David Flynn

Adam, the chances of obtaining a Gendaito for under $1000 is highly unlikely. If you did however, it would probably be a mess.

The actual Japanese swords that one thinks maybe mixed metal or Damascus, are actually swords that have been acid treated, this brings up the hada and because it's acid, it affects the lines of the hada and hamon. As far as I'm aware, Amahide didn't uses "Mixed Metals" but are true Nihonto (ones without stamps). Amahide, also had O hada, which when acid cleaned, tends to make them look like Chinese copies. However, the OP is chinese. I believe Niels sword is acid treated.

This is a special order sword. Amahide, made tradionally made blades as well as showato. All special order Amahide I have seen, are traditionally made. If the blade is very dirty and you can't see any Hada, look under the Habaki and around the Hamachi area. Amahide's hand made blades, usually have a nice Mokume hada.

I will go along with Bazza, with the possibility it's Gendai. To me, it looks like water damage to the Nakago and this is hiding some of its features. Always hard from photos.

It's in fresh polish and Shirasaya, does it have Kanteisho? If it doesn't, why not?

As for the question on value, yes it does lose value compared to an ubu sword. An Osuriage sword in good condition, goes for about half of an ubu example, made by the same smith, in the same condition.

All are variations of Bizen Den.

During the early Showa period, the were many smiths making Gendaito. Most of the Senior Smiths, were taught by Shinshinto masters and so were a carry on of this period. Of course expediency came into the mix with the war, however, most Gendaito, were forged in Gokaden, with Bizen den being the most popular. In 1789, Suishinshi Masahide, revived the Gokaden. From that time on, Smiths were making swords in the various Den. Some concentrated on one particular den, whilst others, made swords in multiple den. Now to the point I'm trying to make, Gendaito generally follow the Gokaden and so are valuable teaching aids. In fact, most of the Senior Gendai tosho, made Utsushi of famous smiths.

The cost in Japan now for a decent polish, habaki, shirasaya and papers, is pushing, US$ 3. 5 - 4K

Paul Martin is partly responsible for propagating swords in Japan.

Gendaito without the Star Stamp are also found in type 3 mounts.

This is a low level Showato (non tradionaly made). The price seems Ok.

No problem here.

I actually meant, WW11 Gendaito. Post War, is a different kettle of fish.

The term for these, Sengoku Jidai swords is, Kazu Uchi Mono. The term, massed produced is misleading . These were/are full functional swords, that are papered by the various sword societies. They were tradionally made, just with some expediences. These swords were made for the masses of troops and so not the custom order blades of the higher Samurai. As Bruce has said, the amount of swords needed for their 20th century war was, astronomical, hence, the introduction of the Showa To ( and it's predecessor, the Murata To). Now to set the cat amongst the pigeons. Most of the lower end Gendaito, are probably akin to Kazu Uchi Mono.

Spread the word.

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Standard critirea of Nihonto is, it must be functional. Even the modern Art Swords, must be functional.

Tell that to the Japanese.

I'd be leaning towards, Showa Period. But as we know, hard to tell from photos.

John, a mutual time and venue will be discussed, when we have enough to begin.

As long as they're willing to learn about Nihonto.

Hi, I'm thinking about starting a Nihonto Study Group, in Sydney. If anyone is interested, please let me know, and we can discuss, How and when. I was thinking something along the lines of a show and tell, combined with a lesson. Please, your thoughts will be appreciated. Cheers.

Just as a bye the bye, I know of a Gimei Takahashi Sadatsugu, that was made during the war. It was submitted and pinked at the Sydney Shinsa. The 2009 one, I believe. I actually saw this sword before it was submitted to the Shinsa. I believed it was a lower grade Gendaito.

Bruce, as we know, Japan is full of anomalies.