or relevant if you plan on reselling or papering, considering in most cases a blade with kizu will never be used again strenuously (I would hope).

Just replace the kurikata IMO.

Looks very similar to a Meiji era Kyu Gunto machine made blade I have.

I think that is your man/school for sure. Post in the the Tosogu section, might have more luck.

I think "Kirishitan" is a good guess! Perhaps this koshirae was made well after 1630's.... (last major Christian crackdown by Shogunate).

I think probably Gimei judging by the lower quality horimono execution and blade overall. I really wouldn't be disappointed myself to have such a nice tanto package like that, regardless of mei. I don't really have any idea what the other kogai is, perhaps it is a utility blade. It looks to be made of brass, very unusual.

How long is the blade? Measure it from the tip of the sword to the habaki collar. The shape of it certainly looks like classic Kanbun, but it is so greatly shortened I wonder if it is older.

A fine match, I look forward to seeing the end result.

If you manage to get a translation I'm sure the folks in the Military Swords section would love to see this.

Those are beautiful, very nicely done.