Korean swords

[Gavin Nugent]

Thought I'd bring this ole thread back to life with an example recently found.
Named and dated too, a little rough around the edges but overall a fine piece.
All steel fittings are silver inlayed, all parts present except for the throat fitting.....a cleaning project for later in the year.

[Nathaniel]

Interesting Korean sword Gavin! It is always interesting to see such rare swords that show an interesting blend of the influences of their neighbors China and Japan!

[Nathaniel]

Just thought too I would cite the Korea section from the Macau exhibit History of Steel in Eastern Asia

http://www.arscives.com/historysteel/koreanarticle.htm
http://www.arscives.com/historysteel....swordlist.htm

[laEspadaAncha]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Interesting Korean sword Gavin! It is always interesting to see such rare swords that show an interesting blend of the influences of their neighbors China and Japan!

You stole the words right out of my mouth (or type right out of my keyboard?)... The hibaki, ito and menuki (and to a lessor degree the blade profile, tsuba and seppa) all show a strong kinship to their Japanese counterpart, while the pommel and scabbard appear distinctly Chinese.

Gav, I'd be interested in seeing some close-ups of the blade steel, and to hearing your thoughts on the bladesmithing...

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

You stole the words right out of my mouth (or type right out of my keyboard?)... The hibaki, ito and menuki (and to a lessor degree the blade profile, tsuba and seppa) all show a strong kinship to their Japanese counterpart, while the pommel and scabbard appear distinctly Chinese.

Gav, I'd be interested in seeing some close-ups of the blade steel, and to hearing your thoughts on the bladesmithing...

My thoughts exactly! Quit being such a tease!!! Let's get down to the quick and dirty and see some intimate shots of the steel!!!

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

My thoughts exactly! Quit teasing us! Let's see some intimate shots of the steel!!!

Patience grasshopper

It wont be this week coming but I will try a small window etch to see what gives...I'd love to think it has a horse tooth pattern like one found in the initial link but I'll have to wait....the blade is I think is just a very finely laminated pattern.
It is a stout blade at 67cms long and would take the leg off a horse that is for sure....

[laEspadaAncha]

Any idea if these are built to disassemble modularly like a katana?

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

Any idea if these are built to disassemble modularly like a katana?

This example is made in the Chinese manner being the tang through the pommel to secure it.
In this piece it is the blade, then the habaki, a seppa, guard/tsuba, another seppa, iron collar, the hilt slabs, the pommel, a small washer and peened tang. Grips bound in painted ray skin, grip cord in the Japanese manner with the menuki to each side in Japanese manner. There is a lanyard through the grips and I imagine the tang too.