Sword help

[MeteorFreak]

Can anyone tell me what kind of swords these are? I just bought them and i would like to know what they are called.

 

[mikerault]

Afraid the pictures aren't clear enough to help you much. Have you pulled the Tsuka (handle) off of any of them? usually there will be a Mekugi (pin) of bamboo or soft metal holding the handle to the blade. Underneath if it is a true sword will be a full tang. If on the other hand there is only a partial tang or a rat-tail then you have some wall hangers there.

Can you tell if they are carbon steel or stainless? Stainless should have the type stamped into the blade near the hilt. Also look and see if the Yakiba (temper lines) are actual temper lines or if they are etched or ground in. If the blades are stainless the Yakiba is etched or ground in.

If the blades are carbon steel, have a full tang and a makers signature (will usually be in Japanese characters) and the Yakiba is a true temper line then you have Samurai swords. However, from the pictures these do not look like true Katana as they are not properly shaped, except for possibly the first one. The shorter blades are more in the Tanto short sword or knife category.

 

[451 Detonics]

The shorter models are often called tanto's while the midlength are called wakizashi. Wakizashi are any blade over about 12" long and under about 24" long although most were usually around 18.

 

[MICHAEL T]

They to me look like what is called wall hangers No Mekugi and blades look to be stainless .

 

[JShirley]

Welcome to THR.

As has been said, one of the easiest things you can do, is see if there are any marks on the blade.

John

 

[hso]

I suspect the second piece is a stainless wall-hanger and think the third is a wall-hanger as well.

Look at the larger piece carefully. Is the peg in the handle metal or wood? Does the guard look cast or filed?

 

[MeteorFreak]

The pin in the handle of the first is metal but i don't see a signature on the sword anywhere. And also, the first was made in China but it does NOT say stainless steel anywhere. The other two were made in Taiwan and ARE stainless steel.

The first measures to be 19 inches. (blade only, no hilt)
The second measures 12 inches. (blade only, no hilt)
And the third measures 9 inches. (blade only, no hilt)

The first blade is inscribed with "Now and past there is a God that respects ambitious men" in Chinese characters.

The second has what looks like a signature but it is chinese so i have no clue what it says.

Also, I have no clue what a Tang is. lol. or temper lines for that matter.

 

[451 Detonics]

My answer above is correct in what they are. As far as quality and who made them that is another set of questions entirely. Based on the photos these are more decorative rather than actual users. The tang is the part under the handle (yes I do know the proper name but why add confusion) but I don't see any profit in trying to disassemble these. They just aren't worth it and may not go back together without a fight.

 

[mikerault]

Japanese swords made in china says it all. Sorry, these are probably junk. Hope you didn't spend a lot. Worth about 10 bucks a piece maybe.

 

[MeteorFreak]

here is the signature on the middle sword if anyone is interested. it is the part on the far left. the rest just says made in taiwan, stainless steel.

 

[MeteorFreak]

i only paid about 20 per. so i didnt figure they were to high quality.

 

[JShirley]

Kanji- the oldest Japanese writing- is Chinese...pronounced differently, but the same writing. Meteor, how did you know what the "Chinese characters" said?

 

[MeteorFreak]

i posted pictures of the writing on another forum and got the translation that way.

 

[zoom6zoom]

This is a pretty good resource for learning about swords:
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/buy-swords-online.html
Don't play with cheap swords, just hang them on the wall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e77oXjFkIs&feature=player_embedded

 

[Mp7]

They were probably brought back by Tom Cruise, after he had slain the great Musashi in the battle of Sekigahara.

Sorry couldnt resist.
IMHO a real sword on a wall doesn´t look to great.
A wallhanger is rather embarassing

 

[CDR_Glock]

here is the signature on the middle sword if anyone is interested. it is the part on the far left. the rest just says made in taiwan, stainless steel.

These are Chinese ornamental swords. Low quality and decorative only.

If you want a sword for martial arts, take lessons, get a wooden sword first, then get a hand forged, folded sword.

The Paul Chen Practical series are excellent. The practical plus is a great balance of features and durability. On the net, the run about $250. You can move up in price from there. It must be full tang and tempered. Most are 1060 carbon steel. L6 bainite is the strongest and run $2nd

 

[mikerault]

Remember that folding the steel was to remove impurities from low quality Japanese iron. With modern carbon steel folding is not needed (even though it does make it look cool). What is critical is proper heat treatment resulting an a proper Yakiba.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Yup, looks like you have two SLO (Sword-Like Objects) of Chinese or Pakistani origin.

 

[hso]

If they're stainless they're just wall hangers and not safe to think of as swords.

Usable swords are carbon steel and will be a "bit" more expensive.

 

[lesjones]

That sword appears to be item 1101-1816. Here's why hso says stainless steel swords are just wall hangers.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e77oXjFkIs

 

[lee-enfield shooter]

It seems to me that they are wall hanger's, only because they appear to be stainless.