tac1984

can you show the tang of the second blade down/

Tang close up showing end.

Here's the full blade and both sides. It does look like the tang was cut unless it's kiri style.

I managed to get the mekugi out.

What makes you think it's spurious?

I had to dig out the glued and rotten mekugi but got it!

No. He told me after he examined it. He runs this business. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://authenticjapaneseswords.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjSg8HSy_SNAxUYF1kFHf5TEzcQFnoECBsQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw3r6Vi-NtZy0hytZlnDaygC

Yes, he said the blade was 400 to 500 years old.

I agree it's definitely not in the style of what we think of when people say Japanese Sword. I did look up Matagi (thank you for the suggestion) but they seem to make more use of bigger blade hunting knives. If I find a way to safely remove the mekugi I will post a picture of the tang. I'm not going to try to push it out with the brass tool since the guy who examined it today said he couldn't budge it and was afraid it would cause damage to the blade.

I just had an expert exam it in person. Unfortunately the mekugi is glued. How've, he said it's about 400 to 500 years old. Some parts are missing from the scabbard (bone inlay) but he recommended it by a polishing kit. That will arrive Gilmore tomorrow.

f it is Ainu, would the tang be signed? Is it worth it to try and remove the broken Mekugi?

Thank you. I will try and gently remove it.

This is the most similar I could find. https://www.proantic.com/en/994063-rare-Japanese-ainu-sword.html

How would you suggest I remove the other remove the bone peg without breaking it? I'm sure I'm not the first one who's dealt with that issue. lol