Adam001

I apologize, all the photos have seemed to some how been rotated when I uploaded them.

Hello all, I am fairly new to collecting Japanese swords. I struggle to figure out how to determine the age of a mumei piece. If I may, could somebody point me in the right direction? I like to research but dont even know where to begin. Thank you

Thank you for the detailed information. I am very nervous messing with the tang. I know the active rust does need to be neutralized thou. The ishizuke also seems to be in pretty bad shape. Probably from the way it was stored as you said. Any clue how I can help it? I have read you can clean the tsuba with dove soap and a toothe brush. Even put it in your pants for a while would help. As I said I am very nervous and cautious.

I purchased this wakizashi recently and would not mind getting a few thoughts from the experts. I believe the tsuba was made by Furukawa Genchin (1716-1736). I dont know much about the mumei blade. The leather wrap on the saya looks similar to what I have seen from WW2 or is it as old as the blade? The story was the Grandfather brought it back from when he was stationed in Japan. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also what is that menuki?

Perfect John, If that sword could talk... This is exactly my point. I have many different swords from many different places and periods. IMHO there should never be a sword from history that is just considered trash, unless it is rusted from which there is no return. All blades have a history and they all should have at least some form of respect and wonder of its journey. A friend of mine once told me "We never truly own the swords that we collect. We are just curators for them." Every sword we own will out last us. Its just waiting to go to its next home. Hopefully it will be preserved and respected like it was from its last.

Thank you rematron, that is very well put. I do believe it may be two diffrent style of hobbies. I collect for the history of an item. I research to find out as much as I can about the period and it past. I guess others may collect to have the best quality of a blade.

I know John, I am no longer talking about my sword. I wish I could change the title.

I understood all that. Of course it doesn't make since to to invest in my blade based on the quality and orgins. I will enjoy l my blade and wonder the History it might have had. My question here is why do some collectors consider kazuuchimono swords to be junk swords. Lets forget about the value. At this point im not talking about my sword. Just kazuuchimono in general. Lets forget about the value. SteveM said "there is a danger of new collectors assuming they are junk swords that can then be used as practice material for a sandpaper polish, or to hack away at ivy." Obviously this is true because of other messages of people telling me to get rid of it or throw it in the trash. I guess I am just not seeing how any blade that is around 300 years old or older doesn't have a story to tell. To my understanding they are from Japanese Civil War time. They may have helped make Japan what it is today. How they shouldn't be preserved as an important part of history does not make any sense to me. In the US we had our civil war. The officers ivory eagle pommel is just as equal to a foot soldiers Nco sword as far as history. The value is different but we would never just throw away a piece of history.

I feel like I missing something here. Could you, or anybody in this group please elaborate on this blade for me. I understand the quality and craftsmanship does not fit the preferred collected blades of most. I do wonder why most Nihonto collectors have reserves, almost disgust when in comes to collecting this type of blade. I appreciate SteveM kind words in describing my type of blade. I had others message me directly telling me to sell it or throw it away. I understand this blade was made during a time of war. Quickly made by smiths without the experience of the craft. Of course it was during a time of war. We see this with most country's during a time of war. Even comparing a type 98 vs type 95 blades. Yet the type 95 blades are still highly collectable. A good example would be the Spanish Colonial rapier. One is made very generic in the 18th century for the soldiers and another of course more focus and quality, also from the 18th century, but both in the community would have the same respect. What is it about the kazuuchimono blades vs other well known smiths that collectors dislike so much. In my opinion they both have an importance in Japanese history. Thank you for any input you may provide. I am just trying to learn.

Well this is my first nihonto so I intend to keep it and preserve it no matter what it is. I have always been partial to my first with all my other blades. Thank you so much for the information.

Here is a few close up pictures of the blade.

This is my first Nihonto and was told it was a Kazuuchimono munitions grade sword. I would really would like to know more details about it, but it seems sending it off to get evaluated will cost around $500.00. I was just wanting to ask the experts if they think it is worth it. If you dont mind please give me your opinion. Thank you for your time.

Thank you.