Strange type 95 gunto.

[Bruce Pennington]

Uhmm...

Here we have a kissaki that is too short and rounded, blade with streaked metal that looking too poor even for a 95 and misaligned numbers that appear to be hand-stamped and not machine-printed.....and a strange W mark on the nakago.
Basically we can say that there is nothing here that is as it should be in an original 95 ..

Obviously I absolutely respect your and others opinions, but to me it remains a fake, and not even one of the best I've seen.

I'm really sorry.

Recommended Reading on the "W" or Double Chevron stamp: The Mysterious "w" Stamp! - Military Swords of Japan - Nihonto Message Board, well known in the sword community. Found on other weapons and equipment as well. Our treasured Nick Komiya uncovered the regulation showing the stamp to be a intermediate/half-way inspection stamp. I personally have 3 Type 95s with it on the nakago.

As to number stamping, they were not "machine applied". It is more common to see them misaligned that all straight and perfect. I guarantee you the blade is legit.

[Pevan]

Looks like i'm going to have to keep an eye out for a better habaki at least until I find a better type 95 for a reasonable price whichever comes first!

[Bruce Pennington]

Looks like i'm going to have to keep an eye out for a better habaki at least until I find a better type 95 for a reasonable price whichever comes first!

This guy is selling a wooden handled NCO for WAY underprice at $550

Wood Handle NCO - For Sale or Trade - Nihonto Message Board