Ten years ago, my father-in-law gave me a World War II sword. He had received it from a good friend who had fought in the war at Okinawa. He had brought home a war memory. He sat in many rooms for years.
After I went home, I also placed the t in my closet. But my curiosity got the better of me and I started experimenting with it and swords in general. Then came the movie Kill Bill 1. The movie explained how swords were made and the price put on them.
At the beginning of World War II, there were families in Japan that made swords for trade. Like a blacksmith. This trade could have been in his family for generations. Swords became a staple for military leaders throughout Japan. At the beginning of the war, they began to build factories. The difference in the size of the sword is determined by many factors. Those made by a single craftsman or family are more valuable than those made in a factory.
Swords are all different parts. The other main part is the herb. After all, it is part of the sword. They were also found to be specially observed and cleaned.
The iron can be easily removed from the handle. There are one or two clips that slide from the handle onto the iron. Buckles are made of many things. Mine are made of brass. When I took hold of my sword, I noticed a lot of writing or symbols on this part of the blade. There were six on one side, and on this side of the grass one on the other.
I used a paper trail to get a better view of these emblems. Now I don’t understand the Japanese writings at all, but I could read them clearly and distinguish them. I have sent the pictures to the person who is reading these specials. He told me it was September 1939 and the name Take Hisa appeared on the sword. He also mentioned that he had given one other name. He didn’t know if it was a factory or a family name. He did not know if Hisa was the maker or owner of the sword. Perhaps the name of the soldier who brought him into battle. I’m still investigating.
My research has taught me otherwise. All swords of this kind are published and extinct in the borders of Japan. For they were made after the end of the war. Many of these swords are also of great value. I have seen some swords sold for over $4000.
Since the movie Kill Bill, many swords have been made and sold as replicas from the movie. Their dignity is not good. I don’t think my sword is of much use either.
Most of the older swords can be traced back to the five schools of the sword party. Each school was located in one of five provinces. Each school had its own keyboard and it was considered a tradition.
My sword is a Type 94 Non-Commissioned Sword. It became like the sword of the Commissioners.
In 1958 there were more Japanese swords in America than in Japan. Most or all of them need to go to war. So was my sword.
I also know that my sword is made of a Japanese steel called Tamahagane (gem steel). that is where my sword is of value. One part of the sword is no longer present. Tusuba is long gone. These parts are made for special purposes for identification. some were very valuable, some were not.
Lastly, I don’t plan on keeping this sword much longer. Two growing grandchildren, represents a health risk. Although I have that, the boys have to find a way. Like a gun, it is a weapon.
