Suppressors Japanese Military Swords - Help

[Patton63]

I recognize this is a bit off-topic, but given the diversity of interests on this forum, I thought I'd see what information I could find. I'm interested in picking up a WWII era Japanese military sword, but, frankly, don't know enough about the subject to know whether I'm getting ripped off. Can anyone recommend some resources for doing research, reputable sellers, etc.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate your help.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

Whew, you've got an undertaking ahead of you. I've only briefly checked out Japanese militaria and the language of the hobby seemed about as easy as learning Japanese itself. I was just curious, not interested enought to wade through all the background information for something I wasn't going to invest in. Anyway, I'm sure if you can really get into the history behind the swords, it could be a very cool, and expensive, hobby.

 

[Starvin]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

http://www.swordforum.com

Only advise I can offer is to be very cautious. There's a lot of counterfits and outright scams out there.

 

[Graham]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

Why do you want a WWII sword? Army swords were produced in mass production runs and they are only slightly more valuable and more expensive than the junk swords popular in pawn shops.

It's not a bad place to start a collection, though, as long as you buy it for what it is. A Japanese WWII sword, a mass production one in good shape, should run $45 - $250 depending on condition and make.
If you want to learn about Japanese swords, start here: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/

You can get started collecting real (hand made) Japanese swords for the price of a good precision rifle. Here are some real ones: http://www.nihontocraft.com/Nihonto_for_sale.html

The study of Japanese swords is inseparable from the study of Japanese history and culture. If you are really interested in Japanese swords start studying any martial art and spend the $60 to buy this book: http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/m-kenji/books.html. Then don't buy a sword. Instead read the book cover-to-cover five times.

 

[Patton63]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

I appreciate the comments and advice. The reason I am interested in a WWII era sword is that one of my grandfathers served in the Pacific; the intent is for the sword to recognize his service.

I obviously need to understand the market better. There was a militaria show in Northern Virginia over the weekend. There were several swords purportedly from the WWII era that were available. The prices, however, ranged from $800-$2000 for specimens that clearly (even with my limited knowledge)did not warrant the price.

The more I delve into the subject, the more intrigued I become. Thanks again for the thoughts and comments. Any further advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Graham]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

Don't give up on the idea. It's a good one. Learn as much as you can. It's a very rewarding endeavor.

 

[glock63]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/ Check out this link. Some WW2 made swords were done on a machine, and some were made the old fashioned way and are high quality. Look under the handle. The smith typically put his signature there.

 

[Graham]

Re: Japanese Military Swords - Help

From the Meiji period through the Taisho period there was very little demand for swords. Some 'smiths preserved the art by seeking refuge in the employ of large armament factories.

Mass produced swords, generally known as showato, were manufactiured in large quantities through the end of WWII when the occupation authorities prohibited the manufacture of swords altogether.

Be careful with Showa period blades: some signatures were machine stamped, others have been fraudulently added.

Here's an easy-to-tell example of a machine made signature on a WWII eara blade: