Colonel Yamada sword

[Peter Brenan]

Couple of blade pictures of the sword, any information would be appreciated. Supposedly Colonel Yamada sword, according to translation on handle. Regards. Peter.

[Peter Brenan]

Hi, I was told this translates to Colonel Yamada, is this correct. Thanks in advance 

 Regards Peter Brennan.

[Ray Singer]

This is unfortunately not a Japanese sword. It is a Chinese fake. Please see below. 

 

https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

 

 

[Geraint]

Dear Peter.

 

This may be harder to spot but have a look here and see what you can see to compare with your blade.http://www.ksky.ne.jp./~sumie99/kissakimoroha.html    Things to look at are the kissaki/tip and the hi/grooves.  What sort of mounts does this come in?

 

All the best.

[Peter Brenan]

Mate I'm even more confused trying to figure this sword out. The blade is sharp, seems very symetrical, has a very good feel to it, seems well balanced when swinging in a cutting motion if it is not a true Katana then its a very good copy. Not sure what to do from here?

[Matsunoki]

7 minutes ago, Peter Brenan said:

Not sure what to do from here?

Post images of the whole blade and separately the mounts.

Also separate images of the whole nakago, both sides

 

[Gerry]

Unfortunately, this is a Chinese reproduction sword. It's evident from the supposed mei.

[Brian]

Yip...what Ray said

[Bruce Pennington]

Peter,

The imitators can put out some quality blades.  Some are obvious, poor quality fakes, but others can be pretty well done.  You have to know the real ones well enough to recognize the imitation when it pops up.

 

Summary of signs:

1.  Nakago (tang) finished poorly

2.  I'm not sure but I don't think I've ever seen a blade with just the owner's name on it

3.  The body of the blade has no hada, or texture, which is a sign of a blade made from bar stock, not hammered and folded in the traditional manner

4.  The blade tip has errors not seen in good Japanese workmanship:

Curved line should be straight.  Bohi (fuller groove) extends into the kissaki, when it shouldn't

 

A view of the whole blade should give more clues.

[Bruce Pennington]

A correction to the above.  I realized the curve is normal, but everything else is as stated.  

Here's a legit one.  See the difference?

[lonely panet]

On 8/3/2025 at 10:35 PM, Peter Brenan said:

Mate I'm even more confused trying to figure this sword out. The blade is sharp, seems very symetrical, has a very good feel to it, seems well balanced when swinging in a cutting motion if it is not a true Katana then its a very good copy. Not sure what to do from here?

Through it in the bin. Move on and learn from your mistake.

 

Now you exactly what a Japanese sword dosnt look like. 👌 .