Ancient Japanese Weapons

[Hans Tucker]

Anyone else into Ancient Japanese Weapons .. particularly Tachi and Katana. I have been somewhat fixated on the subject after Toshishiro Obata came to a Jujitsu Seminar in Sydney and demonstrated his Shinkendo swordsmanship. I am also reading a book 'The Art of the Japanese Sword - The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation' by Yoshindo Yoshihara a 10th generation Japanese swordsmith. Very informative a beautiful illustrations.

https://www.jaclab.org/masters/yoshindo-yoshihara-swordsmith/

[LewisM]

I have my grandfather's WW2 souvenir Katana he acquired at Labuan. I had a well renowned expert examine it and despite not being able to remove the handle (we both agreed not to force it) commented it is not a Shin Gunto and is likely signed/dated pre-1900 based on the style and the fact the saya is leather bound - quite uncommon. The tsuba is quite ornate, the ray skin is still perfect, and the tsuka was once white.



I've treated the blade carefully with urushi oil for years.

[TrevorW]

I have a 450 year old Koto Fuyuhiro Wakizashi

[Boozlefoot]

Simply beautiful, Trevor.

Whilst hoping I'm not off topic, I prefer/collect/use turn of century to pre-1960 Japanese wood tools -Kanna planes/Anahiki saws/Kiradashi marking knives etc. They are literally my children, never lent or used by others, the quality is superb, attesting to the makers personal signature on each blade. They are not mass produced, but "artisan" created. Each has its own little silk "kimono" and is checked for condition at least monthly to monitor its condition. Whilst secondhand or antique, they are a joy and a privilege to use, and the cost is irrelevant once experienced.

Hand Forged Japanese steel.........just beautiful.

[xelasnave]

Its a pity you can't find a new one:P
You are very lucky to have it..magic.
Alex

[TrevorW]

Yes its old Alex :) I couldn't afford a new one, these are works of art the time and effort and attention to detail are unmatched IMO, it may be old but the blade is still sharp enough to slice paper with little effort.

[TrevorW]

Have to agree the attention to detail and quality are unsurpassed, a new katana from a renowned Japanese sword smith can cost upwards of $30k, even a run of the mill one will set you back $10k , and some antique ones sell for over $100k :)

[beren]

Like these two YouTube channels , nice historical background on
edged weapons etc

https://m.youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoria/videos

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCIjGKyrdT4Gja0VLO40RlOw

And controlled physical application from a HEMA perspective ( warning violent)


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VlCQ2pBob5Q

[xelasnave]

Of you are only cutting paper just buy a pair of scissors.
I do like a good knife and thanks for showing yours.
Alex