VIPER

Would that mean that the blade was a handmade gendiato or semi traditional machine made blade..Thanks Jimmy

After fighting with the handle I finally got it off. Here are some pictures of the tang. Hope they can shed some light on this swords origions............Thanks Jimmy

Hi Stephen...........I am waiting too get that tool from you told me about before trying too remove the handle. It is quite stubborn about comming off and I dont want too screw it up.........Best Jimmy

I guess I can now assume that my new Kai Gunto is made of conventional steel although machine made. Is there a list of blade suppliers too the Navy. What was the normal procurement process for Naval blades.....Jimmy

I have a dumb question. Is stainless steel magnetic....Thanks Jimmy

BTT for Stephen

Is it possible that the mei is Inaba Kaneyoshi.

Then I guess it is the field grade for Majors/Colonels that is going to be my financial stopping point.........Jimmy

Thanks Dick..........I have tried sending several emails too this site but I get no response. Is this website still operating.........Thanks Jimmy

Hi fellows.............My recently awakened interest in Nihonto has spurred me into looking around for a couple of pieces to go with my Mihara Maschika. Thanks to all who helped with the translation and advice. I am looking for a nice Kai-Gunto example to go with it. Are there any dealers who have a nice selection or who have nice examples in stock. Also, Do you guys have any suggestions were I can find a field grade origional officers tassel in excellent condition. And just out of curiosity how much do General Officers tassels go for. Thanks for any advice or pointers you can give me. And yes I am in the process of building a reference library so I can study my new/old field of interest..................Thanks Again Jimmy

I know that shinsa is the only real way to determine authenticity but how do you guys feel about the chances of the signature being genuine...Also the length of the cutting edge is 28 inches......Best Jimmy

I guess I did OK for 2500usd. They are still out there. I guess.......Best Jimmy

Here are a few General shots of the blade..............Jimmy Pace

Sorry Brian......Still getting the hang of posting here.. Thats all for now. Thanks again guys for your help........... Jimmy Pace

blade2

Some of the rest of the sword.

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tang6

tang5

Tang3

Tang2

Hi guys.........I am the new kid on the block. I have just purchased this shin gunto which has a signature on both sides of the tang. I bought it just as a nice shin gunto so anything else is extra. I would also ask opinions if the signature is good. Any comments or information would be much appreciated as I am trying to gather as much info as I can..........Thanks again Jimmy