Two Japanese Swords

[coloradocowboy]

I have very little knowledge on swords. Im guessing one is a calvary or parade sword and the other a nco sword??? If there is anything special to them, I can take more pics. The samurai sword has a couple chips in the blade and a little rust. Is there any way to remove the rust?

[coloradocowboy]

2

[coloradocowboy]

any information you can give me would be much appreciated. thanks

[coloradocowboy]

4

[coloradocowboy]

last

[Bob Coleman]

The first sword is a standard mount Army shingunto mount of the type worn during WW2. The second sword is the older form army mount replaced by the mount of sword #1. Period photos show some combat officers still retaining the older mount during the war. Both appear to be hand forged blades and more can be determined by removal of the handles to see the tang. Please photograph the sword tang vertical with the top being towards the cutting edge and the bottom the butt of the tang.

[gunto]

Dont clean the blade , only little sword oil and wipe off again.

[coloradocowboy]

The first sword is a standard mount Army shingunto mount of the type worn during WW2. The second sword is the older form army mount replaced by the mount of sword #1. Period photos show some combat officers still retaining the older mount during the war. Both appear to be hand forged blades and more can be determined by removal of the handles to see the tang. Please photograph the sword tang vertical with the top being towards the cutting edge and the bottom the butt of the tang.

Gotcha. Might be tomorrow before I get to it. The last person to put the peg in to hold the handle did it at an angle and only one side is showing. However, it is sticking out a little and I might be able to get it with needle nose pliers if that is kosher.

[coloradocowboy]

Dont clean the blade , only little sword oil and wipe off again.

I appreciate the advice. Thanks. Is there a video or website that is good showing how to remove the handle?

[Bob Coleman]

A nail set is the perfect tool to push the pin out. Pliers can fracture the pin. They are meant to push out, not pull. If you have a block of wood, use it along with a hammer to break the handle loose.

[coloradocowboy]

A nail set is the perfect tool to push the pin out. Pliers can fracture the pin. They are meant to push out, not pull. If you have a block of wood, use it along with a hammer to break the handle loose.

Thanks Bob. We will give it a shot. I appreciate your expertise. As soon as I get it off, Ill shoot some pics. Have a good evening.

[coloradocowboy]

This is a lot harder photographing than I thought. Here is one. Ill continue to take some until it is to your satisfaction. Could I fill the characters with flour or something like that?

[Bob Coleman]

Using flour or chalk will help in highlighting the kanji. The lower part which is unreadable by me is the swordsmith's name. Please also shoot the overall tang so any modification can be seen.

[Stu W]

You are on the right track. If you can't get all the kanji into one shot and have them all legible then tell us how many there are in total and just include a couple in each picture starting from the top and working down. It's often easier to get two or three in focus at one time than it is to get half a dozen or more if you are not used to doing it on a regular basis.

I wouldn't try to enhance the kanji yet. They are well enough cut that when shown in focus should be readable.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

I see I was composing while Bob was posting. I don't disagree with the use of flour or chalk. Just wanted you to not apply it sooner than needed but if now's the time then go for it.

Regards,
Stu