pauljbv

You can google Kyugunto and find sites selling repros. The ones I found did not have a steel scabbard but rather the leather covered type with brass fittings. They also had mock same covered grips. This could original but a late war version with a simple machine made blade and white grip covering of some artificial ersatz material. There does seem to be some age to the one shown. Judging something like this based on photos is tough. Also repros have gone through various stages as well so this could be a not so great early repro.

It's an impressive blade. NIce shape and hamon, although, as mentioned, with typical forging work for such a utilitarian weapon. I'm in the dilemma of deciding whether to keep it or not. I'm not a tanto collector but it's got character. However, I'm still curious about its age. Late war-time Muromachi, perhaps?

Thanks. It does makes sense that this is a kikuchi yari with a shortened tang. It does have all the hallmarks: shortened tang, form-shape, length and the history of this style yari being a likely candidate for alteration. I've added a few more images. Maybe they can provide more hints as to the age. I am speculating later than Nanbokucho. But then, perhaps I'm basing that on what it is now, a yoroidoshi, as opposed to what it was originally, a yari.

I just got this yoroidoshi from a friend who has an antique shop. Any ideas as to age? It's unsigned. Nagasa is approximately 12 3/4" (32.4cm) long and 7/16" (.44" or 1.1cm) wide at the habaki. Tang is kiri with beveled finish. Blade shape is unokubi-zukuri and hamon is suguha. It's a nice sturdy piece with simple fittings.