Bloody blades

[sprelligosi]

Hello guys I have a question. Perhaps some of you might find it a bit silly but i´m going to go ahead anyway

 

Are there any specific regions, smiths, blade types or time periods that saw more action than other. Due to wartime, regime change etc.

 

So if I was to look for something that was more likely to seen it´s share of combat what would I keep my eye for?

Is it perhaps a matter of age if the sword is older it´s more likely?

 

-Heidar.

[paulb]

Dear Heidar,

In resonse to your question I would offer the following opinion. If you look through Japanese history from the 10th to the 17th century you will see almost continual conflict throughout the country. Therefore it is reasonable to assume that swords made during this period may have been used in some form of action. However I think you need to consider the following:

1. many of the blades used in such conflict were utilitatian and to some extent mass produced.

2. Those that were in conflict received hard use many being destroyed if not directly in battle then in subsequent fires and destruction.

3. High quality blades have always been regarded as such and treasured. therefore blades by top schools and smiths were sold, given or presented to higher ranking Samurai and treasured, therefore somewhat less likely to be used in battle.

4. Blades which have been used in conflict are most likely of average or poorer quality and likely to have some evindence of hard use.

 

As always there are exceptions and I am sure many can quote examples of highly ranked Samurai using famous swords in conflict. I have no doubt that this is true. However the vast majority so used were not treasured high quality work.

[chrisf]

What about WWII shingunto?If you want a 'combat' sword there are plenty of those around that have been carried and used in a war zone and while many are not traditionally made blades they may have more relevance and history than some 'antique' swords.