Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back wartime production High Grade 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. It also has a very nice rank tassel attached to the pommel.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 池 田 兼 綱 作, which is read as IKEDA KANETSUNA SAKU. This roughly translates to "made by Kanetsuna Ikeda". Research indicates that smith's real name was 池田 勉 - Ikeda Tsutomo, so in this case Tsutomo is their given name, while Kanetsuna is their "swordsmith" name. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Kanetsuna was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), who stamped the blade with the 関 (Seki) mark. They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

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.

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

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

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

- Blade has visible grain "hada" in the body of the blade by the edge (ji)

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp and looks great. The polish is in very good condition, and the aspects of the hamon are still easy to see. It has however been cleaned with uchiko powder since the last time it was polished, which has degraded the polish somewhat, making some aspects harder to see. There is also some evidence of past oxidation that was cleaned away. The edge does not show any major dents, bends, or other issues. Blade length is approximately 26 1/2 inches and overall length of 37 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (assymetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is easily visible, and is a very attractive and active GUNOME MIDARE (互の目乱れ - irregularly undulating) zig zag style, 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. The tip temper line (boshi) is visible, and is of the YAKIZUME (no turnback) shape. The yokote is is still clear, and the blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip). The blade body (JI) shows some faint grain (hada), which is the straight (masame) type. This is really a nice looking blade!

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, featuring a rounded "quince" shaped (mokko gata) tsuba (cross guard). The tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), with an intact copper loop. 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 4 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. The tsuba and seppa are all inlet for the scabbard lock, which is still present and fully functional.

The blade collar (habaki) is silver plated brass, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades, with "rain" texture. The handle (tsuka) has a complete stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping does show significant wear, with some repairs in places secured with blue or maybe plant sap. It is not clear whether this was done during the WWII period or not. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which is a post war replacement.

Attached to the pommel cap loop is a Brown and Blue colored Tassel, which is in very good lightly worn condition. This signifies that this was carried by a "company grade" officer, which would be a Lieutenant or Captain rank. It is in very good condition and totally correct.

The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in very good service worn condition, with much of the original paint intact. It is a green color, so it may have been repainted during the war, and then continued in use, giving it a fantastic "been there" look and patina. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style, and the top fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt, which still locks securely. There are some scattered dents, as well as oxidation where the paint has been degraded.

A great 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: 26 1/2"
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri Katana
Overall length: 37 3/4“
Scabbard Length: 29 1/2"

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.