robinalexander

Hi Ken, Just a tip in case you don't already know. You specifically mentioned rayskin. From the bottom up, sayas came in shiny black painted wood timber, shark skin (tiny diamond shaped nodules) and rayskin (round polished nodules) the bigger nodules the better (upgraded/expensive). And if your lucky enough to find either a shark or ray in good condition with an original black leather 'combat' cover you have hit the jackpot IMO. Just some thoughts. Rob

Kris. I am not familiar with Mink Oil but I have always used Renapur ...best thing since sliced bread. Search "everywhere" on NMB for RENAPUR and you will pick up a lot of info on that plus other dressings.

Thanks Caden, Looks old and very interesting to me. Pierced tsuba, full set of seppa, aluminium saya which while not rare, is certainly a lot less common and often associated with higher class fittings. Looks like the Tsuka also had a Mon attached ...most probably removed by the original owner prior to/on surrender (WW2) ....quite common unfortunately. @Nobody The Mei is not clear (is Emura a possibility ?) ..... is it possible to get a better picture of the kanji which look like their almost gone. Sometimes talcum powder sprinkled on lightly then wipe off with the fleshy part of your palm. That might bring it out a little more. Who knows someone might have a crack at it. If Nobody can't, then nobody can.

This probably should be in the translation section @Scogg but I will have a guess at ku-ju or 90 and if I get past that hurdle I will say it is possibly an assembly number. Once it hits translation section we will know for sure. Don't put too much weight on my answer just yet. By the way Caden, the tsuka and accompanying fittings look like nice and possibly higher quality. I'm sure there would be others apart from me who might like to see more of your sword, if you were so inclined. Rob

Lucy, apologies in advance for going off topic but I just couldn't help smiling when I read this this morning. If you and your husband intend to have a stop over in OZ either to or from Japan, your are most welcome to peruse my collection....you have already described a couple of my 'treasures' LOL. All the best. Rob

Ditto

Well I for one, will take you word for that Jalia. Not real.

Yep Koto blade so its had a few koshirae in its time. In centre as per Type 94

I dont think this really qualifies as a 'combat cover' but its interesting. Came on my first sword (from the UK) and it has always intrigued me. That's a burn mark on top. Not sure on the purpose (sweat cover?) or whether a wartime or post war addition ... a bit crude all the same.

Hi John, That's a nice Kai package. Just a further note on Renapur. I don't want to go off topic but this does relate directly to preservation of combat covers. I use Renapur all the time for all dressed leather but have had some comments in the past that its too sticky and messy. You would also know this, but for the un-initiated, it IS very sticky and messy initially but liberally apply and leave your saya/cover hanging for 2 to 3 days and it will totally disappear into the leather. Then a VERY light but brisk polish with microfibre cloth will bring up what shine is left in the leather but now also with a rich natural brown colour and far fewer cracks. One of the best leather products I have ever used. Rob

Lol ...yes Chris I took it. Could be optical illusion ? For interest, it's 越前國継 - Echizen Kunitsugu

Sorry Marcin, not possible BUT if it ever comes into my possession...I will be happy to post. Provided I was able to safely remove the combat cover which is unlikely.

Another on a very nice old blade with a sword guy in Melbourne.

Hi Steven @Swords you certainly bring a lot of swords 'to the table' and that is always interesting thanks. However seeing were a little off topic anyway ... have you ever considered becoming a GOLD member? ... that would help the Forum in a tangible way.