Japanese Damascus Blade Gunto?

Bill M · 22nd March 2008, 11:40 PM

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?

Norman McCormick · 23rd March 2008, 12:20 AM

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.

Andrew · 23rd March 2008, 12:46 AM

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.

Lew · 23rd March 2008, 01:42 AM

Definately a recent Chinese knock off of a katana.

Lew

Rich · 23rd March 2008, 02:03 AM

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

Bill M · 23rd March 2008, 02:51 AM

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.

22nd March 2008, 11:40 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	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? Attached Images

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23rd March 2008, 12:20 AM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	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.

23rd March 2008, 12:46 AM	#3
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	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.

23rd March 2008, 01:42 AM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Definately a recent Chinese knock off of a katana. Lew

23rd March 2008, 02:03 AM	#5
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	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

23rd March 2008, 02:51 AM	#6
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	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.