Military Swords forum subtitle

[John C]

Just noticed the subtitle for the Military Swords forum notes "non-traditional" blades. In light of Star Stamped gendaito, does this still apply? Certainly not a big deal, it just caught my eye.  John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

Minatogawa and Yasukuni blades as well.  I'd say: "For the discussion and identification Japanese military swords of 1876-1945" would be a better fit.

[Brian]

I do that because true handmade swords can also be discussed in the Nihonto section since they do belong there too. As do military swords with older blades.
It's worked ok for many years, I think we're good leaving it as is, and leaving the mods to make the call if something should be moved.

[vajo]

Gendaito are traditionally forged swords. However, the star alone is not proof but only an indication. Every sword must be checked for universally recognized characteristics.
 

[Bruce Pennington]

The star is confirmation that the army provided the steel for the blade. The only steel the army provided to RJT Smith’s was tamahagane.   I cannot imagine a smith using tamahagane and oil quenching the blade.

 

Now, on the other hand, you can have a blade made by an RJT qualified smith, but it may be made from a different kind of steel and either water or oil quenched. That is something that each blade of this type would have to be evaluated.