Scogg

@Don sweet @Bruce Pennington Hi Don, Unfortunately, I'm not currently aware of any active sword clubs meeting in Seattle. As for the group that used to gather in Vancouver, I've heard rumors that they may no longer be active, though I can't confirm that definitively. There are occasional stories of Nihonto meetups in the broader region, but they tend to be either very private or no longer occurring . That said, I'm in the process of establishing a new club for the Pacific Northwest. Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 7th, in Tualatin, Oregon. If you're interested in attending, feel free to send me a message for the address. Most of our current members are based in Oregon, but we also have a few from Washington, as well as others from Canada, Alaska, and Idaho. We're planning to hold one or two gatherings per year, and you're more than welcome to join (participation is free). On the topic of the sword in question, I do have to agree with the opinions above. I know it's disappointing, but in my view, this piece is not an authentic Japanese sword. It's a reproduction that appears to have been made with the intention of imitating certain features, but the workmanship throughout is inconsistent with genuine Nihonto or any other military sword of Japan. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I hope this helps clarify things. Best regards, -Sam

I cannot speak to rankings or ratings. But below is a sword that you may find interesting. It was on display at the 2024 SF show, and bears a remarkable kirikomi. It was awarded Juyo in 1973. https://nihonto.com/bizen-morisuke-備前守助/

@gandindorf @robinalexander Relocated to translation assistance Best of luck, -Sam

Hi John, You’ve posted this in the correct category I haven’t had the opportunity to read the whole thing, but after skimming the page a bit, it seems like an interesting write-up. Thanks for sharing. All the best, -Sam

This appears to be a ~30-50 year old replica of a Japanese sword A nice heirloom worthy of cherishing; but not antique. In my opinion, -Sam

I've reserved my room as well. Really looking forward to it! The conjoined antique arms show is absolutely MASSIVE, and worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. See ya'll there, -Sam

Yes, the habaki is that brass collar right around where the blade transitions to the tang. It will come off, but sometimes, especially on these inherited ww2 brinbacks, they can be pretty "stuck". Proceed with caution when removing; I have nearly cut myself while struggling with stubborn stuck fittings. Even if you are unable to get your sword here before our meeting, you are more than welcome to attend anyway! I will be bringing a couple WW2 swords for show-and-tell, and some other members will be bringing items. It could be a worthwhile learning opportunity, and a rare chance to get your eyes and hands on some genuine examples. I will send you a PM with the address to the sword club event. No pressure though, it's an open invitation. All the best, -Sam

Hi Sara, and fellow Oregonian! The absence of a stamp may suggest that the sword was traditionally made, rather than being made using non-traditional materials/methods. Though it's not a guarantee. When you can, check under the habaki for any stamps. I’ve just started a Japanese Sword Club here in the Northwest. We're holding our first meeting in Tualatin on Sunday, December 7th. If you’d like to bring your sword by for a few more eyes and opinions, you’d be more than welcome. We’ve got members with a wide range of experience levels, and of course, the more the merrier. Feel free to PM or email me if you'd like the address or more details. https://www.pnwtokenkai.com/ All the best and cool sword, -Sam

I think what your GBT thought was 銃剣, is actually 特賞

Fixed it Interesting sword! Would love to see more photos when you acquire it. Congrats on winning the auction and best of luck. -Sam

I've seen a lot of nice swords now, and I believe that I could pick out "good" swords from a lineup. Could I pick out a masterpiece amongst a lineup of "good" swords though? I doubt it... at least not yet. I'd love to be tested in that regard; to see how my eye is developing. Maybe someday, someone will put me to the task. Until then, I trust in the togishi and the more experienced. Interesting discussion, -Sam

I am unsure if it is possible without messing with the leather too much... But seeing the nakago (tang) would be interesting, and possibly reveal the most information. There should be a mekugi under the leather on the handle. Seen poking into the leather in the photo below. If it's possible to remove that mekugi (peg), then you could slide the handle off and reveal the nakago (tang). There may or may not be a signature, stamps, and/or a date. The lack of any fuchi, or seppa give me reason for concern. Best of luck and proceed with care, patience, and caution, -Sam

If this tsuka were mine, I’d just take a soft-bristle toothbrush and gently brush around the dusty/dirty areas. That should loosen any dirt that’s ready to come off; and then I’d leave the rest with the charming thought that “you can’t clean old” . Best of luck, -Sam

I was not planning on attending, but... It's now less expensive to fly and stay a weekend in Vegas than it is to drive and stay at a hotel for the weekend in my own state. Maybe the wife and I will make it happen -Sam

Never seen that before either. Very cool. I imagine that would be a particularly challenging location to apply a stamp

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not a genuine Japanese sword. https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Sincerely, -Sam

If I were to die unexpectedly (I'm only 36), my collection would be left with my wife. For years now, she has patiently put up with me talking about swords, sword deals, and watched me travel all over the place and meet all sorts of people. I've conveyed to her the people I trust in this field. She will have the option of contacting them, or keeping my swords for herself. I wouldn't have married her if I didn't trust her; and I think i've set her up to make the right choice. Lets hope that day doesn't come anytime soon -Sam

Much appreciated Stegel! I'm sorry to hear that this one disappeared on you... Something I find particularly interesting, is that the first 6 digit in the serial number 6756, appears to be double struck both on the blade and on the saya. Thanks again, -Sam

Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I am looking forward to it, as yamashiro is quickly becoming my favorite of the gokaden. The Yamato book had the extra section on Saiha. Does the yamashiro book have an extra section, too? -Sam

Relocated Best of luck with your search @Swords. All the best, -Sam

Thank you Bruce. It does look thick. It would be very interesting if 11mm tsuba were found on the early Nagoya/Gifu but not the early Suya/tokyo stamped swords. It would solve a small mystery for me, and maybe even allow me to update my transitional pattern list. I sent Stegel a message early September for a measurement but have not yet heard back. I believe @Swords might have had a similar example. Any chance you have a precise tsuba thicknesss measurement Steve? Thanks again everyone, -Sam

I understand it may not be possible, but I am very curious about the tsuba thickness of #6756. Nick Koyima states in his warrelics thread (linked below) "Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto", on page 2: "....Stu W's article describes the second model as having an aluminum grip and continuing to have a 11 mm thick Tsuba, but the Tsuba design was definitely switched to 9 mm thickness at the same time as gaining aluminum grips. The only possible and likely reconciliation is that mixing of old and new specs occurred to use up remaining stock of old Tsubas and Seppas...." Ever since reading this thread, and hearing rumors of 11mm brass tsuba on pattern2 aluminum Type 95's, I have been searching for one... I have a suspicion that none exist amongst the early Suya made Type 95s. I am not so sure about the GIFU/NAGOYA early aluminum pattern 2 tsuba thickness. If anyone has an aluminum handled Type 95 with Nagoya and Gifu stamps under serial number ~19000, I would VERY appreciative of a tsuba measurement taken with calipers. The search continues, -Sam https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/short-development-history-type-95-gunto-676112-2/

Likewise, mine shipped this morning

No shipping information yet for me. I’m not too worried, as the Yamato book arrived without issue

Much appreciated John, also Bryce and Conway for your help. A very exciting surprise! -Sam