Weaponedge NCO Shin-gunto Review
Nov 19, 2008 12:13:23 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2008 12:13:23 GMT
WeaponEdge Japanese NCO Shin-gunto (#WES-1008) Review - Larry
(a.k.a. “Type 95” NCO Shin-gunto)
The Japanese Shin-gunto had many variations throughout its service life during the World Wars, but I’d like to categorize them into 2 main kind, namely: the Officer Shin-gunto and the NCO Shin-gunto.
I had the opportunity to do a presentation review on the Officer Shin-gunto some time ago, so I would like follow-up with the NCO Shin-gunto now.
Brief History – Extracts from Wikipedia on “NCO Shin-gunto”
“Until 1934 the standard sword of the Japanese military was known as the Kyu-gunto first military sword…
In response to rising nationalism within the armed forces, a new style of sword was designed for the Japanese military in 1934. The Shin-gunto was styled after a traditional slung Tachi of the Kamakura period (1185-1332). Officers’ ranks were symbolized by coloured tassels tied to a loop at the end of the hilt…
The “Type 95” Shin-gunto released in 1935 was designed for use by non-commissioned officers (NCOs). It was designed to resemble an officer’s Shin-gunto but cheaper to mass produce. All NCO swords had machine made blades with deep “blood grooves” (bo-hi) and a serial number stamped on the blade (and other parts) in Arabic numerals (* the serial numbers are simple assembly or manufacturing numbers; they are not serial numbers of blades issued to specific soldiers. If the sword is all original, the serial numbers on the blade, tsuba, saya and all other parts should match). Initially the hilts (tsuka) were cast out of metal (either copper or aluminium) and painted to resemble the traditionally produced items on the officer’s swords. They had brass guards similar to the officer’s shin gunto.
By 1945 a simplified NCO Shin-gunto was being produced. It had a simple wooden hilt with cross hatched grooves for grip (no ‘ito’ or ‘same’). The scabbard were made from wood instead of metal and the guard and other fittings were made from iron instead of brass”
The Sword
Top: Officer Shin-gunto
Bottom: NCO Shin-gunto (*tassel not included in original purchase)
(No stats mentioned @military Heritage and @weaponedge, so I'll attempt to state mine here)
Overall Length (w/o scabbard): 36 ½”
Overall Length (w/scabbard): 37 ½”
Blade Length: 27 ½” (inclusive Habaki)
Thickness of Blade near Hilt: ¼”
Thickness of Blade near Tip: 5/32”
Point of Balance: 5” from Guard
Weight (w/scabbard): ~1.4Kg
Weight (w/o scabbard): ~0.8kg
The Blade
The blade measures 1 ¼” at habaki and tapers to ¾” where the bo-hi ends. The deep bo-hi starts 5/8” from the habaki and ends 1” away from the blade tip. Not much else are being mentioned on both the Weaponedge and Military Heritage site about the blade except it is “made of high carbon steel and have good balance”.
Note: The serial number on the blade is simple assembly or manufacturing numbers, Not serial number of blades issued to specific soldiers.
A view of the blade from the false edge.
The Hilt
The aluminium cast hilt with simulated ‘ito’ and ‘same’ painted on it. It is secured to the blade by means of what seems to be a brass screw.
As can be seen in the above pictures, this replica comes complete with great details such as the maker’s marking on the hilt collar. A remarkable job by Weaponedge.
A view of the pommel…
Some closer looks at the brass guard and the simple yet effective spring catch assembly for locking the blade on to the scabbard.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is wooden core encased in metal jacket then painted olive green. The mouth piece extends to form a simple fixture matching the corresponding spring catch on the hilt.
Weaponedge did a very good job here in that when the blade is inside the scabbard, it does not rock or rattle at all. Note also the matching serial number stamped on the mouth piece.
Handling
(Sorry folks, this piece comes unsharpened and I’m satisfied to leave that as it is, so NO cutting test/video from me – Sorry to disappoint)
With a blade length of 27 ½”, the Shin-gunto is very light and quick. It can be easily wielded with one hand, something of great importance in the thick of actions during battle field scenarios.
Wielding the Shin-gunto in my hand, it’s not difficult to imagine how this could be a deadly and fearsome weapon in the hands of skilful soldiers during close quarter charges into enemy position, or, when his rifle ran out of rounds. Not only is this an effective weapon, the sword’s close physical resemblance to its ancient counterparts – the Samurai katana / tachi – would perhaps empower the soldier pyschologically and give him the courage (probably) equal to that of ancient Samurai.
Conclusion
Historical Accuracy: 5/5
Handling: 5/5
Fit & Finish: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5 (63USD from Weaponedge; 229USD from Military Heritage).
Overall: 5
I love this NCO Shin-gunto one hundred and one percent; owning it is like owning a piece of history. BUT before you are too quick to jump onboard the bandwagon to order from Weaponedge, allow me to caution you of the probable long wait (this being a non-customized sword unlike some custom-made katana), and the rather slow and sometimes inconsistent email responses from them. As I had mentioned in my Shasqua review, you will need to be patient, quite a lot of it, though I must admit.. the NCO Shin-gunto is definitely worth the long wait
(a.k.a. “Type 95” NCO Shin-gunto)
The Japanese Shin-gunto had many variations throughout its service life during the World Wars, but I’d like to categorize them into 2 main kind, namely: the Officer Shin-gunto and the NCO Shin-gunto.
I had the opportunity to do a presentation review on the Officer Shin-gunto some time ago, so I would like follow-up with the NCO Shin-gunto now.
Brief History – Extracts from Wikipedia on “NCO Shin-gunto”
“Until 1934 the standard sword of the Japanese military was known as the Kyu-gunto first military sword…
In response to rising nationalism within the armed forces, a new style of sword was designed for the Japanese military in 1934. The Shin-gunto was styled after a traditional slung Tachi of the Kamakura period (1185-1332). Officers’ ranks were symbolized by coloured tassels tied to a loop at the end of the hilt…
The “Type 95” Shin-gunto released in 1935 was designed for use by non-commissioned officers (NCOs). It was designed to resemble an officer’s Shin-gunto but cheaper to mass produce. All NCO swords had machine made blades with deep “blood grooves” (bo-hi) and a serial number stamped on the blade (and other parts) in Arabic numerals (* the serial numbers are simple assembly or manufacturing numbers; they are not serial numbers of blades issued to specific soldiers. If the sword is all original, the serial numbers on the blade, tsuba, saya and all other parts should match). Initially the hilts (tsuka) were cast out of metal (either copper or aluminium) and painted to resemble the traditionally produced items on the officer’s swords. They had brass guards similar to the officer’s shin gunto.
By 1945 a simplified NCO Shin-gunto was being produced. It had a simple wooden hilt with cross hatched grooves for grip (no ‘ito’ or ‘same’). The scabbard were made from wood instead of metal and the guard and other fittings were made from iron instead of brass”
The Sword
Top: Officer Shin-gunto
Bottom: NCO Shin-gunto (*tassel not included in original purchase)
(No stats mentioned @military Heritage and @weaponedge, so I'll attempt to state mine here)
Overall Length (w/o scabbard): 36 ½”
Overall Length (w/scabbard): 37 ½”
Blade Length: 27 ½” (inclusive Habaki)
Thickness of Blade near Hilt: ¼”
Thickness of Blade near Tip: 5/32”
Point of Balance: 5” from Guard
Weight (w/scabbard): ~1.4Kg
Weight (w/o scabbard): ~0.8kg
The Blade
The blade measures 1 ¼” at habaki and tapers to ¾” where the bo-hi ends. The deep bo-hi starts 5/8” from the habaki and ends 1” away from the blade tip. Not much else are being mentioned on both the Weaponedge and Military Heritage site about the blade except it is “made of high carbon steel and have good balance”.
Note: The serial number on the blade is simple assembly or manufacturing numbers, Not serial number of blades issued to specific soldiers.
A view of the blade from the false edge.
The Hilt
The aluminium cast hilt with simulated ‘ito’ and ‘same’ painted on it. It is secured to the blade by means of what seems to be a brass screw.
As can be seen in the above pictures, this replica comes complete with great details such as the maker’s marking on the hilt collar. A remarkable job by Weaponedge.
A view of the pommel…
Some closer looks at the brass guard and the simple yet effective spring catch assembly for locking the blade on to the scabbard.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is wooden core encased in metal jacket then painted olive green. The mouth piece extends to form a simple fixture matching the corresponding spring catch on the hilt.
Weaponedge did a very good job here in that when the blade is inside the scabbard, it does not rock or rattle at all. Note also the matching serial number stamped on the mouth piece.
Handling
(Sorry folks, this piece comes unsharpened and I’m satisfied to leave that as it is, so NO cutting test/video from me – Sorry to disappoint)
With a blade length of 27 ½”, the Shin-gunto is very light and quick. It can be easily wielded with one hand, something of great importance in the thick of actions during battle field scenarios.
Wielding the Shin-gunto in my hand, it’s not difficult to imagine how this could be a deadly and fearsome weapon in the hands of skilful soldiers during close quarter charges into enemy position, or, when his rifle ran out of rounds. Not only is this an effective weapon, the sword’s close physical resemblance to its ancient counterparts – the Samurai katana / tachi – would perhaps empower the soldier pyschologically and give him the courage (probably) equal to that of ancient Samurai.
Conclusion
Historical Accuracy: 5/5
Handling: 5/5
Fit & Finish: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5 (63USD from Weaponedge; 229USD from Military Heritage).
Overall: 5
I love this NCO Shin-gunto one hundred and one percent; owning it is like owning a piece of history. BUT before you are too quick to jump onboard the bandwagon to order from Weaponedge, allow me to caution you of the probable long wait (this being a non-customized sword unlike some custom-made katana), and the rather slow and sometimes inconsistent email responses from them. As I had mentioned in my Shasqua review, you will need to be patient, quite a lot of it, though I must admit.. the NCO Shin-gunto is definitely worth the long wait