Restoration of WWII NCO Saya

[Edward G]

Good Afternoon All:

 

I am restoring a metal saya for a WWII Japanese NCO sword, does anyone know an over the counter paint color that might be a close match, maybe a hobby shop paint?"

 

Thanks

Edward G

[Lance]

I'd suggest leaving the finish on the scabbard and handle in its current state. Any NCO sword that's refinished is going to lose it's history and or value - or maybe even mistaken for a newer Chinese reproduction. NCO swords seem to have more in common with military swords from other countries than they do to Nihonto or officer's I gunto, most of them lose value if any restoration is done, similar to when someone polishes the brass handguard on a cavalry saber.

Regard

Lance

[Stu W]

I tend to agree with the leave it alone philosophy but any advice we give would be enhanced by viewing a photo depicting the present condition. Have you one available to show?

 

If not then have a look at some of these and perhaps that will give you a sense of the color range.

 

Regards,

Stu

[Kai-Gunto]

If You wants to paint saya , You need to paint tsuka too.

 

But if itnwas my sword , I would never paint it.

 

Buy a better one!

[Edward G]

Thanks to all who responded, I think I will just leave it as is.

 

Edward G. :D