David Flynn

Post a copy of the papers here, I'm sure they will be translated for you.

Went cheap!

G'day Jim, welcome and good luck with your project.

Stephen, many Australians, Americans , British, Canadians and Asians of different Nationalities, don't see any honour in the Japanese sword, only reminders, Unfortuately. Fortunately though, many of the above, have come to realise the beauty of the Japanese sword and appreciate them, for their artistic value. However, there is a difference between appreciation and honour.

I'm in two minds. War what is it good for? Absolutely nothing (to quote a song). First mind, the vanquished always suffer, even when things improve later. Second. My father and uncle fought against the Japanese with many stories being told. I remember that my older brother was chastied for practicing Japanese martial arts (Judo and Karate), in the 50s and my mother never reconciled herself with the Japanese ever. Saying all that, if it hadn't been for the war, I wouldn't be a collector. I admire the Japanese and many aspects of their culture. I have visited Japan and would love to return. This also reminds me of a Fawly Towers episode, titled, The Germans. The Theme, don't mention the War.

Looking at this sword, if it didn't state made in Hong Kong, how would you know? If it recieved Hozon paper, then the NBTHK considers this to be Gendaito.

I'll go for both genuine, unless they were faked by the same smith :?

Welcome Steven, There is a wealth of iformation to be had from this forum. Let us know your interests.

It was not made as an Iato, it was originally a fully functional Gunto(army sword). It has a showa stamp on the tang, indicating it was made before 1942. Someone has converted it since the war(probably for Iaido or Kenjutsu practice).

Welcome James, I also concur with the others.

There are two minamoto Yoshichika, Shodai and Nidai. Nidai are cheaper than Shodai. I think the one in the picture is probably Nidai.

I love Enrico Moricone's music :D

I agree with Bazza, about the "easy" style of sashikomi found on a lot of Genaito. I have seen quite a few, that most people pass over as "Muji". The hamon is quite visible and so is the Hatoraki contained there in, though visisble hada is lacking. I have now discovered a way of asessing the hada in these blades and though I can't make out distinct hada, I feel that I am able to tell if hada is there. Then it comes down to whether or not one wants to invest the time and money, to have these blades polished.

Sashikomi rules! :D

Eric, the article states, that these swords are from private collectors and doesn't mention an orginisation.

Eric, what was the orginisation in Oz you mention. I have been collecting in Oz for about 20yrs and have never heard of this.

Thank you Morita San

George, I asked a question about Tan stamps about a week ago in the Nihonto section. So far, no answers.

Hi James and welcome.

Thanks to Chris Bowen and Morita San, we now know the purpose of Star stamps. What then of Tan Stamps? I have been lead to believe(coutesey of Messers Fuller and Gregory) that a Tan stamp meant a traditionaly forged blade. However, I have never seen any evidence of this from any Japanese sources. Any comments appreciated.

I think it's interesting where the Horimono ends with the polishers marks. Right where the nakago begins.

G'day and welcome, Glen

John Sloughs book, has him as making, High quality Gendaito.

Real name, Nakano Renji. Born 1900. 1941 exhibition 1st seat.

I appologise, I checked Sloughs and you're right, it is the same.