Japanese Samurai W hand Forged Blade

[Jareth]

I'm done with this thread. I dont have a dog in this fight. Enjoy the sword. Next topic! Don't exactly understand the "10 out of 10" reference Tom ?

[Brian Robinson]

I love watching ppl in denial when it turns out the "old WW2 Japanese Sword" turns out to be a fake or junk. In every case, the first impulse is towards "occupational made" and if that doesn't hold water...then we next go to "late, end of the war emergency production" to somehow justify terrible quality.

Fakes were made during the war...wherever there were servicemen looking for souvenirs. They have been made ever since.
It really doesn't matter if it is hand forged or not...there is no quality and it isn't Japanese made. If hand forged from a jeep spring gives it some militaria value, then so be it. But to a Nihonto collector, this has no value at all.

You can never put this into any certain category, because they are mass produced roughly and no 2 are alike. Could be made 50 years ago, or 5. Probably by tribesmen somewhere to sell or trade. The Japanese were very picky about quality and lines. That nakago.......no ways.

Brian

[BobI]

[QUOTE=

You can never put this into any certain category, because they are mass produced roughly and no 2 are alike. Could be made 50 years ago, or 5. Probably by tribesmen somewhere to sell or trade. The Japanese were very picky about quality and lines. That nakago.......no ways.

Brian[/QUOTE]

Brian is absolutely right about this! At best it is occupation made for GIs and most likely in the Philippines. From what I saw, these days, it could even be Chinese Made as well recently. Patina and age and not difficult for people to reproduce. I have owned and studied Nihonto since the early 80s. Hundreds have gone through my hands over the years including ones similar to this. Some directly from the vets, it is no a true Japanese Sword.
Best Wishes,
Bob

[clestuff]

I love watching ppl in denial when it turns out the "old WW2 Japanese Sword" turns out to be a fake or junk. In every case, the first impulse is towards "occupational made" and if that doesn't hold water...then we next go to "late, end of the war emergency production" to somehow justify terrible quality.

Fakes were made during the war...wherever there were servicemen looking for souvenirs. They have been made ever since.
It really doesn't matter if it is hand forged or not...there is no quality and it isn't Japanese made. If hand forged from a jeep spring gives it some militaria value, then so be it. But to a Nihonto collector, this has no value at all.

You can never put this into any certain category, because they are mass produced roughly and no 2 are alike. Could be made 50 years ago, or 5. Probably by tribesmen somewhere to sell or trade. The Japanese were very picky about quality and lines. That nakago.......no ways.

Brian

"The Japanese were very picky"?? Are you kidding?? Apparently you have never owned a Japanese pistol.
The Japanese were well known to have made some of the poorest quality weapons of WWII!

[Brian Robinson]

Nah...apart from Type 14's, Type 94's and a baby Nambu...I haven't owned any.
The poor quality of the Japanese arms has been well overstated and exaggerated. "Suicide bars" and odd ergonomics do not bad quality make. Compare them with many of the Italian, Chinese and ersatz designs from other countries...do you really think the Japanese arms were that bad?
Look at a Nambu..do you see terrible skew lines and machine marks everywhere? Have you seen the bluing on a Baby Nambu? The machining on the parts? There are a lot worse countrie's designs.

That said...it's irrellevant as we are talking about swordmiths...who were following a 1000 year old tradition and who paid particular attention to finishing off, lines and symmetry.

Brian

[pdawg1911]

Nah...apart from Type 14's, Type 94's and a baby Nambu...I haven't owned any.
The poor quality of the Japanese arms has been well overstated and exaggerated. "Suicide bars" and odd ergonomics do not bad quality make. Compare them with many of the Italian, Chinese and ersatz designs from other countries...do you really think the Japanese arms were that bad?
Look at a Nambu..do you see terrible skew lines and machine marks everywhere? Have you seen the bluing on a Baby Nambu? The machining on the parts? There are a lot worse countrie's designs.

That said...it's irrellevant as we are talking about swordmiths...who were following a 1000 year old tradition and who paid particular attention to finishing off, lines and symmetry.

Brian

I think within context, both responses are accurate statements. The early Japanese weapons, when found in high condition are very well made. For example, if you compare a 98% Nambu Type 94 made in 1935, to say a commercial Colt 1903 from the same year, the Nambu (with it's high polish blue finish, straw parts) would hold it's own against the Colt. Actually I would vote the nod to the Nambu. Notwithstanding the "who made the better mouse trap" discussion, the Japanese quality was quite high in the early and mid production.

Fast forward to 1945, and yes the quality goes out the window. Of course it is hard to provide quality products when you are busy doing a "stop, drop, and roll" after a Curtis LeMay fire bombing.

Regards,
Pat

[clestuff]

I think within context, both responses are accurate statements. The early Japanese weapons, when found in high condition are very well made. For example, if you compare a 98% Nambu Type 94 made in 1935, to say a commercial Colt 1903 from the same year, the Nambu (with it's high polish blue finish, straw parts) would hold it's own against the Colt. Actually I would vote the nod to the Nambu. Notwithstanding the "who made the better mouse trap" discussion, the Japanese quality was quite high in the early and mid production.

Fast forward to 1945, and yes the quality goes out the window. Of course it is hard to provide quality products when you are busy doing a "stop, drop, and roll" after a Curtis LeMay fire bombing.

Regards,
Pat

Pat, You are 100% correct. The quality did take a big dip as the war progressed. It is also very evident in the quality of the bayonets. So, me question is, wouldnt it also show in quality of sword blades?

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Shairing knowledge is what this forum is all about [not slinging mud at the other guys stuff]

Cliff

[imperialjapan]

From my disinterested viewpoint, it doesn't appear that anyone was 'slinging mud.' If you are going to post your item on a public forum asking for advice, be prepared to hear things you may not like. Your responses have the classic person-in-denial tone when something you perceive to be negative is written. This forum is indeed about sharing knowledge; that is exactly what the posters have been doing.