Naval katana

**Bruce Pennington** · 01-17-2019, 04:33 PM

I've gotten half of mine from fleabay, but like MAP said, it's easy to get ripped off if you don't know what to look for. I've still got one that I bought early in my collecting that is probably a fake.

It also depends upon your goals for collecting. I just wanted a fair representation of all the official Types made during the war. I have no intentions of buying-to-sell, or trading, I have no need for high-end expensive blades, and I don't follow the rated smiths. So, flaws and quality don't matter to me, other than I do enjoy getting one that is as near pristine as possible.

**Jjs92186** · 01-17-2019, 05:34 PM

Im sadly limited living in western PA I do attend gun and military shows but other than the guns. Theres been mostly blades and helmets for sale which are blatantly reproductions. Although I have scored some nice bayonets from time to time.

**MAP** · 01-17-2019, 08:43 PM

by Jjs92186

Im sadly limited living in western PA I do attend gun and military shows but other than the guns. Theres been mostly blades and helmets for sale which are blatantly reproductions. Although I have scored some nice bayonets from time to time.

Yes...I understand. The small shows near me are full of junk but I do have some local dealers who uncover some gems every now and then

There are dealers who will have WW2 era blades for sale (Griffin Militaria has a decent Japanese section and I think they have some every now and then)

But if you do use eBay, as Bruce and I and most others will attest to, you need to be very careful. Always post before you buy.

**Jjs92186** · 01-18-2019, 03:26 PM

Well after some back and forth I purchased the blade for what I felt was a fair price. I will post up some better pictures when it arrives.

**Jjs92186** · 01-26-2019, 01:53 AM

I have recieved my kai gunto today the blade is in a little better shape than pictures showed. The thing that puzzles me is there is no through in the handle for a sarute? The shark skin is covering the handle. Was this possibly a late war sword cobbled together?