Scott M

Hi, I'm sure this is the first time this blade saw any type of oil in years... but I wont use it again, as yes my scabbard on the inside is wood. Should i clean the 3n1 off of it now? That being said, regarding the Ballistol oil, I thought that oil was not good for Katana blades, as its meant for guns, I thought i read that when learning how to clean the one i have. I have not heard of the Korobara oil, ill see if i can get that locally. I don't expect to be cleaning it perhaps once a year i guess, i mean how often should it be oiled?.

Its done and i think it looks great! Here is the final replacement of the Tsuba and how it looks. Filing was strait forward and the fit is snug. Hows it look? Blade was cleaned with alcohol and then lightly oiled with 3in1. Had no access to Chioji oil. Overall the blade looks much nicer now with the appropriate Tsuba.

Hi all, Got the replacement Tsuba for my Type44, Thanks Mark!. It matches perfectly to the rest of the attachments. Now looking at the one that was on it originally i can clearly see now it was not meant for this sword. The attached image shows the amount that needs to be filed away (what lies within the yellow line.) Testing the fit it only slides down the tang about 3/4 of the way. I used my top Seppa as a guide. It appears i need to remove about a millimeter from the three sides, perhaps a hair more form the spine edge. What is the best way to file this material?, by hand or possibly using some type of mechanical tool like a dremmel perhaps?? If by hand what type of file is needed to do the work required, i am assuming a round needle file of sorts but wanted to hear what others have used?

Absolutely appreciate the help Mark!

Trigger pulled!, super excited. As for the filling, i am good to go. Been reading up on how to tighten things up on the blade. Thanks again all!

Think i found my Tsuba....for a great price What do you all think?

Indeed, knowing what i know now which is exponentially more than i did a week ago, I definitely will be trying to restore it with an original tsuba . Ideally i'll try to trade or sell the tsuba i have to hopefully cover part of the cost of the replacement. The community here has been most awesomely helpful.

Hello all, I am seeking assistance with translating several areas of a Type 44 Shin-Gunto. There is Text on the Scabbard and Tang. I have provided pictures of all markings found on the blade and weapon components. The date has been already identified in my other thread but there was some discussion about the signature. I have included all image portions simply for completeness. I have a thread in the Military Weapons section of our forums here if you want to see more images and discussion as i discover more about this item. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/28516-shin-gunto-research-what-do-i-have/ Please ignore the colored arrows as they were for images and discussion in the other thread. Thank you all for your assistance.

Hi all, I took some new images of all the markings found, I think i found arsenal stamps. I also posted clearer images of all the text in the translation section. I have added clored arrows showing the full profile of the side and the location found and then a closeup. There is a Stamp i discovered along the back of the Tang i had not seen before.

what about this one as well? https://www.antiqueswords.com/product/BQ3184/A-Fine-WWII-Period-Japanese-Type-44-Shin-Gunto-Mounted-Katana-Tsuba.html Though this one looks more rusty than the ebay one. Also is the Tsuba i currently have basically ruined due to the fitting work done or is it possible to trade or sell?

Oh that's a great site!, SO looking at the images my blade looks closest to the STANDARD #1 and #3. My definitely has a Metal skin scabbard with wood inside.

Hello, Where are those located? I will get more detail images of the tang if i know what i am looking for. Is there something i can use to high light the stamps or markings thats not harmful to the blade? Also with regards to the wrong tsuba, should i attempt to procure a correct one to make it whole or leave it as is? If i did try to get one what would the accurate description of what i would be asking for?

Hi, Thanks for the article , Do you think the guard replacement was done at the time of manufacture due to shortage of others? or was done after some time? What would the original guard look like?

Hello community, this is my first post here and I wish to apologize if i mess something up. I am not a historian or military collector. I have come into possession via hand me down within the family of what i believe to be a late war Shin-Gunto. Can those more experienced in these items please assist me in identifying the writing and markings on the item and validating if its a reproduction or real? I took the time to learn how to disassemble one and made some notes, i am still learning the part terminology. The Blade was attached to the handle via a screw close to the hilt and a wooden dowel at the other end. The grip binding was overlapping the dowel so i had to carefully slide it enough to free the dowel. I have not cleaned the item at all and left all dirt and rust still on it. Its covered in heavy dust especially around the hilt guard. I could not find any serial number on the blade or scabbard. Attached are the images of the item. Thank you for your assistance.