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Post by a on Sept 28, 2023 20:11:27 GMT
i am very new to this world. I was given this sword from a friend that may be nearing his end and he wanted me to have it. I am hoping someone out there could help me with this. Only background I have on it is that it was discovered during Korean War(1950-1953). I’ve done a lot of research but am confused on tang length, two holes in tang, and absolutely no markings whatsoever. Is this the “wood grain” pattern that handmade blades have, it’s only visible under where the habaki goes-the rest of the blade is pretty scuffed where someone tried cleaning it with something abrasive. The measurements are listed below. Any information anyone could give me on this would be greatly appreciated. Blade length 26&7/8 Blade width at base 1&1/8(hair bigger) Blade width at end 3/4(little bigger) Tang length 8&1/2 Handle length without pommel 8&5/8 Overall length 36&1/2 without pommel 5/8-11/16 curve
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Post by larason2 on Sept 29, 2023 1:44:24 GMT
It's probably not a Japanese blade, though it does have a damascus like pattern like you said, and some evidence of a hamon. It's not the wood grain or "mokume" pattern of some Japanese swords, because it's not fine enough. My understanding though is that Japanese style swords have been made in Korea for a long time, and the Koreans have their own style of Kendo, and their own swords that go with that. They also quite like the leather ito on their tsuka, though Japanese blades sometimes have that as well. So I would say it is probably a Korean Kendo style sword, though some of those can be quite nice. As you have said, the polish has been damaged, which decreases the potential value of it. Otherwise it looks quite nice though.
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Post by a on Sept 29, 2023 2:54:39 GMT
Was it common for a Korean family to use the Tokugawa family crest? I’ve tried researching this, along with Korean swords. Everything I’ve read shows a Korean sword ,hwando, with a more flat blade with no ridge. There isn’t leather on the tsuka, it’s either stingray or shark skin wrapped in silk or cloth cord.
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Post by larason2 on Sept 29, 2023 13:05:20 GMT
The tokugawa crest was commonly put on tourist pieces, it's not a mon many Japanese would use for themselves! In any case it's not a Japanese sword, and not a high value sword. It could also be a Chinese reproduction. I'm just thinking Korean because of the Korean connection. They do make nice swords there, and they make many different blade types, just as in China.
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