David Flynn

No matter how hard one tries, one can't make a silk purse form a sows ear.      This blade is a Showa to.  Yes, the sword has probably been folded, however, it's oil quenched.  So no matter how you look at it,  (I don't like the term, Arsenal Blade) it is what it is.

The answer is the seller.

Probably, badly struck.

Jigane is, Ko Itame.

Franco, if you bother to do a little research, you'll find the Yoshimune, only made Gendaito.   You seem to be fixated on it not being traditional.

As far as I'm aware,  Takahashi Yoshimune, never made showato.

Sorry Chinese copy.

I don't know if Cameron is still working.

Jigoku Studios |

I'm guessing the Hakikake boshi are with swords done in Soshu, whilst the Maru and Midare are done in Bizen

I think you may find it depends on the style of forging.

Australian Dawn Service,  not Austrian.

You have just opened  a can of worms.  According to Chris Bowen, they are not traditionally made swords.     I believe they are true Nihonto and they have been known to achieve NBTHK Hozon Kaneisho.

Shingunto,  is just the name of the mounts.

With only that photo, you'll still have trouble identifying it.

You could do a lot worse.

As this sword came with a Hozon paper, then the cost of Shinsa was included in the price you paid.

(Seki) Kanenori,  Showa Year 19 first month.

Aoi Art, as well as anyone, do your homework first.

Seriously Steve, you should study Nihonto terms and spelling.

Depends, if you never intend to sell it, then do as you like (new saya).  However, if you intend to sell down the track, then leave as found.

As far as I'm aware, he only made Showato.

Please show as many photos as possible.    You wont get much info on just one photo of a screw.

Welcome Mark,  Your question on Gendaito,  is one I've had many discussions on.   My take on this is, the Gendai period  unfortunately  contains WW2.  During this time, many swords were made as expediently as possible, without sacrificing effectiveness.  Now saying that,  there were many special order Gendaito made during the war.  Of course the top Smiths generally made higher quality swords, though even these smiths did some "Rush Jobs".    The Gendai Period leading up to Sino Japanese war (1937-19450, also produced generally higher grade swords. 

One of the main tenets of Nihonto collecting is, each sword should be judged on it's own merit.  This is also one of the main stumbling blocks, for new collectors.   The only answer to this is, Study!   Books are essential, however, the biggest learning experience is to actually handle swords and then, preferably, having someone who is able to explain what you're looking at.  

Good luck with your journey, hopefully you can find someone who'll help guide you.

Steve, if you read the post correctly, this sword was sold years ago.