Kolekt-To

Thanks for your answer and insights. I do have a Type 97 with twin Ashi saya in my collection, but considering adding another with single Ashi saya if other characteristics are satisfactory/desirable. My main concern was avoiding the purchase of a Type 97 with single Ashi saya if they didn't exist. Also, was Shark skin commonly utilized on Tsukas of the Type 97's? If so, were more produced with Ray skin vs Shark skin, or vice-versa? I am aware that lacquered black canvas was utilized for Type 97 Tsukas late in the war. Finally, I did purchase a copy of Dawson's Cyclopedia and Kapp & Monson's "Modern Japanese Swords" (considering purchasing Fuller's book, as well), and I've been doing a lot of reading and researching since I got into this hobby a few months ago. I feel like my brain is exploding with information over-load. Lol!

Bruce, if you were looking to purchase a Type 97, assuming the blade and mounts in good shape, but with a single Ashi saya, would the fact that the saya was the single Ashi type (or missing one of the original twin Ashi) be a deal-breaker?

Thank you Thomas! Also, since I posted, I've learned that some Type 97's did have sayas with single Ashi and were authentic.

Glad I joined this community and began doing my research before I got too far into this hobby! Looks like it's easy for a novice to get scammed. One of the best comments I read was where advice was given to novices to do a lot of reading and research to build a basic knowledge base before purchasing and investing in Nihonto.

Speaking of potential oddities (or perhaps less common, or possibly fake), do Type 97 (Kai Gunto) Sayas always have twin Ashi, or are there variations with single Ashi? I have seen Kai Gunto sayas with only one Ashi and I am wondering if these are legit. I'm aware my question is off-topic for this thread, but in my search of the site I was not successful in locating information concerning Type 97 Ashi so I thought I'd ask here.

So, finds and deals can happen on eBay, you just have to be knowledgeable. And, avoid The Monkey and Showa22 when looking for Guntos. Lol

I'd like to discuss. I am newly registered to this site and have not yet purchased anything from a seller here. How should I proceed?