Japanese Damascus Blade Gunto?
 

Here is a sword that was presented to me as a very unusual "Damascus" blade in old gunto mounts. "Blade much older than the mounts." I know very little about Japanese swords. Offered by a local dealer who is a world class expert in another collecting arena.

The sword felt "off" to me and I did not buy it. Did I make a mistake?

Hi,
My knowledge of Japanese blades is very limited but I have to say I've never seen a 'right one' looking anything like that. The 'Damascus' effect looks very much to me like the pattern on 'Chinese/Japanese' swords offered on internet auction sites. I may be wrong but I don't think so therefore for what it's worth I reckon your gut feeling was absolutely the right one.
Regards,
Norman.

I agree with Norman. That's a recent blade of Chinese manufacture. In addition to the characteristic "hada" (watering pattern), the tip geometry is a tell-tale sign.

Definately a recent Chinese knock off of a katana.


Lew

It is genuine! A genuine Chinese fake that is. No doubt about it; acid
etched blade, kissaki (point) geometry wrong, mounts incorrect for
shingunto. Be glad your gut saved you some money.

Rich S

Thanks.

You all confirm my feelings about this. It is strange because the seller is a world class expert in a different arena of collecting.

Normally I would have blown the piece away, but when an expert like him is offering it. . . . . . . . I try to see something there.

I just have to remember --- we all need to remember --- that an expert in one area does not make him an expert in ALL areas.