Shin Gunto Restoration?

[SteveSG]

Dear Sir/Madam,

My father in law is in possession of a WW2 Shin Gunto which was acquired by his father who served as a Brigadier in REME stationed in Burma. We do not believe the sword is of any particular quality or significance, but for sentimental reasons my father in law would very much like for the katana to undergo a sympathetic restoration. Please would you be able to offer any advice to find a personal/company capable and willing to undertake such a restoration? Any help you could provide would be most appreciated.

best  regards, steve  

[vajo]

Steve look into the link section of the board.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Steve, welcome!  I hope you realize we're not going to let you get away with such a tease without ponying up some pictures!

 

I did the same thing for my Dad's Mantetsu.  I got it at no cost, so it was easy for me to spend the dollars to have the blade polished. You'll find several links in the tab above titled "Nihonto Info".  The first item in the drop-down menu is "Links", then go to the "Commercial" pages.  You'll find polishers as well as guys that can restore the fittings.  That tab is a bit dodgy - it disapears on me several times before I can get it to stay still long enough to get over to the Commercial pages.

 

For a more direct answer on who we recommend, it sort of depends upon the particular blade.  So pictures of the full blade, naked, and the tang (nakago) are needed.

[PNSSHOGUN]

If you are to do any restoration I would advise only having the blade polished and a new Shirasaya made for it. The mounts should be left alone if possible, unless in particularly ruinous condition. Please share some pictures if possible, often a sword may need no restoration beyond a good cleaning with oil and cloth!