Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Help please. Japanese Gunto (Genuine ? ) with battlefield scabbard.

katana · 26th May 2011, 09:14 PM

Hi Chris,
I have drawn around the blade (onto paper) and following how to measure the blade here...
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/measure.htm

Have come to discover some interesting facts

The blade thickness (Kasane) is approx just a tiny bit more than 3mm (3.03mm = 1 bu)

The blade width (mihaba) is approx, but not less than 30mm (30.3 mm = 1 sun )

The kissaki to yokote is also approx 30mm (1 sun)
The Nagasa is 645mm ...so greater than 2 Shaku , therefore a Katana. I think I'm right in saying the length is 2 shaku 1 sun 3 bu ?
The tang (Nakago) is 23cms

The Sor (curvature) is Torrii Sori (curvature at centre)
It seems that many of the dimensions follow the 'old' measurements.

I have also, I believe, found what the Hada (if indeed it is hada) is...it looks to be similar to Konuka
http://www.ncjsc.org/gloss_hada-1.html

Interestingly, it is mentioned that Hizen blades are known for this hada. When searching info on Hizen, it is stated that many have 'straight' hamon ...which mine appears to have. Several of the Hizen katana blades do look very similar (can't post as they are for sale)

Also Gunto blades were apparently 6mm or more (blade thickness) and 'clumsy'. This blade does not match that description.

Kind Regards David

26th May 2011, 09:14 PM	#12
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Chris, I have drawn around the blade (onto paper) and following how to measure the blade here... http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/measure.htm Have come to discover some interesting facts The blade thickness (Kasane) is approx just a tiny bit more than 3mm (3.03mm = 1 bu) The blade width (mihaba) is approx, but not less than 30mm (30.3 mm = 1 sun ) The kissaki to yokote is also approx 30mm (1 sun) The Nagasa is 645mm ...so greater than 2 Shaku , therefore a Katana. I think I'm right in saying the length is 2 shaku 1 sun 3 bu ? The tang (Nakago) is 23cms The Sor (curvature) is Torrii Sori (curvature at centre) It seems that many of the dimensions follow the 'old' measurements. I have also, I believe, found what the Hada (if indeed it is hada) is...it looks to be similar to Konuka http://www.ncjsc.org/gloss_hada-1.html Interestingly, it is mentioned that Hizen blades are known for this hada. When searching info on Hizen, it is stated that many have 'straight' hamon ...which mine appears to have. Several of the Hizen katana blades do look very similar (can't post as they are for sale) Also Gunto blades were apparently 6mm or more (blade thickness) and 'clumsy'. This blade does not match that description. Kind Regards David Last edited by katana; 26th May 2011 at 09:37 PM.