NCO Type 95 Shin Guntō Diagram

[JMRICH53]

I am working on this diagram to aid in helping me (and other beginners) learn the basic parts of the WWII era NCO Type 95 Shin Guntō.

I know there are some mistakes in the details. 

Any and all corrections, suggestions or comments are appreciated.

[John C]

John R.

There are probably many ways you could organize the parts, however one thing I would do is change Kojiri with "drag", and link it to the scabbard instead of the blade since it is integral to the saya on type 95s. You could add "ashi" or suspension ring and move the Latch slot indicator. The tsuka definition is up to you of course, however since in this case it is a single cast piece, I would probably omit the Kashira designation. You could also add the sarute barrel and sarute (with leather tassel for that matter) to the end of the tsuka drawing. You may want to add a line to the habaki since it is a separate piece. Additonally, since it is unique to the type 95, you could add a line to the serial numbers on the blade and to the stamps on the fuchi.

Not sure how detailed you want to get, so just some options.

 

Here is a good reference for some of the parts:

http://ohmura-study.net/793.html

John C.

Edited Wednesday at 01:17 AM by John C

[Scogg]

Hi @JMRICH53, I'm going to relocate this to the "Military Swords of Japan" section.

There is a lot wrong with your diagram; and it looks a lot like something put together with Ai. The proper designation for this sword should be Type 95 Guntō, (without the "shin"). The kojiri is pointing at the kissaki, the latch mechanism and internal is completely fabricated, tang is pointing at the habaki, there's no grommet screw or sarute, and the wrap around the menuki has a weird center part and the menuki has big silver circle on it. The hanger is on the wrong side of the scabbard. The fuchi should be called a ferrule in this case, and has a chūkan of which houses the “spring” and holds the clip. It’s not a coiled spring, it’s more a little angled piece of metal that holds tension against the clip. Also, these swords do not have hamon.

Also theres just some incorrect terminology like John C has said above. In addition to the Ohmura study guide which is one of my primary source materials for all things Type 95 Guntō; I also wrote a document here for the forum that has a glossary of correct terminology around page 73. This type of sword evolved throughout the war, and the peices parts and locations of them can be different depending on the variation, arsenal, and subcontractor. My paper can be found here:
https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/files/file/207-Japanese-type-95-military-sword-variations-1936–1945/

I'm actually working on a similar diagram for my document, but I still have a few months of work to do until another update.
Regards,
-Sam

[JMRICH53]

On 8/11/2026 at 9:13 PM, John C said:

Not sure how detailed you want to get, so just some options.

 

John, I appreciate your detailed response! Thank you for offering constructive feedback on the numerous corrections and improvements… that’s exactly what I wanted.

 

This illustration will definitely be a work in progress as I gain more knowledge about the Type 95 Gunto, and particularly the one I own.  I will definitely add the locations of the serial number/arsenal mark and stamps. Also, the Ohmura study guide will be a great future reference, thank you greatly for that link.

[JMRICH53]

On 8/11/2026 at 9:51 PM, Scogg said:

there's no grommet screw or sarute

 

Sam, 

I appreciate the link to your top-notch document on the Type 95 Guntō variations… it will be very useful, as will all the forum postings.  Obviously I need to spend many hours familiarizing myself with not only the different parts, but also a new language. 

 

Thank you for taking time to point out the inaccuracies in the diagram, such as the missing Sarute.  The Type 95 Guntō that I own has a small piece of rawhide cord, and does not look original to my untrained eye.  What is your opinion about removing it or leaving it alone?

[Scogg]

2 hours ago, JMRICH53 said:

Sam, 

I appreciate the link to your top-notch document on the Type 95 Guntō variations… it will be very useful, as will all the forum postings.  Obviously I need to spend many hours familiarizing myself with not only the different parts, but also a new language. 

 

Thank you for taking time to point out the inaccuracies in the diagram, such as the missing Sarute.  The Type 95 Guntō that I own has a small piece of rawhide cord, and does not look original to my untrained eye.  What is your opinion about removing it or leaving it alone?

 

 

My pleasure. And please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the Type 95. It sounds like you're starting down a path I traveled myself not too long ago, and there is a lot to digest. I am still studying myself.
 

As for that little leather knot on your sarute, I don't think it's a remnant of one of the NCO leather tassels. It looks considerably thinner, and I'd be surprised if the original NCO tassel strap could be tied into a knot that tight without splitting. For those reasons, I’m inclined to think it’s something else.
 

I don't think it would hurt to remove it, but I also don't think removing it would accomplish much; unless, of course, you plan to replace it with an appropriate leather tassel.

Long story short, it's up to you, and I don't think there's really "right" or "wrong" decision about your leather knot.
All the best,
-Sam