Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a great USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. These type of fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade tang is signed by the maker, and appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion. A Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) is a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945.

The blade on this example was hand forged in the traditional manner, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 濃 刕 住 大 澤 兼 久 作 - NOSHU JU OSAWA KANEHISA SAKU, or "OSAWA KANEHISA made this in Mino Province (Noshu)." Research indicates that this smith's real name was 大沢 勘一 (Osawa Kanichi), so in this case "Osawa" was their family name, and "Kanehisa" their "swordsmith name." We have seen many other smiths sign their swords in this fashion. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939, and there is also their KOKUIN personal seal under the signature, which reads 兼 久 (KANEHISA). We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

Kanehisa was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), and is stamped 関 (SEKI) on the tang. They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work. In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Kanehisa is rated at level 7, 下作 (GE SAKU or Lower Work) = 良工の列 (Ryoko no Retsu or Good work). Blades by this smith are definitely better than most Seki arsenal smiths, most of whom were not even rated.

The blade is handmade and was expertly crafted by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- Hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.

- Vibrant visible temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

- Blade is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei")

- Blade has a proper geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)

- Visible HADA (grain) in the body of the blade and lamination in the temper line. 

Offered in very good lightly used condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. The edge of the blade is mostly dent free, with just a few small edge bends on the last 8 inches of the blade. This is also the area where it shows some scuffing and light oxidation, probably from being used to cut through brush or something similar after it was captured. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, and it shows no evidence of having been cleaned with an uchiko ball and powder, which often makes blade aspects faint. This means that the hamon temper line can be fully appreciated on this example! Blade length is approximately 25 5/8 inches and overall length 36 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is easily visible, and is a very attractive and active YAHAZU MIDARE (矢筈乱れ - irregularly notched) shape, which shimmers in the light. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. There are also some areas of ASHI, which are lines of NIOI running towards the edge, as well as other great activity. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a MASAME (straight) pattern. The blade has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip), which is still clear. The tip temper line (boshi) is fully visible, and is the OMARU (large turnback) type. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which are actually still well retained on many of the fittings. It has the typical rounded "quince" (mokko gata) shaped tsuba (cross guard) with brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The cross guard and pommel cap have matching cherry blossom motifs, which are also found on the scabbard fittings, and the fuchi (grip collar). There are 6 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, as well as one made of leather, probably added post war. All are inlet for the scabbard lock, which is still fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) is nickel plated brass, and is the standard shape and "rain" pattern usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). There is just a bit of minor staining to the wrapping and a few small tears, and it does not look to have seen any significant use in the field. There is an embossed and gilt brass hanger ring through the end of the tsuba, and the single. The single mekugi (peg) looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is lightweight aluminum over wood, and features an aged leather field cover, used to protect the finish and softer aluminum from dents. Unfortunately, the field cover shrank, and now cannot be removed from the scabbard, The bottom of the scabbard actually tore through the bottom of the field cover, and the Sayajiri end fitting was lost. From what we can see, the brown textured paint on the scabbard is still intact near the top, though there is some corrosion to the brass hanger fitting from the leather. The top fitting of the scabbard still has the inlet for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The snaps at the top of the field cover are both broken.

An incredible handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a known maker, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 5/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 36 3/4“
Scabbard Length: 29"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.