japanese sword ( genuine or fake ??? )

[G. McCormack]

If I had to guess without handling it, I would say this is an old nihon-to. One that has been shortened at least a few inches, cleaned harshly in the past with abrasives, rusted a bit more, cleaned again, and someone has drilled two incorrect small holes in the tang.
Of course, I could be way off base, but turning the top pic sideways it looks like a good profile. The lines are all distorted and the habaki has at the very least been sanded and buffed or something. The shortening job is odd too, not really careful. In fact, most of the lines look off. But, I'll go out on a limb and suggest it is an old one. Just my opinion.

[Mark]

I believe the hole positions look odd because the tang has ben shortened.

From what I hear, in the US Robert Benson is one of the best polishers. I cannot recommend him from personal experience, however, just suggest him by reputation. He ID'd my gunto (unsigned tang) to period & school, so I imagine he could tell you something about yours if you want to send it to him for evaluation. http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/

Am I wrong, or is it problematic to send nihon-to back to Japan? I thought they would be confiscated as contraband if not art swords (non-art swords are illegal in Japan), and confiscated as national treasures if they were. Great Catch-22 there.

[ferrylaki]

Originally Posted by Mark

I believe the hole positions look odd because the tang has ben shortened.

From what I hear, in the US Robert Benson is one of the best polishers. I cannot recommend him from personal experience, however, just suggest him by reputation. He ID'd my gunto (unsigned tang) to period & school, so I imagine he could tell you something about yours if you want to send it to him for evaluation. http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/

Am I wrong, or is it problematic to send nihon-to back to Japan? I thought they would be confiscated as contraband if not art swords (non-art swords are illegal in Japan), and confiscated as national treasures if they were. Great Catch-22 there.

hi Mark,
I agree with you, Mr Kenji Mishina told me that he do not put interest on WWII era sword. most japanese doesnt. they may consider it not worthy to be collected. finding real nihonto is quite difficult out side japan. since the japanese soldier once landed in Indonesia, so I though it might be some real nihonto left. mostly shingunto, but who know? I might get lucky and find a nihonto....most people who own japanese sword I ever met didnt allow me to open the tang. Judging from the sword it self seem almost impossible since those sword mostly in very bad condition, badly rust. and people here like their sword sharp, then they use sand paper or stone. very wrong move....

regards,
ferry

[ferrylaki]

Originally Posted by ferrylaki

hi Mark,
I agree with you, Mr Kenji Mishina told me that he do not put interest on WWII era sword. most japanese doesnt. they may consider it not worthy to be collected. finding real nihonto is quite difficult out side japan. since the japanese soldier once landed in Indonesia, so I though it might be some real nihonto left. mostly shingunto, but who know? I might get lucky and find a nihonto....most people who own japanese sword I ever met didnt allow me to open the tang. Judging from the sword it self seem almost impossible since those sword mostly in very bad condition, badly rust. and people here like their sword sharp, then they use sand paper or stone. very wrong move....

regards,
ferry

here more pics to see
have a look please...

[Emanuel]

Hello Ferrylaki,

Maybe you could try passing a bit of lime juice on a spot of the blade to see if it brings out any temper line/hamon. That would at least let you know if you have a sword or not.

Regards,
Emanuel

[ferrylaki]

Originally Posted by Manolo

Hello Ferrylaki,

Maybe you could try passing a bit of lime juice on a spot of the blade to see if it brings out any temper line/hamon. That would at least let you know if you have a sword or not.

Regards,
Emanuel

Hai Manolo,
the lime juice, how far can it help identifying the sword. how will it look after I pour the lime juice to its edge? is the iron getting whiter or more contrast between the edge and the upper part? the sword once badly rust , then some one clean the rust using autosol / metal polish....so it made the sword dull...the edge line is still straight in its line and the geometry is difinitely perfect.

[Emanuel]

Hi Ferry,

The citric acid will darken the edge considerably if it's tempered. If you have the differential temper, then it may mean you have a forged Japanese sword. If there is a hamon, then Mr. Mishina may be more interested to examine the sword. If there is no temper line, then it could be the mass-produced WWII kind or a newer piece.

Here is an example from one of my blades.

Emanuel