Leo C Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 This sword was given to me by a friend who inherited it from his grandfather. That's all I know about its history. I'd like to learn more if I can. Thank you. 1 Quote
Joseph P. Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 The signature says it was made in Showa 18 (1943), in the month of July. The side with only two characters is the name of the smith. Someone else will be able to translate this for you. Quote
Conway Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 Leo, It’s signed Kanehide 兼秀. On the dated side there is an inspection stamp above the date kanji - 名(na) for the Nagoya Army Arsenal inspection. Your friend’s sword looks to be in nice shape. 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 Called the Type 98 (design originated in 1938) Japanese officer sword (gunto). You can read about these on Ohmura's site: Military Swords of Imperial Japan Care and cleaning tips: Japanese Sword Care 1 Quote
John C Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 1 hour ago, Conway said: t’s signed Kanehide 兼秀. Conway: I believe it's Kikuhide. Note the star shaped strokes in the middle of the first kanji. John C. 1 1 1 Quote
Scogg Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 Hi Leo, cool sword. Bruce, Conway, John, and Joseph got you covered with good input. I am a fellow Oregonian. If you'd like someone to take a look at your sword, feel free to send me a message. I doubt I could offer much more information than has already been provided; but sometimes it helps to get some questions answered in-person; and I'd be happy to show you how to care for the sword and oil it. I have no interest in buying showato, so I have no ulterior motives other than to help. Anyway, feel free to reach out if you choose. There's a militaria show coming up in Portland on June 19th-20th; could be convenient. All the best, -Sam 1 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 5 minutes ago, John C said: I believe it's Kikuhide. Good catch, John! 菊秀 (Kikuhide) 1 Quote
John C Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 Here is another discussion on Kikuhide. He was an RJT and made star stamped blades. Check above the Na stamp. John C. 2 1 Quote
eternal_newbie Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 Another work by Kikuhide with a longer mei, signed as Murayama Kikuhide 村山菊秀: https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords3/KY328328.htm Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 From Sesko's list: "KIKUHIDE (菊秀), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kikuhide” (菊秀), real name Murayama Kikuo (村山菊雄), born September 21st 1905, he worked as guntō smith and died April 8th 1952" 2 Quote
Conway Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 @John C Good catch. I was beginning to wonder if “Kane” was correct when I didn’t find any na stamped Kanehide references. Maybe “Kiku” could get added to the useful characters link on the home page. 1 Quote
John C Posted June 2 Report Posted June 2 2 hours ago, Conway said: “Kane” It caught me a few times as well when I was doing research on Kanehide John C. 2 Quote
Leo C Posted June 4 Author Report Posted June 4 Wow! Thanks everyone for the quick responses and all the information. It's amazing to be able to put a name and date to the blade. Murayama Kikuo... I've made knives through traditional forging as well as modern techniques. This only increases my respect for the art of a sword maker. I'm proud to be the caretaker of a piece of history. I read the care guide and will keep it oiled and locked in my safe. Hopefully I can make it to an event or join a club. Eventually I will find the time 😄 I have a friend who practices Iaido in town so I can meet some sword people and maybe learn the practice. Thanks again Quote
Conway Posted June 4 Report Posted June 4 5 hours ago, Leo C said: Hopefully I can make it to an event or join a club. Eventually I will find the time 😄 I see you are in the PNW. You should look into the Rain Dragons sword club. You can contact @Scogg for more details. 3 Quote
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