robinalexander

Also Imo fake Baz. The only numbers I am used to seeing in that area are on the blade just above the habaki but only occasionally on coppers (see Pattern 1 pic). Everything else, IMO buyer beware and never flags. I could list many other 'problems' with it but I think your aware of those. .

Greetings...an acquaintance is selling this (ruined) blade and was asking about smith. The whole thing is a goner, but it is what it is. Translation would be appreciated so I can relay. Thankyou

I must be way out of touch. My recollection was market price being around 2600 USD (4k AUD). Clearly, living in the past.

This is certainly a very nice example of a late copper with matching numbers. If I'm not mistaken, it could also be a record price?

a few of the Type 97's seem to have IJA Menuki (?)

Dee, give it a break.

Agreed John, IMO Ranapur is the absolute best.

George, be careful you get the correct size, particularly for the Nakago hitsu ana (hole in the middle)...you often find that a 'job lot' has a LOT of Wakizashi seppa which are of no use with Katana.

FYI .....Same problem as Andy but all good now.

Baz, maybe Brian could simply post "42" as the final entry before locking threads PS... that's if your talkin Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

@PNSSHOGUN For your interest

me too

hi Chansen, don't rush in to buy this. Terrible pictures but from what I can see, its a fake (IMO). I am sure I have seen this same sword lying on the concrete only recently but cant seem to find the thread on NMB (?). Others will chime in. Rob

Had to look twice for that.

Davo, I can't recall seeing so much great advice and practical options being provided in one quick thread....nice. But I reckon the quote above should be really up there in your priorities. Good luck

Hi again Ben, Now I was wrong on one of these the week before last...they are tricky but personally, I wouldn't buy it. As Sam pointed out the kissaki seems overly elongated for a 95 The bohi finishes early on Kissaki end I also noticed what appears to be punched (concave) dimples on the tsuka 5he font on the numbering is unusual and in isolation maybe not bad but if I add everything up, it's a mark against The fuchi stamps are also spac3d out and possibly overly large ...see my comparison picture Don't like the look of the menuki (weird shape/lack detail) ...again see pic of mine from the same Arsenal Small point but the bohi start is in the position but dosent have the normal square/rounded end (there were variations like this though) Kabutogane looks rough lacks detail...large sarute loop.... again maybe variations but lots of small things sticking out for me Rob

Hi Ben, IMO it is a fake (reproduction) Here is a good link on the IJA Type 95 NCO sword http://ohmura-study.net/957.html Rob

Thanks for your responses Tobi, Bruce will chime in when he wakes up I'm sure. Firstly from what I can tell from one picture, your sword may be a Type 95 IJA NCO sword and they certainly were made for, and used, in combat....albeit a little less efficiently than the Type 98 IJA Officers sword. Your blade looks to be in rough shape and I really hope it's all genuine but we can't say without a few good pics of the various parts. I am wondering why you need another scabbard throat (koiguchi) for your sword. Is yours missing or damaged? Again pics would be good. There is no doubt in my mind that the Ebay ones are repros but as I said, if u need one, then they are a really good option. I wouldn't pay anymore than $155 NZ for it plus postage....you should be able to achieve at least that with the Best Offer option. In the mean time have a look at this site which covers the Type 95 NCO sword (yours by the look of it) http://ohmura-study.net/957.html You will get some good info from NMB members....just ask away 👍 Rob

I agree with Hamish. But only my opinion as well. Reasons ..... The brightness of the red....looks like it's never seen the sun but also, I would expect some age variation or colour loss. Similarly, to me the kanji looks like it was done yesterday. Again, very solid colour and it looks like it was all done by ne or two people. Now I can't read it but I hope it wasn't supposed to be signed or noted by many people, because it dosnt look like it. You might be able to shed some light on that aspect Piers @Bugyotsuji I would also expect white material to have some form of age such as yellowing or discoloration in patches or folds Can't say I've seen a tiger on one of these before (but I'm no expert) .....maybe it's relevant to the wording (symbolic/mascot?) or maybe it's just a nice 'tourist hook' All based on gut feeling. Sounds like you might have some thoughts on this Piers ?

Bruce. From China? I'd be willing to bet they are 'new' repros and the numbered one with paint remnants has been put in the bunch to attract attention. Having said that, they are what they are and if a person needed one then they are a great option because a genuine one will almost never surface.

Welcome T, Sorry to a bit formal but do you have first name that we can call you by? NMB policy ... but apart from that it's just nice to call someone by their name.

Sorry Ed @EdWolf... my misunderstanding.

Hi Ed, it is very normal for leather combat covers to shrink lengthwise. Some way more than others for some reason. Similarly, circumference shrinkage does occur and, it can also increase and become sloppy with finer leather. I have seen a lot of these variations and have quite a few myself. Rob

Mekugi peg is a disposable item. .like other members I have made a few out of chop sticks and then coloured/waxed them. The redness means nothing imo.