Japanese katana swords, interview with a big specialist. navy and army officers swords!

[@cassmckinney9945]

This fellow knows his history on swords. Please comment if anyone has contact information. Thank you

[@Eshayzbra96]

He knows a lot about these guntos and it's important for gunto owners to differentiate between Guntos and Nihonto swords as the production. This collector makes several points alluding to that, which is handy when trying to see if your sword is traditionally made, or mass produced in factories. Good video.

[@hvuu1628]

just the basic generalization of info about them.

[@FloridaSpook]

That is a great introduction to Japanese swords of WWII

[@markfergerson2145]

Very good video- I was aware of about half of the information presented. It's especially cool to learn that mechanized officers tended to carry wakizashi rather than katana, and the very modern snap on the leather saya cover holding the sword in was fascinating. Hell, I didn't know about leather covers!

[@KaiserVon]

Awesome, so glad you did a video on Japanese stuff!

[@Ogawa156]

Interesting video. FYI, the first swordsmith’s name is 三品義明 (Mishina Yoshiaki). Couldn’t make out the writing on the second one.

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

Thank you for that update :) !

[@antivalidisme5669]

What a beautiful exhibit! It's incredibly rare, for me at least a complete Japanese swords scrub, to see such rare pieces especially when they are presented by a genuine collector and WWII Japanese swords lover. As you both mentioned and some of my friends also told me, way too many sellers tend to cheat on the tsuba, the scabbard and other parts, not Martin for sure! His piece of advice about the tang's inscriptions tells a lot on both his knowledge on the subject and his sincerity; blade-smiths are not scholars! That wakizachi

[@collector7993]

That book on the table is probably more rare than the swords these days.

[@johnzeszut3170]

If you are new to collection or even if you have been around the block be sure to invest in books before spending money on a blade.

[@markfergerson2145]

At least take a magnet with you...

[@vladimiriantchev8420]

Nice collection of Shin-Guntos and nice and professional explanation. I remember my very first sword was a Shin-Gunto made by Ray Kunefusa, then seccond one from Ishihara Canenao and then I have switch on to Antiques Muromachi, Momoyama and Edo swords collecting

[@michaelgallon9431]

This is great!

[@johntaylor9320]

My grandfather had a navy sword. It was almost identical to one on the table only the tsuba( guard) was more intricate with cutouts in it. The tsuba was dark in color( guessing it was bronze) and was larger than those examples. It had a button and locking lever to secure it in it's scabbard. I took it apart many times with no tools when I was a youngster. In it's hilt it had alot of characters. I would guess it wasn't a mass manufactured piece.

[@micahcampa]

even the mass Produced ones that were made of stainless steel were signed and had a signature 99%of the navy swords were made of Stainless steel but there were some old blades but that is super rare because of the rust that would get on a traditional blade that's why 99% were stainless steel.

[@martialhealth4062]

Fantastic video! I so wanted to see that last blade.

[@erichusayn]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@eddier798]

Another great video thanks Alex 👍

[@RHOOWL]

Hiya Chief! The swords were surrendered and destroyed by lawful order. Any of them that made it out were either hidden by the Japanese or were looted and illegally sent state side, contrary to orders.

[@GIDEON432]

三品義明という刀工は実際におりました。陸軍の刀工ですので軍刀拵えなのでしょう。戦後大量に米側へ接収された内の1本なのではと推測します。

[@TheShurikenZone]

Someone needs to tell that guy that the samegawa comes from the DORSAL area of the stingray- It's not the "belly skin."

[@brianpeck4035]

The true rarity are these old timers who are a dying breed. Years ago I had a passion for handmade Japanese swords. I desperately wanted to own one so I studied what I could on line. Armed with my new "knowledge" I visited the annual Tampa sword show. I asked and was allowed to handle some glorious blades. They had different balances and blade shapes. The real treasure was talking with the old timers. One of them let me hold a $90,000 sword. Some of these guys had been collecting since the 50s and 60s. The US after WW2, became one of the countries (probably the 2nd) with the highest number of authentic samurai swords in the world. They were found in garages, closets, basements, attics and sheds where the vets left them...or their wives. Then the son or grandson would pull it out and swing it around thinking of glorious war stories while cutting branches. Later he might get the old cleaning products and maybe even a grinder or sand off all that rust. That might be fine for a machete but it destroyed so many of these works of art. The book "Nippon-to The Japanese Sword" was written by a Japanese expert on swords- to spread the truth about these hidden jewels in America so they might be protected from well meaning yet blundering hands. The knowledge gained by American collectors over the years even gave the Japanese new information and earned their respect. I believe these sword shows may be coming to an end as not enough people are replacing the ones passing on. A fun group of guys and it's a boys club that has just about had it's run. After handling and learning Nihon-to I felt my desire to possess a sword had been fairly quenched. The process of learning had led me to ask for blades with flaws..to better understand and to join Iaido a sword drawing class. I swung and cut a rolled up wet mat and sent the tip of my teachers sword into the wooden dojo floor. With knowledge of swords, I was satisfied. Later I got into unsharpened metal on metal European Long Sword fighting (HEMA) and the road rolls on.

[@everlyn.martins]

Did you buy any sword? If yes...I would like to know which ones. They all look very beautiful! Thanks for showing us.

[@stevenedmund5680]

why the heck didn't you get him to show the lasts swords blade.It's the oldest and finest quality of them all?

[@mangotango8962]

Certain Katana is not meant to be shown. 'Pure" Samurai believed their Katana has a spirit; once pulled, the blade must be fed ... you know what I meant.

[@stevenedmund5680]

@@mangotango8962 I've had a few swords that have needed to be fed.I believe this also

[@Eshayzbra96]

@@mangotango8962 Uhm, an absolute load of romanticised shit. Otherwise, serious collectors and owners in japan wouldn't show them off in sword identification competitions where the highest-profile experts participate.

[@Nikolay_Kashnik]

Какие же они красивые! Спасибо Алексей. Теперь пойду смотреть с переводом.

[@popocatfish]

gunto was mass production. in rare case, military officers from samurai family, had family trad sword that costomized for imperial army's specification.

[@johnalliott6350]

Alex, who is this dealer, please? You only introduced him as Martin. Do you have his dealership name and contact and his surname, please? Thanks. Great video! Learned a lot from it.

[@MrPatrick1414]

Great informative video. I have a Kai Gunto with the black leather cover still present and with the ray skin scabbard underneath. I think the main reason intact leather covers on Navy sword are rare is because of the corrosiveness of sea salt

[@pipperxxx]

The "tank commander" sword would have had a shorter scabbard also. That blade tip was broken and reshaped.

[@erichaskell]

I have read that samurai swords that the government provided to its officers were quite inferior. Would anyone agree or not?

[@nancybergum1431]

I have come into possession of an Army colored manta belly with 2 hangers and similar brass Subba as he presented as favorite...is this a Navy Kai-Gunto?

[@Noonespecial237]

You mention in the video that you may see him in Pittsburgh when is that show??? And where?

[@davidsalvador8989]

I learned so much. I learned I have an army one. With a leather protector that is pretty much destroyed due to what looks like fire. I would love to know more about minor imperfections in the blade, small chips, or very very tip broken.

[@alko4188]

tnx. nice to see you to ))

[@shoominati23]

I wonder if any of the Japanese manufacturers produced similiar blades for the US troop souvenir market after the war / occupation?

[@vangmx]

I'm not an expert of Japanese swords but I do have an interest. From what I've read, many of these Japanese swords (aka Showa swords) from WW2 were mass produced for the military which unfortunately sacrificed quality over quantity. In other words, they often weren't made utilizing traditional sword making techniques and not necessarily valuable among Japanese collectors. However, foreign collectors have come to appreciate these Showa swords.

[@nickc5775]

Absolutely. Showa blades don’t interest me. I like the older traditionally made blades with nice hamon.

[@thomashobbes8786]

@@nickc5775there are traditionally made Showa swords, especially from Yasukuni forge. Happy to buy those if no one wants them. 😊

[@althesmith]

Many Showa blades are traditionally made. I have one forged by Kanetoki in the mid-70's in Seki. @@nickc5775

[@aikibudoMT]

Very interesting. I own one like one of the black naval swords. Thanks!

[@simon1277]

Cool, how much did you pay for it?

[@user-fc4px2ol1k]

I'm Japanese. Thank you for introducing me to Japanese swords!

[@micahcampa]

these are ww2 Imperial Japanese swords not true japanese swords maybe some old blades in there but Most likely Machine made

[@micahcampa]

@Vortex i did not say they were unimpressive im just saying that they are not true nihonto because that person thought they were

[@richardmiller1345]

I’ve got an original photo of the swords at the hand over in PNG chucked in a pile while the CO hands his to the Australian CO, the following shows him walking off after chucking it in the heap. And two soles who fought against my family. One is a short sword. I believe and so do many Australians the sword reflected the owners arm length. We are the opposite of you guys down here. Mostly Army hardly see a navy.

[@kingjames-412]

Think this is my favorite youtube video!

[@TheEightSeven1]

where can I purchase a sword from this man?? thanks!! any recommendations from a reputable seller.

[@alanward4506]

Surely the saya is the same length even if the blade is shortened so how will that make it easier to store in a tank

[@kevinmorrice]

new saya

[@PeterSt1954]

Is it possible that a short sword has a long scabbard for parade purposes? The combat sheath could be shorter.

[@legendzeroone1537]

I would like to own one of these but I dont have any money

[@philkearny5587]

When you said big specialist, I thought you were referring to his knowledge.

[@to3ta64]

Some of the early Army Katana had two hangers…

[@arthureaterofworlds5176]

Where is this?

[@Purpmaster]

Did you end up buying any of them?

[@mealex303]

price for the one with leather cover?

[@alanward4506]

A family crest is a Mon and that is a lovely sword

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

Shouldn't be that difficult to remove the handle...kept me curious!

[@sanskarjain7575]

Hello sir can you tell me which other sword used by japan in world war 2 samurai sword tell their names can you send me in writing your student thank you sir

[@joshhelm3479]

I have an army one but the sheath is textured and seems to have a copper outside or something like that. It also has a button to release the sheath. Tang name is Masa Sada. Anyone know anything about mine specifically?

[@Lo-tf6qt]

I'm not an expert or anything but it sounds like a Type 3 Gunto if it has a locking/release button on the sheath, dunno about the copper tho

[@user-gq8yq9yk2s]

Красота.. Подскажите пожалуйста что необходимо и каким образом можно легально ввести в Россию такие предметы? Спасибо.

[@gordonlai9248]

Very interesting. The naval ones are very beautiful indeed.

[@63grandsport11]

Thank you.....I like to see the working mans swords,The simple but effective NCO swords.

[@wientzer]

This is exactly what I was thinking...Where are the Shin Gunto NCO swords?

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

What is the intro song called?

[@izgnannii]

WarStory Military Antiques Видео ОГОНЬ!!!! Даже не заметил как пролетели 20 минут рассказа дяденьки знатока)))

[@Alex_2420]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@razvanbutiac7684]

The short one is a broken sword, were the boshi was re done, in my opinion. The explication given make no logic: If the reason to make this blade short it was to "fit" better inside a vehicle... well, the sword is put inside a vehicle when blade is inside saya (the scabbard), make the blade short make no sense. One of the very strong rule of the bushido is also to draw the blade ONLY on the intention to kill. The way to realize if the blade was broken previously: you look at the hamon (the tempering line). This have to follow the edge for the entire blade including "boshi" (the sharp part of the blade front, up to kissaki, the very tip of the blade. If not... it means the boshi is done after the blade was tempered, definitely a sign of a broken blade. Now: why somebody will do such thing and temper with a piece of history? Ignorance make them belive a broken in battle sword have no value any more... the blade is broken... yes and no, this is not true. Sometime a blade that show battle damage can be even more valuable. But depends on vary factors...

[@ducontra666999]

you can find old photos of the kamikaze pilots with ther swords, normal size swords..

[@brianwood1041]

I spoke with Martin in Allentown

[@leonedavies9176]

We have a ww2 Japanese sword taken off a deceased Japanese soldier during the war. It has a magnetic blade, Japanese writing on the metal part of the handle. It did have ribbons on the handle but were removed by the Australian soldier. Assuming it is a Katana sword but am happy to sell it. Does anyone know how much it is worth or how to sell it.

[@adamkooo3385]

Do u still want to sell it?

[@neilcastro836]

Mani would like to buy one of those beautiful navy officer sword

[@robertdr.leonhardt5921]

as well as by the other allies!!!

[@samurai2669]

最後の鮫皮研ぎ出し陸軍刀は後世の手直しだと思われます。 大粒の研ぎ出しは怪しいです。当時の鮫粒は小さいです。 それに鮫皮を使っているわりには透かし鍔ではなく型押し鍔というのも違和感あります。

[@jackarrows1436]

Oh THX 😉💬

[@setiawanugroho]

masyaAllah, laa quwwata illa billah

[@user-mv6wp1yh3e]

日本兵の持ち物をタダ同然に 手に入れさも自分の物みたいに語る輩が見苦しい。

[@notme3686]

These swords are not worth what he's asking.

[@KF1]

Profit or why bother

[@hayden3626]

I like your accent

[@cassmckinney9945]

Does anyone have the gentleman's email or FB site pls? Looking for only one WW2 Japanese authentic sword.

[@jimmylucero7144]

I have one for sale

[@audacityofthemind8348]

Unfortunately many hundreds and hundreds of world war 2 Japanese swords were in fact mass produced and does not really have the same quality nor value as genuine antique high quality samurai swords

[@Mahmoud-yc1we]

🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡

[@thunderkatz4219]

I wish the us army still used swords

[@francisholmes4608]

They do if you an officer.

[@surgicalshooter911]

Why do so many people still pronounce the “W” in the word sword when the “W” is meant to be silent, sorry but this is a pet peeve of mine. 🤔

[@dariusbucinskas1880]

International speakers, sometimes don't hear it enough and end up pronouncing it the way we read it. Most languages pronounce words the way it's written, so it's a hard habit to shake.

[@surgicalshooter911]

@@dariusbucinskas1880 that’s a reasonable and intelligent response to my question. Thank you sir.... 😉👍

[@imac7673]

すべて昭和刀でしょうか。せっかくなら本当の日本刀を見て欲しいです。

[@iwantyourcookiesnow]

You lost me at "samurai sword"...it's a katana dammit!

[@NationChosenByGod]

No, this is actually a tachi.

[@frumpeting]

Tragic exploitation for his channel. Thank you to the knowledgeable dealer.

[@johnfraser2201]

the one with the famaly crest was fake his favret and not worth 6 grand about 2 maybe. a lot of the second world war swords arent old. but remember they belong to japan not to the USA who stole them. not that the goverment want eany of these ones but thy do seek out genuin swords and Force the USA to hand them back.

[@hachimanjiro]

Blade Rapped in "Damascus"?????,. Temper line? The Hamon is the Hardening line, writing will be on both sides of the tang-always, and I could go on,and on

[@hachimanjiro]

@@erichl1167 my apologies you are correct, my mistake

[@robertdr.leonhardt5921]

guntos having been stolen by US servicemen!!!

[@frenchfan3368]

Whatever dude! You lose a war; you lose your weapons to the victor. It's always been that way, and will always be that way.

[@pipersmith8676]

Its funny how you are concerned about stolen swords and not the pearl harbor attack or the 2 nuclear bombs dropped on Japan.

[@craigthescott5074]

These swords were surrendered legally after the war. To the victor comes the spoils. Japan was lucky it didn’t became the 51st state.

[@midtwnscott]

He's overpriced! Talk to him at the end of the show and see how much the prices drop. Interesting pieces but still too asking too much. Would have been interested in seeing the blade on that last one though.

[@markfergerson2145]

Meh. A thing is worth whatever someone is willing to pay, and prices vary over time and who's looking at it, same as any collectible.

[@fajarjamaluddin60]

Military katana(gunto) is not rare and value sword

[@ddb5569]

If those swords were part of the confiscation during WW2 and do not have certification letter, they should be returned to their rightful owners or families.

[@markfergerson2145]

Sometimes. Often officers would surrender their swords upon capture expecting never to see the sword again whether they expected to be executed or not. To return a sword can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect- as in, the officer wasn't worth capturing and the sword isn't worth keeping as a trophy. Of course the descendants of the officer may feel differently... it's complicated.

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

nah

[@ExtremeGamingHD3D]

логично было бы выучить инглиш хоть немного прежде чем видосы на инглише снимать. я чуть лицо себе не сломал феспалмами от твоих гениальных оборотов.. неужели не стыдно было перед этим американцем, не говоря о том чтоб выкладывать такое. простейшие ошибки, лексикон как у второклассника, использование глаголов на месте существительных и т.д. ..и этот человек зачем-то делает канал на инглише. гениально чо))

[@vypr0416]

Anyone who knows ANYTHING about combat-ready swords knows there are at least 2 bamboo stops in a full length Katana. A one (1) bamboo stop is a dead indicator for a ceremonial/decorative sword.

[@Sporkmaker5150]

The gentleman behind the table in the video would definitely tell you otherwise. Katana have been taken into battle held together with a single mekugi for hundreds of years.

[@thomashobbes8786]

Yeah, one is common.

[@shinsekaichitsujo6702]

希少な美術品だ！

[@shinsekaichitsujo6702]

Very good condition, you have very great collection!

[@normanbraslow7902]

Is he really an expert, or an enthusiastic amateur? What are his credentials? It's rare for a really old family heirloom to have been used during the war, for obvious reasons. Too valuable to risk damage in a harsh environment. Mass produced gunto were used. The elaborate tempering was crudely done, as it took too much time to do properly. By the way, the mass produced gunto are absolutely prohibited in Japan as weapons. The real folded steel ones are. These gunto, as here, are worth relatively little. A couple of hundred. The folded, in the thousands. One final nail point. Many of the best of the old folded blades are not signed. Don't rely on that alone.

[@normanbraslow7902]

Erich L PhD in Japanese law and history. Enough for you?

[@normanbraslow7902]

Erich L I know more than enough to make the statements I did. It's not rocket science.

[@normanbraslow7902]

Erich L You are absolutely correct. On all counts. Some of the personal recollections of actual combat officers indicate they used the gunto issued by the Army. Carrying an heirloom katana in the jungles of the South Pacific would have been rather unwise just because of the probability of rusting. Some wealthy officers did commission new classic folded steel for use but that was not common, That said, I must say my knowledge of the combat conditions in China and the Soviet Union is not nearly as much as in the Pacific. After the war, the heirlooms were hidden and not surrendered to SCAP, where as the gunto were.

[@user-hv8nt1vv9c]

هذا.ارثكم.وحقا.عليكم.الافتخار.به.

[@RHOOWL]

It's amazing that no one ever mentions that all these swords were taken illegally.

[@Nick-wh4jt]

Nah they're spoils of war or purchased, nothing illegal about it. What was illegal was the undeclared raid on Pearl Harbour, now that's illegal

[@markfergerson2145]

How do you figure? Bushido allows/requires (depending on era) a samurai to surrender his sword when captured, and to do so "proves" the surrender. There is no expectation the sword will be returned at the end of hostilities.

[@frenchfan3368]

When you lose a war, you lose rights to everything you fought that war with. "To the victor belongs the spoils." If the Allies would have lost, the Japanese, Italians, and Germans would be doing the same thing today with 1911s, M1 Carbines, etc.

[@craigthescott5074]

No they weren’t these swords were surrendered in accordance with a law that was passed at the end of the war. Get your history straight Chief.

[@caseykosek2673]

Cant help but think Japanese sword sword historians are cringing right now. 300ur old swords are disassembled easily. He said engraved, yet painted. I call bullshit

[@KF1]

Did you watch the whole video?

[@calemlinke5130]

it takes a brave individual to put their name on a weapon... showing that they've made that. and to put it bluntly; a mortal needs a weapon to go with. but an immortal being can use what's around them, and sometimes doesn't need one. abilities can be just as dangerous, and medicines just as helpful as well sometimes, and vice versa. that's why we have gifts from a loving Heavenly Father... for spiritual warfare in presence. human kind will eventually be like unto God, given good behavior, and repenting often. eventually all will be immortal among man, and now is the time to become strong in God, so as to become ourselves in full potential. which potential IS always growing. the word of God is like unto a sword that sinks deep into the hearts of men, forever leaving it's mark from within, casting their worries aside and giving them hope. the word of God contains the full armour of God; the feet shod about with the Gospel of Peace. the loins girt about with Truth. the breastplate of Righteousness. the shield of Faith. the helm of Salvation. the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. and Praying in all Supplication for all Saints. this is in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. the sword is a constant reminder of the Word of God.