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Thank you Piers and Uwe! Much appreciated. While I still cannot make sense of it, it's interesting nonetheless! And good to know. Speculation: Maybe some kind of assembly system for the fittings, like i've seen on some other gunto Sincerely, -Sam

I understand this one might not be legible… Even if getting a translation is a long shot, I figure it can’t hurt to try. It’s very small, and located on a type 98 gunto tsuka. Sincerely, -Sam

Sakō Kaneshige worked before and during WW2 I believe he made both gendaito and showato but the photos that you've provided do not show the entire nakago. Are there any stamps above the mekugi-ana? I'm going to relocate your thread to the Military Swords of Japan section, in hopes you get some more feedback. All the best, -Sam

Thank you for pinning this thread, Bruce. I'm looking forward to building a consolidated Type 95 topic here on the board. I somehow overlooked cataloging all those black saya Type 95s, so that was a fun project this morning. To anyone interested in contributing to the Type 95 Shin-Gunto cataloging project; or if you have questions about a Type 95 in your collection or one currently for sale; please feel free to post here. For the most accurate information for cataloging, I’d appreciate clear photos of the following: - The stamps on the fuchi. - The serial number on both the blade and the saya (scabbard). - Both sides of the tsuka (handle). - A full-length photo of the sword and saya. - Any notable or unusual features. Thank you! -Sam

Thank you so much @uwe, that looks like the one! Much appreciated, -Sam

If you'd like this deleted, please let me know, and I can delete the sale listing. All the best, -Sam

I don't know exactly which ones, or how many factories and locations were destroyed prior to the end of the war (shutting down production). Or if the following is relevant to your particular sword. But you might find the following interesting: There was extensive firebombing campaigns carried out by the United States over Japan in 1945, months before the atomic bombs were dropped. In particular, Tokyo was devastated. By April 1945, much of the city had been bombed, and its industrial infrastructure including key arsenals and war facilities, had been largely destroyed. Thanks to visits from B29 superfortresses. All the best, -Sam https://www.britannica.com/event/Bombing-of-Tokyo

To echo what’s been said above. Facebook has an extremely active Nihonto community with several groups. At least a few of the groups are moderated by fellow NMB members. From what I can tell, Facebook has a lot more buying and selling with less discussion. Whereas NMB has a lot of discussion with less buying and selling.

Any info on this particular 4 diamond, or maybe “4 eyes” mon? Similar to Takeda clan, but the extra segmented circles has me lost

Thank you for your calm and thoughtful perspective, Hoshi. I'd like to remind everyone that Brian is still dealing with ongoing health issues. Part of the reason I’ve been made moderator is to help ease his load during this time where he is distracted by serious real life challenges. When discussions turn uncivil or overly contentious, it undermines those efforts and risks adding unnecessary stress to someone who is already going through a lot. Out of respect for Brian, the forum, myself, and maybe most importantly: for one another. I’m asking everyone to please be mindful of their tone, exercise patience, and prioritize civility in their interactions. This is now the third or fourth thread that’s begun to spiral, and I’d really prefer not to lock another one. I trust that as a group of adults, we’re capable of letting some things go, at least for now. In support of Brian and the forum. Sincerely, -Sam

Thank you for the clarity/correction Brano. I've linked a short and interesting discussion on the subject for anyone interested. Gakusee states at the end of the following thread: "For new swords, as is the case with Kotetsu, you really need zaimei ubu or at the very best undetectable little machiokuri but otherwise pristine nakago (and of course -sword). The Juyo criteria precisely state: “Blades made in the Muromachi period must be zaimei and blades from the Edo period and later, as a rule, must be ubu and zaimei to receive Juyo Token paper.” https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/38674-could-a-mumei-or-suriage-kotetsu-become-juyo/

Beware, AI is often not entirely accurate when it comes to Japanese swords. It pulls from a variety of sources, one of which is this forum, and you never know if it decided to take info from a beginner or from an expert. Also, information surrounding Japanese military swords has evolved over the years, so you can't rely on it to source up-to-date information vs outdated information. Often times, when it doesn't find a reliable answer, it "fills in the blanks", which can be misleading. We've tested it over the years with varying levels of accuracy. Sometimes it’s right, other times it’s wrong. Just beware not to trust everything it says. -Sam

I recently acquired a Shin-Gunto that's missing the ishizuki on its wooden saya. I was hoping someone had a a couple or a few that I could try; to try for a proper fit. I would purchase the one that works best, and return the ones that don't (that would be the ideal situation - but I understand it’s unlikely and would require a level of trust). I’m also open to just buying one if it looks right. I'd buy one that looks right for $100 + shipping. Anyone have a few ishizuki laying around? USA would be best for shipping reasons, but i'm open to anything. -Sam Photo of kabuto-gane for reference of patina/style/paint i'd like to match (as close as I'm able).

It could be submitted. It would be very unlikely to be awarded Juyo just because it's shinto and suriage. But suriage alone does not rule out the possibility of Juyo, and many suriage and osuriage blades achieve Juyo and beyond. I believe there is a shinto suriage katana that has achieved tokubetsu juyo from Nanki Shigekuni. Never say never or always, and there are exceptions to many 'rules'. All the best, -Sam

Thank you @PNSSHOGUN, that’s a really interesting thread. Cool to see the variety of mon placement. I knew of a couple different spots you typically see, but I had no idea it could vary that much. Much appreciated, -Sam Edit: just measured nagasa, ~28.2 inches (~71.6 cm)

I wonder too, but Marcin’s theory makes sense. The ito is still remarkably tight for missing that section. It does not feel delicate to hold. Like the haikan, the whole tsuka looks “well traveled”. It was apparent the tsuka had not been removed in a long time, and took some serious effort and time to release. It’s missing the saya drag, and the wooden saya is splitting. The chunky Haikan is what originally caught my eye. The thickness and size of all the fittings gives it a rather “large” look. Even the kabutogane is longer than I typically see. I added a little clasped hands sarute to see how it looks (Sword in question is on left, with the sarute)

I believe you’re correct Bruce my interpretation is 8th month of the second year of manji (1658-1661)

Terrible news about Jim Dawson. A huge loss to the community. I love his book… Best of luck on your treasure hunt. In my experience, many militaria collectors like to brag about their items. So for every “my precious” situation, you also have the “let me tell you a story” collector. Hope someone on the board has an answer about the sword. All the best, -Sam

Thick gunto fittings with unusual kamon placement, and the mon is only on one side. With a 10mm pierced brass tsuba and two piece habaki. Blade signed Bushu ju fujiwara Kanenaga and dated August 1660. Thanks to @Ganko’s translation in the translation section. Polish in decent condition for an “as found” sword. I can even make out the boshi and activities in the hamon. But the blade has a slight bend

Sweet, thank you so much!

At a militaria show and have come across this gunto. Sorry for the photos, tough to find a place to sit down and get good shots amongst the show. Signature looks a little strange to me. Nice two piece habaki and thick pierced brass tsuba. Would love a translation if it’s readable enough from these (poor) pictures. Thanks for looking! -Sam

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone in Texas. I’ve heard they have many Nihonto collectors, and I’m sure some are in this forum. I saw some old posts in the events section, but I’m not familiar with the users who posted there. I’d give the token kai more time to respond, but also I’d look into local militaria shows. Maybe you can network face-to-face with someone who has a table, and see if there’s any Nihonto stuff locally. Looks like there’s something called “Dallas arms collectors association, inc” that has a show in October. Maybe they could point you in the right direction. Best of luck, -Sam

The art of the Japanese sword is really good and approachable. I had Craft for a long time, but got Art later, and what Grey says rings true. It’s the most “page turner” of them all, and I think it would be a great foundation before you dive into connoisseurs. Connoisseurs is a little more textbooky, but it will be a perpetual reference and guide as you’re learning. Beware, that getting a firm grasp on the vocabulary takes some time on its own. Do not be discouraged, if at first, it’s hard to get through paragraphs without double checking on definitions. I struggled with that for a long time before things began to click, but I’m also not the sharpest tool in the shed Best of luck! -Sam

Unfortunately I don't have great pictures like the one's Rayhan has shared above. I'll just add a small and simple part of my journey: When I first started collecting, I had an interest in really flamboyant swords. I liked things with big and wild hamon, dramatic sori, and o-kissaki. My inherited sword has sanbonsugi hamon, so I think that played some part in my tastes at the time. Now, I prefer more restrained swords. I like suguha hamon, mokume, and masame hada. "flamboyant" is no longer what attracts me. I like the beauty in the simplicity, and I tend to be drawn toward those tiny kissaki . Been enjoying reading along. Good discussion, -Sam

Probably not relevant to what you're looking for, BUT Early Type 95 shin-gunto tsuba were 11mm thick! Later they shrunk them down to 9mm. So even up to the late 1930's, very thick tsuba were being made and used en masse. -Sam