Help needed with mei

[Matthew Seguin]

I would be super thankful if someone help with this mei.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Matthew,

 

Maybe Kawada Iichiro - there might be other readings. Something about the way this is written makes me think it’s not a genuine Japanese sword so think twice if you’re looking at buying. If you’ve bought already, I hope I’m wrong. 

[Matthew Seguin]

Thanks John, 

 

I've had it for decades actually. It was given to me as a gift, so I honestly don't know much of anything about it. Obviously I would love for it to be real but right now I'm just having fun learning and investigating. 

 

I've always assumed that if it were real that it was likely to be WWII era. There is some small damage to the blade which appears to show the folded steel and it also looks like it was broken in half at one point (around 1/2" from the Habaki) and then welded back together again. So even if it were real I'm sure its value is non-existent at this point. 

[Brian]

Real Japanese swords won't show folded steel.
I'm afraid this is very likely a fake

[Matthew Seguin]

That's very good to know. Is this case even with machine folded steel, acid etched or when the steel has started to decay? As in my case.

Edited September 20, 2021 by Matthew Seguin
wanted to insert a photo

[Matthew Seguin]

Just as a side note. I would like to thank everyone who ends up responding to this thread, especially if this is just a fake. I really appreciate the chance to learn more about what I have and what to look for. Eventually I would really like to own a real one.

[SteveM]

Hi Matthew, any pictures of the blade itself that you can share?

[Matthew Seguin]

Of course. I will post one general zoomed out photo here. Just tell me what else you would like (I can take an array of zoomed ones if that would be easier), just let me know.

[Grey Doffin]

This is a 100%, honest to God, true fake.

Grey

[DTM72]

Matthew,

 

This is a Chinese replica of a katana. Japanese swords (Nihonto) would never have had a blade surface that looked like your pictures. In my opinion, this was an attempt to make the hamon (hardened edge) appear to have splashing waves and appear artful. To some people, this may look appealing and cute and may work as a cheap tourist piece. To sum up, the only similarity to an actual nihonto is the overall shape of the blade....from a far distance. From 10 feet away, most of us would recognise that it is NOT a Japanese sword.

Best Wishes,

Dan

[Brian]

That is all done with acid etching. No folding involved. But it makes a nice conversation piece and decorator. You'll find you first real one here on the forum when you are ready.

[Matthew Seguin]

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate that you took the time to come see my fake!