Blade (sword) Refurbishment?

[F-Trooper05]

Hey guys,

My dad passed away last summer and I recently came across this WWII Japanese officer sword that my grandfather recovered when he was serving during the war. My dad never really told me much about it other than that it suffered some major fire damage at some point in time (which is obvious from the pictures). I'd like to get it refurbished if it's possible from a reputable blade smith. Does anyone have any recommendations on a guy who would specialize in that sort of thing? Thanks in advance.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k40/millert12005/FullSizeRender-14_zpsmgr6y5ms.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/millert12005/media/FullSizeRender-14_zpsmgr6y5ms.jpg.html)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k40/millert12005/image1_zpsd4v4znyy.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/millert12005/media/image1_zpsd4v4znyy.jpg.html)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k40/millert12005/image2_zpst3qxf3pj.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/millert12005/media/image2_zpst3qxf3pj.jpg.html)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k40/millert12005/image3-2_zpszxn4w1ur.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/millert12005/media/image3-2_zpszxn4w1ur.jpg.html)

[GH41]

If it were mine I would not attempt to restore it. If you must, contact these people. I am sure they can steer you toward a specialist in the field. http://www.antiquefirearms.com/pages/848.htm

[sgtrock82]

Its ashame whats happened to your fathers sword over the years. The sword you have is an arsenal made Japanese NCO sword, based on the deteriorated aluminium handle. The monetary value is relatively low even in really nice shape. I think your best option is to keep your eyes open for a "parts sword" to donate a new handle and hardware. However "parts swords" tend not to be in nice shape and being WWII japanese I would be prepared for interchangeablity issues as the handles from one maker to another vary in physical detail and like some others. It will be a labor of love for sure. I have a knock around NCO sword here wuth a worn but decent handle I may sell, so that may be an option if you want to go that route. Ebay may be a good outlet for sword parts and you can try the Japanese collectors forum on Gunboards (dot)com. You may be able to find a loose handle there from someone. Some collectors have impressive parts stashes.

[Airhasz]

OP, post you question on bladeforums.com. There are plenty of professional blade smiths there that can help you.

[SteyrAUG]

Almost any attempt to restore a Japanese blade will destroy any collector value it has. Thankfully you don't have a genuine Nihonto, but a military blade made around 1937.

Looks like a NCO Army Gunto. The blade, scabbard and guard all look to be in ok shape, I'm amazed that the tip doesn't look to be broken off. You could find a replacement handle (tsuka) and rebuild it. Technically it wouldn't be original, but these were factory made swords so as long as you found a genuine period handle, replacing parts isn't a big deal.

Since this is NOT a hand smithed blade you don't need it professionally polished by a qualified sword polisher. Treat it like any vintage bayonet or sword. Get out the break free, some mild steel wool and start cleaning.

You need to attempt that magic trick of removing rust and dirt without removing original finishes or all traces of aging.


DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT do anything to the tang of the blade. It is meant to be rusty and dark. Hit it with some break free and a rag and nothing else.

Use mild steel wool and break free to clean rust spots on the blade and when the trouble spots are taken care of attempt to clean it so it has a uniform appearance. Less is sometimes more.

Fred Lohman is really the only guy in the country who knows what he's doing, but his thing is mroe pre Meiji blades. But if you feel in over your head, he is the only one I'd talk to about anything.

http://www.japanese-swords.com/

There are lots of other Japanese sword specialists out there just waiting to screw up your blade. Also be careful where you source any replacement parts. Ebay is 99% counterfeit crap from China that has been artificially aged.