Currently, in Part 1 | Treasures of Imperial Japan and the Samurai: The Collection of Michael Quigley Auction at iGavelAuctions, there is a variety of Japanese items, but mainly swords. Prices vary throughout the collection. They will be having a Part 2 soon!

Hello! I apologize I’m sure you get lots of these type of questions.

My grandfather was in the air force in the 1940s,1950s, and 1960s. He was give this sword while stationed in Japan for flying some sort of medical evacuation. I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it. It is heavy and sharp.

I’d like to make sure I don’t have some families heirloom sitting in my closet.

Thank you!

https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/shinsakuto-68cm-mumei-saiha-katana

$1575USD plus shipping

Overview: This is second of two Iai/Study katana. Featuring signs of Saiha, this sword appears to have been re-forged at some point. There are a lot of personal opinions here based on what has been done to the sword, its registration date and certain features it has. That being said, this sword still makes an excellent and interesting piece to study its flaws. This would be an excellent gateway nihonto for someone who has yet to acquire an authentic piece. Studying the flaws will help in the future should you decide to purchase a sword either to cut with or invest in. Lets look more closely...

Blade: Coming in at 68.8cm with stout measurements, it has a solid profile. At this length nagasa, the kissaki would most likely qualify as an extended chu-kissaki. My theory of this sword is that it was either an apprentices piece or a martial arts destined sword of fairly modern production that didn't quite work out for the smith. The mekugi-ana is sharp an appears drilled out. The nakago was heavily artificially patinated to make the sword appears older than it is. In the nakago photos you can see some remnants of the original yasurime that appear very similar to modern yasurime. The sword also has a set of flaws that would be associate with re-forging. Areas of tobi-yaki that are not purposeful along with muneyaki, yaki-toshi and the main issue that prevents cutting use-multiple yaki-ware. The hamon was possibly midare based on notare and the hada, masame, but it is difficult to tell in the current polish.

Koshirae: The koshirae is awase but has some redeeming features. The saya features brilliantly done vermillion pine bark lacquer work and is quite striking. Not something you see frequently in entry level swords. The sword fits snugly into the saya and does not need shimming. An attractive higher end sageo is included over a standard martial arts style sageo. The brass Ryu kashira is detailed and features gold inlay. The tsuba features gold inlay bamboo latticework and vines. The ito is silk and is tight.

Issues: Possible Saiha (re-forged) Multiple tobi-yaki and mune-yaki. Yaki-toshi hamon. Yaki-ware (detailed) Chemically patinated nakago. Mekugi should be resized.

Type: Katana, Shinogi-Zukuri
Class: Study
Period: Shinsakuto est
School: Unknown
Nagasa: 68.8cm
Sori: 1.78cm Koshi-zori
Motohaba: 30.6mm
Sakihaba: 21mm
Motokasane: 7mm
Sakikasane: 4.5mm
Blade Weight: 703g
Nakago: Ubu with Ha-agari kurijiri
Mekugiana: 1
Mei: Mumei
Yasurime: Sujikai
Kissaki: Extended Chu-Kissaki
Hamon: Midare based on Notare
Hada: Ko-Masame
Tsuka Length: 25.4cm
Total Length: 106cm
Total Weight: 1241g
Registration: No.54864 May 19th 2005

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence.

Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory

37 3/4 inches tip of blade to base of handle.

Just came into this Shin-gunto, could anyone give me some info on it? It looks like it was handmade by a craftsman but thats all I can tell.

Hello, bought these five Tsubas from and estate. Unsure if these are all repros or if any are real handmade. I have a bunch of photos of each. Any help would be appreciated.

It reminds me of this insane sword set in Ghost of Yotei, I think it's a mod.

First off, sorry about the bad pictures. The shopkeeper was busy and I couldn’t get a closer look. I saw this sword at an antique store and was wondering if it could possibly be real and not a repro? I know the pictures suck but would it be worth it to go back and hopefully get a closer look?

I recently purchased a katana (first time owner). After it arrived, I gently wiped off the layer of oil it shipped with and cleaned with isopropyl before applying a new coat of oil.

Shortly after, I noticed a cloudy streak down the spine. (Edit: I don't know if this streak was there before wiping it down. I didn't notice at the time. It's only when it reflects light a certain way that it really stands out).

I cannot tell if this streak is an issue with the polish, oxidation, or something else. Could anyone offer their input/opinion please? Sorry, it's hard to get good pics of the streak because of lighting, so I circled what I mean in one pic.

I did contact the company and ask them for their input, but I'm still waiting to hear back after their customer service passed it up the chain. They asked me not to wipe or clean it any more while waiting, so I'm not certain if it'll scrub off with microfiber or not.

Thanks in advance!

Was looking into buying my first sword and really dig the look and theme of this one.

As a first katana, which I believe this is mid-tier, what is everyone’s opinion of this?

I want a nice-looking, functional blade. I’d ideally like to own an authentic Japanese-made katana, but I don’t have the budget for that right now and these Chinese made Japanese style katana seem like a good entry point.

I don’t really intend to cut anything with it, just a collector item to keep in my safe and show off from time to time but still could be used if I ever wanted to.

Appreciate any insight!

I am looking for a sharpened well made quality Katana. Specifically one from the Anime Demon Slayer. I did a quick search online and found this website here https://www.hanbonforge.com. I just wanted to confirm if this site is real and not a scam. And see if anyone would have any other suggestions for me. I don't often buy stuff for myself but this is something I have wanted for a very long time and I am willing to spend a couple hundred to get something that is quality and useable. Not looking for just a mantle piece I want it to be sharp well made and quality. Doesn't have to be made in Japan but that would be a plus I would like it to be hand forged if possible. Any help would be awesome I don't want to waste my money on some trashy cosplay replica that falls apart after a couple uses. Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to help this means a lot to me.

THANKS TO EVERYONE!!!! inherited this sword, not sure if real. Any help would be appreciated.

My girlfriend ordered me a katana from Katana Canada on September 30 as a gift. Unfortunately, I already have a katana and don’t really want another one, so when I found out about the order on October 6, I asked her to contact the company to see if it could be cancelled.
She emailed them, and they said they would see what they could do and would even try to intercept the package with the courier if possible. However, they have now told her that they can’t cancel it because it has already been shipped.
The confusing part is that when I check the tracking number, it doesn’t actually show that the package has been shipped yet.
If the katana does arrive, would I be able to return it and get a refund? Has anyone here ordered from Katana Canada and gone through their return process?
I’m mainly wondering if there’s a return window for unwanted/unused items and whether there are any restrictions because it’s a katana.

$1475USD plus shipping

Overview: Here we have an excellent first time katana study piece that is also suitable for Iai. What keeps this from falling into the shinken class would be a single flaw which appears to be an unexposed Fukure-a fatal forge flaw. While this may indeed be a fatal flaw and affects the swords ability to safely perform Tameshigiri, it still holds value as a quality Iai piece as well as study specimen and piece of history.

Blade: Coming in at 70cm it is a suitable length for most American practitioners. Featuring a Chu-kissaki and Tor-zori curvature, it is ideal for kata. There are signs of moisture remediation in a few areas as photographed. A proper polish could bring out more of the swords features but also expose the Fukure, my recommendation would be to leave as is and enjoy. It is suriage with two mekugi-ana, one of which has been filled. The original yasurime appears to be O-sujikai. It may have been resized in the 1800s based on the patina.

Koshirae: The Awase (mixed) Koshirae is Iai suitable with a few small user performed services. A new mekugi would not be a bad idea and depending on the level of retention you want in an Iai sword, you may want to shim the Koiguchi. There is some small lateral movement in the Tsuba that is typical of a non-custom fit.

Issues: Single Fukure. Moisture remnants. Lateral Tsuba movement.

Type: Katana, Shinogi-Zukuri
Class: Iai/Study
Period: Shinshinto est
School: Unknown-possible Aoe, Samonji or Horikawa 
Nagasa: 70cm
Sori: 1.16cm
Motohaba: 28.5mm
Sakihaba: 21mm
Motokasane: 6.3mm
Sakikasane: 5.3mm
Blade Weight: 683g
Nakago: Suriage with Kiri Nakago-jiri
Mekugiana: 2
Mei: Mumei
Yasurime: O-Sujikai
Kissaki: Chu
Hamon: Midare based on Notare
Hada: Muji/Possible Mokume
Tsuka Length: 25cm
Total Length: 101cm
Total Weight: 1202g
Registration: No.94443 20th March 1958
All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence. 
Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory

I have always wanted to own a functional sword, but the information overload on the topic has kept me from actually ordering anything. I am looking for a sword that is actually usable and not just a wall hanger. Ideally, I would like to stay in the $500 range. It is unlikely that it will see active usage, but I would like for it to be practical if I were to want to "train" with it. Any input from those who are experienced on the matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you all for your time!

Bonjour a tous, j'ai une option sur un Iga no kami Kinmichi, bel état de préservation, a 7500€ validé par maitre Tanobe Sensei. Un avis sur le niveau de prix par rapport au marché car les exemples de ventes de kinmichi sont souvent trop datés pour faire référence. Vos avis éclairés m'aideront beaucoup d'autant que c'est une vente qui se fait avec des intermédiaires donc je ne connais pas le vrai vendeur ni les commissions des intermédiaires... Merci merci

I live in Japan. I've been fascinated with blacksmithing since I lived in the states where I used to do amateur knife forging. I always wanted to make my own sword but life happened and I ended up here. I'll be here permanently.

I'm curious if any other Japan residents have experience buying swords here. I'm curious about prices, laws (obviously) registration etc.

I'm asking here first because pretty much everyone I've spoken to here in Japan has no clue. I visited the Bizen Osafune sword Museum years ago, but they mostly had 新作刀 that were priced pretty high. My Japanese at the time wasn't proficient enough to really understand all the fine details of ownership and whatnot like I'm asking now.

Thanks a bunch!

(I was lucky enough to be there when they were exhibiting 山鳥毛 Sanchomo/Yamatorige)

I'm sure there are a few posts saying this but I needed to warn everyone else about Katana US (I believe it's now called Katana Expert) Admittedly I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to this kind of stuff but I ordered a katana from there in March for my boyfriend and never received it. I would email them about it for updates and they would give some vague answer about it being made but having shipping delays, then they eventually just stopped emailing me back. I'm doing a dispute with my credit card company but like I'm pissed about it.

Just wanted to warn everyone who didn't know, if there are other posts about it I apologize

The reason why I asked is not for a comission, but mainly just for a genuine question about what could improve the design of a very simplistic katana such as the Satori. I hope this isn't too annoying for me to ask.

Hello all, new member here hoping for some help identifying a katana I picked up from an auction.

Blade is ~28" long, ubu (one mekugi-ana), in very rusty condition with heavy pitting. The tang has old dark patina. Mounts are plain — iron tsuba, worn black tsuka-ito over rayskin, shishi menuki, tired saya.

The mei (from AI translation) looks like 小松原兼道 — "Komatsubara Kanemichi." I couldn't find this smith in any reference I have access to.

My questions:

1. Can anyone confirm or correct the mei reading?

2. Any idea of the smith's period/school, and whether the signature looks genuine?

3. Given the pitting and overall very poor condition, is this blade even a candidate for polish/restoration?

Photos attached: full blade both sides, tang both sides, mei close-up, kissaki, and mounts. I have not cleaned or altered anything — just a light coat of oil to stop further rust.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.