He did mess up.... it is a lower not higher carbon steel in the center. As well as that doesn't look like battle damage. It looks like rust damage. It was probably restored and then sold.
Fantastic video! Thank you very much. What amazing pieces of Art. Also very nice to hear all the details from this gentleman, I’ve learned a lot. The close up of the steel is simply stunning, what craftmanship!
Many people do not believe these swords can cut through 3 bodies. What they fail to realize is a Japanese man in the 1600s was way thinner and smaller than a modern man. Much much smaller.
Incredible engineering. When you think of what Japanese swordsmiths were doing with raw materials of dubious quality and with primitive equipment, it is just absolutely incredible to see the stunning products they turned out.
My father bought a samurai sword from an estate sale. The widow sold two guns and the sword to him for $100. He had them appraised. The sword was made in the mid-to-late 19th century and was worth roughly $10k. He sold it for $7k cash at a gun show to someone who acquires “national treasures” on behalf of Japan. I held it once and was amazed at how heavy and dense it was. The amount of strength required to handle a blade that heavy is impressive.
@@90iatros It was definitely heavier than 1-1.5kg. It was heavy enough that the idea of swinging it in combat amazes me, and doing so is an impressive show of strength.
@@Militarycollector My reading comprehension suggests he didn’t know what they’re worth when he bought it until he got them appraised. The widow ripped herself off for selling everything at bargain price at an estate sale.
@notatheist why would it be so heavy. That doesn't make any sense at all if it was a genuine kitana worth 10k. Kitana including the ones this guy is showing are not heavy
His knowledge with Katanas is amazing and those blades are gorgeous. If I owned those they’d be under lock and key definitely not appreciated like they should be
No doubt the skill and workmanship that went into them was above awesome and no doubt may have been very expensive then witch leaves the question did the sword smiths get paid well or was it a godly thing to produce a sword like that.
Don't know this TH-cam channel or the narrator of the video but I have met Bill multiple times over the years at shows and he is very knowledgeable about Japanese swords.
These cutting tests were done using extra-long reinforced grips effectively turning them into polearms. The main purpose was to see that they wouldn't crack or warp easily under stress.
It seemed like bill was going to tell us what the other sword was worth which is what I was waiting for but dude interrupted him. I was like come on man. Lol still awesome video really cool.
Fantastic blades. Can you imagine how many of these were brought home as souvenirs and given to kids, running around chopping trees and stuff. Little did they know they were destroying thousands of dollars 😳
Very surprised to see him handle the blades with bare hands and then not immediately wipe them off as well Bare skin has acids and oils in the sweat that can leave permanent damage
For Japanese swords, its ok to handle the nakago (tang) of the blade with your hands since it is already patinated. Gloves are actually not recommend since it might cause the slippage and also damage the patina if it is rough
Those swords are incredible. I don't think there would be many European swords of that vintage that look that good. You could never OWN a sword like that, only be its curator.
Only because European swords evolved so old swords were retired. European swords were made just as well. Japanese swords were only made that way to make up for the crap steel they had
@@micahcampa Research... as in read some scientific papers, they say different. But you have your opinion that Japanese swords are special so you won’t lol
12:45 Fun fact: the actual words are different, but Kanji basically is Hanzi (basically means "Chinese Characters". There isn't literalization cuz the character Zi is roughly akin to "existence" but Hanzi translates to Han writing, Han being a primary ethnic group in China. At least the group that primary handled the government administration). So, in Mandarin (the pronunciation of the characters), those characters are Tai Dao. Tai means great, highest or exalted (just like ta) and Dao is knife (in this pronunciation. The Dao in Daoism is a different character, don't confuse them). So "great knife", meaning "sword". Same characters. Same meaning. Different pronunciation. Because I can read and write some Mandarin (once doesn't technically WRITE Mandarin. Mandarin is just the pronunciation of the characters), I can muddle along when reading Kanji, though there are pitfalls. Mandarin is a really old language, so there are a lot of idioms that you sort of need to know the fable to understand. Just like in American English (but WAY older). The word "skrill" in American English is probably not going to make sense, like the phrase 杀鸡儆猴 (Shā jī jǐng hóu): Kill the Chicken to scare the Monkey (means to make an example out of someone [in order to keep the rest "in line"])
when he says "they named this blade white lightning" and he points to the kanji, it actually says 「雷電」Raiden, not sure where he got the translation of white lightning from.
The shape of that sword from 1600s is needing researched desperately. Because a inlay of some names and cut test in gold does not authenticate . I’ve seen forgeries almost fool some of the best appraisers in the world. Further information is required possibly even a carbon dating as there’s very good swordsmithsthat specialize in reproductions down to the wear and damage. I hope those are authentic for they would be some of the best representatives of ancient Japanese steel I have seen not in the possession of Japanese owners or descendants .
He said in the video that the older one sold for $100,000 and the one with the cutting tests $90,000. A less prestigious one(not signed or from a lesser known smith) from the Edo period might set you back $4,000 - $10,000 + in full furniture. A similar sword in shirasaya like these, you could get for less. A WWII sword, while still a perfectly functional sword but machine made might cost you $600 - a few thousand if really nice.
The Gunto could be a type 94 that the 2nd hanger was removed before putting on the leather combat cover but technically the type 94's have 2 hangers. The blade in this mount was made by Gassan Sadakazu and is dated 1901. We did a video on it but I forgot my Mekugi-nuki to remove the peg :(.
Hi Bill there is a thread on the NMB about Pinned Kabutogane on Type 94, they are consistent with very early production of the Type 94. I have a few examples myself.
An expert who can not read japanese ! made my day. By the way it is Kanetsune not tsuna. And yea !!!!!!!!! The expert says the nagashi, the drawn lines by the polisher are no signature. Nonsens, of corse they are. This by example is the sign of an togi of the honámi school. An again the "expert" norishige uses sanmai or kobuse construction for blades. holy shit, this is an evention nearly 100 years later.....
Man i had bought one that id swear looked just like this nearly. I was told on a sword forum it was fake and returned it. I still wonder if it was real lol. I have a video of it on my channel to see if anyone knew but never found out if it was or not from others. My damascus patterns wasnt as pretty and it appeared the tang was cleaned somewhat recently tho. I still wonder tho... I learned i didnt know enough to be buying anymore soon tho lol
okay okay.. the part where he says the imperfections on the tang are from a sword strike... yeah this guy is a complete idiot lol. And the "looseness in the grain" structure (whatever that means) was caused by polishing? nope. Man I love this. The person filming who runs this channel must have been biting his tongue hahah! good on him for keeping his focus!
@@fettmaneiii4439 You must be an expert on the subject. I've gone to Nihonto shows and studied and all I can say is his explanations seemed reasonable and insightful. I can imagine a chunk of metal shaved off as the owner lost his hands. If you don't buy the sword strike theory then how do you explain the missing metal? Baka desu ne?
i feel like if people buy tamahagane katana of course its gonna be expensive but if you buy 1095 clay tempered or kobuse tempered katana that be a good choice cause 1095 is better then tamagane cause when you fold tamahagane it turns in to 1080 high carbon steel
I've seen a video of the sword makers tedious job of obtaining a special lump of steel then bashing and folding . No mention of body cutting tests . That's messed up . Cheers
Seems reasonable. I'm going into battle, not a duel , and I'm tired of blades that are getting bent and broken...damn inconvenient in the moment. Different quality blades are like different caliber guns in a way; as far as their power and what cuts they can achieve but not in what cuts and parries they can withstand or how obvious there ability is. I think the "rolling wheels" or cutting through both hips is rated hardest to cut.
Not sure how youtube got me here.... but it's really cool to see the craftsmanship that went into making these weapons.
this guy was so knowledgable!! we need more
He did mess up.... it is a lower not higher carbon steel in the center. As well as that doesn't look like battle damage. It looks like rust damage. It was probably restored and then sold.
That was awesome. Amazing swords. Thanks for sharing. As always it’s a pleasure to watch pal thanks again for taking us along
I've met Bill at militaria shows before. Very reasonable guy and really knows his stuff.
Those swords demand respect thanks for sharing
Fantastic video! Thank you very much.
What amazing pieces of Art. Also very nice to hear all the details from this gentleman, I’ve learned a lot.
The close up of the steel is simply stunning, what craftmanship!
Many people do not believe these swords can cut through 3 bodies. What they fail to realize is a Japanese man in the 1600s was way thinner and smaller than a modern man. Much much smaller.
yea like 5ft
humans at that time were roughly the same size and proportions of the contemporary GI Joe action figure doll.
They were usually cutting through the spinal column under the ribcage and the flesh around it.
@@joejones9520😂
As a modern metal worker the level of perfection is astounding when you know this blade was made without any powered tools !
As all blades were made in the ancient times?
@@elyanae9588 Yes, there weren't any power tools until the industrial revolution
@@elyanae9588 💀
Incredible engineering. When you think of what Japanese swordsmiths were doing with raw materials of dubious quality and with primitive equipment, it is just absolutely incredible to see the stunning products they turned out.
The tools being used were definitely not primitive
Thank you guys for sharing that! Cool information.
Great video! Amazing information, and history, on such incredible swords!
Weep
Those blades are just beautiful! Blows my mind how old they are!
there is alot of swords like them there not rare but they are if you go after certin smiths and depending on their ranking
Great video! More japanese swords please!!!!
Beautiful norishige, you have a great piece!
My father bought a samurai sword from an estate sale. The widow sold two guns and the sword to him for $100. He had them appraised. The sword was made in the mid-to-late 19th century and was worth roughly $10k. He sold it for $7k cash at a gun show to someone who acquires “national treasures” on behalf of Japan.
I held it once and was amazed at how heavy and dense it was. The amount of strength required to handle a blade that heavy is impressive.
Heavy? It has roughly 1-1.5 kg...
@@90iatros It was definitely heavier than 1-1.5kg. It was heavy enough that the idea of swinging it in combat amazes me, and doing so is an impressive show of strength.
So in other words during her time of sorrow he ripped her off..👎
@@Militarycollector My reading comprehension suggests he didn’t know what they’re worth when he bought it until he got them appraised. The widow ripped herself off for selling everything at bargain price at an estate sale.
@notatheist why would it be so heavy. That doesn't make any sense at all if it was a genuine kitana worth 10k. Kitana including the ones this guy is showing are not heavy
His knowledge with Katanas is amazing and those blades are gorgeous. If I owned those they’d be under lock and key definitely not appreciated like they should be
That Norishige sword is unbelievable, the steel has a striking resemblance to wootz and that hamon & polish are fantastic!
Bill has incredible knowledge and a great guy all round.
Still hope to go do some goldpanning and prospecting with him in Colorado.
It seems like every time I'm in MT, WY or CO The places to pan or prospect are closed. I usually go fishing though. Send me an email! Bill
Great swords thanks for the video it was pretty cool.
Excellent review. He certainly knows what he is looking at. I have always wanted to own art like that but its a bit out of my budget.
Wow! Tremendously beautiful swords!
He explained it pretty well. I really appreciate it.
World class fabulous blades, thank you for sharing.
Amazing! Unbelievable something can survive that long and look like that !
No doubt the skill and workmanship that went into them was above awesome and no doubt may have been very expensive then witch leaves the question did the sword smiths get paid well or was it a godly thing to produce a sword like that.
Nice, I learned something.
Those two swords are exquistily beautiful, true priceless pieces! Congrats on owning them! 😃👍🏻
keep up the good work
It’s a Piece of Art before it’s a weapon !
While they are great works of art, it’s a weapon for killing first and foremost.
Absolutely Yes! Compared with the gun.
I’d happily hang one on my wall as they are pretty, but as a weapon I’d take a good European longsword as a weapon first
Great info! What hoping to hear some ballpark prices for these amazing blades.
Anywhere from $100 to $100,000 depending on who is doing the gouging.
Beautiful blades 😍🤩
Don't know this TH-cam channel or the narrator of the video but I have met Bill multiple times over the years at shows and he is very knowledgeable about Japanese swords.
The top one cut through three bodies clean. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword
Again excellent work, stay safe friend love n peace ,Carl fishburn co Durham uk
Fascinating. I only have a Japanese ww2 Police Saber that I bought years ago.
absolutly remarkable
These cutting tests were done using extra-long reinforced grips effectively turning them into polearms. The main purpose was to see that they wouldn't crack or warp easily under stress.
Would love to own one of those.
You guys are amazing. Beutifull items.
It seemed like bill was going to tell us what the other sword was worth which is what I was waiting for but dude interrupted him. I was like come on man. Lol still awesome video really cool.
Fantastic blades. Can you imagine how many of these were brought home as souvenirs and given to kids, running around chopping trees and stuff. Little did they know they were destroying thousands of dollars 😳
Very surprised to see him handle the blades with bare hands and then not immediately wipe them off as well
Bare skin has acids and oils in the sweat that can leave permanent damage
For Japanese swords, its ok to handle the nakago (tang) of the blade with your hands since it is already patinated. Gloves are actually not recommend since it might cause the slippage and also damage the patina if it is rough
impressive
Those swords are incredible. I don't think there would be many European swords of that vintage that look that good. You could never OWN a sword like that, only be its curator.
Only because European swords evolved so old swords were retired. European swords were made just as well. Japanese swords were only made that way to make up for the crap steel they had
@@paultuerena the japanese steel was just as good as the european steel
@@micahcampa Do some research
@@paultuerena i did i have talked to multiple smiths and japanese smiths they say the same thing
@@micahcampa Research... as in read some scientific papers, they say different. But you have your opinion that Japanese swords are special so you won’t lol
I would have liked to hear about the Gunto.
Indeed works of art 👍🇬🇧
12:45 Fun fact: the actual words are different, but Kanji basically is Hanzi (basically means "Chinese Characters". There isn't literalization cuz the character Zi is roughly akin to "existence" but Hanzi translates to Han writing, Han being a primary ethnic group in China. At least the group that primary handled the government administration). So, in Mandarin (the pronunciation of the characters), those characters are Tai Dao. Tai means great, highest or exalted (just like ta) and Dao is knife (in this pronunciation. The Dao in Daoism is a different character, don't confuse them). So "great knife", meaning "sword". Same characters. Same meaning. Different pronunciation. Because I can read and write some Mandarin (once doesn't technically WRITE Mandarin. Mandarin is just the pronunciation of the characters), I can muddle along when reading Kanji, though there are pitfalls. Mandarin is a really old language, so there are a lot of idioms that you sort of need to know the fable to understand. Just like in American English (but WAY older). The word "skrill" in American English is probably not going to make sense, like the phrase 杀鸡儆猴 (Shā jī jǐng hóu): Kill the Chicken to scare the Monkey (means to make an example out of someone [in order to keep the rest "in line"])
This guy's knowledge is world class. He's trying to be humble too.
Blades are beautiful ❤️
Ooooooo billy. My favorite Minnesotan
Its Minnesoootin!
Woe cool stuff
“RAIDEN”
Kaneshige, Kanetsune, Hojoji Masateru w/ three separate cut tests. Named Raiden (God of thunder and lightening) published Shinto taikan. Nagasa 72.8 cm. With old sayagaki by Dr Sato Kanzan sensei.
NBTHK Juyo Token (Important Sword)
Kazusa (no) Suke Kaneshige; Kanetsune; and Hojoji Masateru
Katana - tempered steel, gold inlaid inscriptions
Mei, Omote: Raiden (Kinzogan) / Kazusa (no) Suke Kaneshige / Tsuji Sukekuro Kanetsune (inscribed)
Mei, Ura: Mitsudo / Futatsudo / Suri Tsuki To / Tsugo Mitabi Kiriotoshi (Kinzogan) / Echizen (no) Kami Hojoji Tachibana Masateru (inscribed)
17th Century
Cutting edge length: 28 5/8 in. (72.8 cm)
Good video
Those swords have the samurai souls still in them. And the souls of all they killed forever in battle.
YES
400 year old sword named White Lightning. I dread the day when some idiot calls that sword racist.
Does Fredericks Swords still deal in japanese swords? Think he was out of Illinois thank you
Betting that guy never goes anywhere without band aids...
More like tourniquets.
it is really hard to cut your self on these swords i have only got cut once in my 8 years of collecting
Sick
Did they say the prices? I think I missed it.
Is this sword available for purchase?
Send them to Lynn Thompson for some more cutting tests.
how long do width of motohaba and sakihaba of those katanas?
Wow that price is incredible
Mortal Kombat “Test Your Might” prisoner execution challenge
when he says "they named this blade white lightning" and he points to the kanji, it actually says 「雷電」Raiden, not sure where he got the translation of white lightning from.
The shape of that sword from 1600s is needing researched desperately. Because a inlay of some names and cut test in gold does not authenticate . I’ve seen forgeries almost fool some of the best appraisers in the world. Further information is required possibly even a carbon dating as there’s very good swordsmithsthat specialize in reproductions down to the wear and damage. I hope those are authentic for they would be some of the best representatives of ancient Japanese steel I have seen not in the possession of Japanese owners or descendants .
I want one of these swords
You may have one if you fork out $100k
My God these are beautiful! I would love to own one, how much would it cost me?
Not a expert by any means but I’m sure 20k plus easily but if I had to guess I would say in the 60k range they are very old
He said in the video that the older one sold for $100,000 and the one with the cutting tests $90,000. A less prestigious one(not signed or from a lesser known smith) from the Edo period might set you back $4,000 - $10,000 + in full furniture. A similar sword in shirasaya like these, you could get for less. A WWII sword, while still a perfectly functional sword but machine made might cost you $600 - a few thousand if really nice.
@@jasondutchman6736 See, i want a functional. real sword. I simply can't afford history at the moment, though hopefully one day... :)
Very interesting and amazing that something is that old and is in fabulous condition very interesting guy great video
alot of japanese swords are in this condition
Will you talk more about the early Type 94 with pinned Kabutogane?
Yes!!
The Gunto could be a type 94 that the 2nd hanger was removed before putting on the leather combat cover but technically the type 94's have 2 hangers. The blade in this mount was made by Gassan Sadakazu and is dated 1901. We did a video on it but I forgot my Mekugi-nuki to remove the peg :(.
@@militariacollectablesbelgium The blase is a Gassan Sadakazu,
Hi Bill there is a thread on the NMB about Pinned Kabutogane on Type 94, they are consistent with very early production of the Type 94. I have a few examples myself.
Didn't they carry gold in the handles?
Does anyone know the name of the woodblock print in the video, thanks
An expert who can not read japanese ! made my day. By the way it is Kanetsune not tsuna. And yea !!!!!!!!! The expert says the nagashi, the drawn lines by the polisher are no signature. Nonsens, of corse they are. This by example is the sign of an togi of the honámi school. An again the "expert" norishige uses sanmai or kobuse construction for blades. holy shit, this is an evention nearly 100 years later.....
Well @3:40 sounds like he was trying to pronounce Masamune the Legendary Japanese Blacksmith. Wow amazing 😮
They would say its Battle torn to raise the price 🤣
👍
Why was the sword shortened?
Regulations by the Tokugawa government. Also for battle reasons. Ie infantry. Also gift giving, where they had to shorten the sword.
Does Mark Felton know your using his theme song?😉
The first 5 seconds, what did you say??
Adamantium katana would be sick!
3:40 , 越前守法城寺橘正照 is read as Echizen no kami hojoji tachibana masateru. 辻上総介兼重 is Tsuji kazusa no suke kaneshige. 九郎兼常 is Kuro kanetune.
flock allready gone
scent of tea
and passerine
one we missed
guided the way
very interesting. thanks
My grandmother died at the age of 93. I thought she was old.
Craftsmanship is great
where are the cut test ?
on the sword written in gold
Wow, this is a fantastic video!
do not talk in the direction of the blade because the spiting can cause rust.... only one rule handling a japanese sword....
Man i had bought one that id swear looked just like this nearly. I was told on a sword forum it was fake and returned it. I still wonder if it was real lol.
I have a video of it on my channel to see if anyone knew but never found out if it was or not from others.
My damascus patterns wasnt as pretty and it appeared the tang was cleaned somewhat recently tho. I still wonder tho...
I learned i didnt know enough to be buying anymore soon tho lol
Beautiful!
Bonito bonito
Nothing better than a little sword porn to make the day wonderful!
Mine looks just like it. But it was 90$
I'm having a very hard time believing the sword is that old. Wood looks new and the gold writing looks like it was just put on....hmmmmmm
was thinking that myself!
they repolish the blades replaced the wood over time the gold never tarnishes
lol the guy points out the missing gold while explaining dovetails. his gold fell out cuz it wasnt dovetailed
okay okay.. the part where he says the imperfections on the tang are from a sword strike... yeah this guy is a complete idiot lol. And the "looseness in the grain" structure (whatever that means) was caused by polishing? nope. Man I love this. The person filming who runs this channel must have been biting his tongue hahah! good on him for keeping his focus!
@@fettmaneiii4439 You must be an expert on the subject. I've gone to Nihonto shows and studied and all I can say is his explanations seemed reasonable and insightful. I can imagine a chunk of metal shaved off as the owner lost his hands. If you don't buy the sword strike theory then how do you explain the missing metal? Baka desu ne?
So that one sword was a "triple header," eh?
Hello KRATOS!😉
i feel like if people buy tamahagane katana of course its gonna be expensive but if you buy 1095 clay tempered or kobuse tempered katana that be a good choice cause 1095 is better then tamagane cause when you fold tamahagane it turns in to 1080 high carbon steel
you do realize that people buy these swords for the craftsmanship way way way more than the metallurgy right?
👍 👍 👍 👈
I've seen a video of the sword makers tedious job of obtaining a special lump of steel then bashing and folding . No mention of body cutting tests . That's messed up . Cheers
Seems reasonable. I'm going into battle, not a duel , and I'm tired of blades that are getting bent and broken...damn inconvenient in the moment. Different quality blades are like different caliber guns in a way; as far as their power and what cuts they can achieve but not in what cuts and parries they can withstand or how obvious there ability is. I think the "rolling wheels" or cutting through both hips is rated hardest to cut.
Nobody knows steel like the Japanese, it's more than an art, is a religion!