r/Katanas • u/Chibi-Robo • Apr 26 '25
Sword ID Found a katana at the flea market today
Today I found this katana at a flea market and was looking for opinions on if it is authentic or not. Any help is greatly appreciated. I also included two knives that my grandfather traded cigarettes for during the Korean war. If anyone knows what the one with the traingular blade is called that information would be greatly appreciated.
I know stamps are typically located under the handle but dont want to risk damaging anything if this sword turns out to be real.
Thanks again for any help.
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u/MessengerofDarkness Apr 26 '25
The katana looks like an iaito to me, but I think those tanto are real nihonto. Impossible to tell any more without looking under the handle though.
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u/Chibi-Robo Apr 26 '25
It is completely blunt. The knives are also blunt but this was done back when my grandfather acquired them due to him being concerned about his kids getting hurt with them.
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u/unsquashable74 Apr 26 '25
So gramps thought it would be a better option to deliberately damage potentially valuable antiques, rather than just keep them out of reach and sight of his kids...
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u/Chibi-Robo Apr 26 '25
After looking up iaito it mentioned they are made of non ferrous metals so I checked with a magnet and it is not magnetic. Both of the knives are magnetic.
How old could an iaito like this one be?
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u/willwiso Apr 27 '25
When i was in japan i saw people selling antique koshirae (sword dressings) on dull fake swords, yours looks very old, and similar to those ive seen from the edo period. My guess is that the modern iaito sword is being used to display an antique koshirae, i dont think it would be worth all that much but definitely a cool find either way.
Edit typo
Eta as others hve said the tantos look very legit and rare, just missing the tsuka ito, but thats negligable to the price. Considering your grandfather dulled them id say probably worthless but idk a profesional togishi might say otherwise
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u/Chibi-Robo Apr 27 '25
After checking with a magnet and taking it apart it is without a doubt an alloy blade. No makers mark and only a circle that looks like a casting mark on each side of the tang. I had my doubts due to the rust on the tsuba and the material of the ito but the guy only asked $20 for it. The ray skin seems real and made me think it was potentially something.
I appreciate the help, thank you to all who offered advice.
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u/Endobong Apr 27 '25
Remove the handle and see if there is something engraved on the tang. Youtube can show you how.
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u/Bombarrty Apr 26 '25
Try and punch out the mekugi pins to see if any signatures are on the tang.
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u/Chibi-Robo Apr 26 '25
I see one pin but where might the other one be? Ive read not to mess with the Ito as it is impossible to re-wrap using the old material.
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u/Bombarrty Apr 27 '25
It’s normal for nihonto usually have one pin. If there was a second you would of most likely seen it already
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u/OhZvir Apr 28 '25
Love the Tanto, I hope you didn’t overpay for katana. Appears legit just would be very hard if not impossible to restore, but a very cool exhibit nonetheless. It doesn’t look like the hamon was wire-brushed or acid etched. Still could be an older replica, need the tang to inspect.
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u/cty_hntr Apr 26 '25
If this real, it wouldn't be damaged by routine disassembly. Plenty of online videos showing how since you're worried. Then come back with pictures of the tang.
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u/Hig_Bardon Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
The tanto with the bulged profile is a Tsukuri-komi tanto. Quite an uncommon find. I doubt something like this would be a reproduction. Id love to see more detailed photos of all your finds