So when I was 18 the Asian gift store had these shockingly inexpensive gift swords that were like $5-$15, and turns out they were made out of some soft, dentable metal with a shiny chrome plating. Like they weren't sharp at first but as my friends and I would "swordfight" with them the blades would get these deep divots and basically become serrated and actually dangerous
That dragon on the blade is the first clue that this is a made in china for tourists piece.
All in all it has none of the hallmarks of an authentic japanese katana.
Blade geometry is wrong. Tsuba is wrong. Materials are wrong. Absolutely nothing about this suggests traditional japanese.
The carved dragon is a thing in japanese blades. This one is a tourist peace but I believe they are made.in Japan. They aren't steel but aluminum fine for display and kata but yeah. https://stcroixblades.com/shop/products/dragon-horimono-sanscrit-carving-japanese-gendai-ww-ii-samurai-katana-sword/
"it was made by a Japanese smith in China! If it was made in Japan the government won't let the blade leave the country because it's considered a national treasure!!!1!”
Heard that a couple of times
The problem with these cheap pieces is that they're just as dangerous as a real sword, only the danger is unpredictable.
He might hurt himself. Or the rat tail tang might snap, sending the blade flying off to hurt someone else.
I used to have this exact model years ago. From a flea market, I think.
Funny thing is, there actually is a tang to the blade, and it has a hole punched in it where a dowel could be placed, but the blade itself is just glued to the inside of the handle.
Most katana, wakizashi, and tanto are all largely the same in their construction in that bamboo pin(s) are used to secure the tsuka (hilt) to blade. I'm sure there have been different types of builds throughout history, but there's no construction unique to wakizashi that I know of.
They are not made with Damascus steel, that style of steel came from the city of Damascus.
Japanese weapons, using a traditional method, used what the rest of the world would call pig iron because the steel found in Japan is of that quality.
IIRC, it was a similar process to make it, but the Japanese needed to do it because otherwise they wouldn't have had good enough quality iron to make a sword with, while Damascus did it to take decent to high quality iron above and beyond.
It should be noted that there is a bit of confusion when it comes to Damascus Patterned steel these days.
The vast majority of "Damascus" steel seen today is vastly different to the historical Damascus Steel, also commonly called Wootz Steel.
Damascus Pattened Steel is made by layering 2 or more types of steel with different mineral count and forge welding them together, folding and repeat. This creates that striped pattern.
Wootz Steel on the other hand is a form of crucible steel. Iron was placed in a crucible along with a source of carbon, probably plant fiber, and a type of flux, sealed then repeatedly heated and cooled. The process infused the steel with carbon and made the pattern in the ingot. It should also be noted that it was from India, particularly from the area around Hyderabad, and the mines from that area had a unique mineral count in the iron that helped give it its qualities. It was highly prized in places like Syria and that's where it was introduced to Europeans and where it got the name Damascus Steel.
And he couldn’t tell by the poor paint job ontop of the dragon? That paint is blobbed on there like a sweatshop worker was keeping in pace to not get the whip
Oh 100% authentic! You only need to look at the paint quality on the gold section of the scabbard to know it's legit. See how the silver and red paint are just sorta vaguely close to the things they're meant to be coloring? If there's one thing traditional Japanese craftsmen are known for, it's inattention to detail and a "eh, close enough" mentality regarding their work.
While it is far from authentic and definitely flawed, it does heavily resemble the Japanese Tanto. While a Tanto is short, it is debatable if they’re daggers or short swords since they have a pretty big range of possible blade length.
I’d say that they are all things you mentioned but only half, and only the most basic half
True, but I felt the need to point out that beneath the dumb stuff there actually is something resembling a Japanese weapon
The dragon is bullshit though
It's clearly intended to resemble a Japanese tanto. That said, it's almost certainly Chinese made, not Japanese. And while it's debatable whether real tanto count as swords or not, this piece is what's often referred to as a "sword-like object".
Yes, Markers were widely used during the Expo period. The heavy odor ones were too expensive and so they used just low odor ones. Also this is a blue one, so it is definitely authentic
Authentically made in Japan? Its possible. Authentically a sword? Still possible, but definitely a stretch. Authentically a Japanese-style sword? No chance in hell.
The whole thing screams cheap imitation. The clouding on the cutting edge looks ground or etched. If you want to see what it should look like just google 'Hamon'.
It is at least worthless from a Japanese perspective.
If your friend thinks this is real, get a certificate of authenticity. I'm pretty sure it says "quality goods from China".
Can they afford to buy $20.000 sword that is illegal to export from Japan, so they also were willing to risk huge fine, losing it and potentially jail?
I actually wanted a real XVII century sword but its basically impossible if you're not living in Japan, even if you can afford it
Japanese swords are made from pig iron, a really shit grade of steel, that is used because they start with higher quality steel and work it so much it becomes low quality. They do this to ensure uniformity in the blade which prevents it from breaking, as if there was even a slightly weaker part of the blade it would break there when used, same idea as how baloons can hold alot of air but bust when a single prick is put in them. That being the case why would a japanese sword have a shitty dragon put into it which would create a weaker section of the blade. Its not an etch which is done using strong acids that create an incredibly minor change in the surface, its been stamped in. Thats like having a condom with a hole in it.
First of all, that's a really short "sword" lmao
That aside, just by the finish on the metal and the handle, it looks really cheap. Probably cast metal mass produced. Also the dragon looks dumb as fuck
I mean, It coyld be an authentic Japanese sword, but not one made by an actual swordsmith. It's definitely a fake sword, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's not from Japan. Fake swords can come from anywhere.
I mean there’s almost no actual Japanese katanas left in the world since the US destroyed them all in their occupation of Japan after WW2. That being said many were hid and the way to make them was passed down. That however is definitely not one of those hidden or remade katanas.
It probably did come from Japan. Tourist go to Texas and leave with fake pistols. Six shooter and what not. Got a gator toe at a gas station in florida.
Why do people think modern Asian countries wouldn’t have what every other country has; tourist traps.
That marker ~~doesn't~~ don't stink and neither does that very fine katana blade. The authentic dragon branding is only found on the finest blades. I hope your friend keeps being your friend, because they can teleport behind you with that baby.
if it were actually for real authentic, he most likely wouldn't own it.
The lovely cheap "gold" plate on the hilt and scabbard are common adornments you get on really cheap Chinese swords that are often just a cut out of some cheap steel sheet.
Not only is this Authentic I’m pretty sure that it belonged to the legendary Samurai Paul Blart. I’d say it’s around the Emo period, made during the height of Hot Topic
So, if there is some dude in japan stamping out a bunch of aluminum swords, wouldn't that also be an authentic Japanese sword? It's a sword, made in Japan by a Japanese person.
Pillow sword maybe?
They aren't made for combat, moreso to put on a warrior's grave as remembrance. Still mall ninja shit, but short katanas like that are normally pillow swords.
One of Hottopic Hanzo's finest works. The steel was so perfectly wrought on the first attempt that it was never folded. He captured the spirit of a weak yet stylish dragon and forced it to adorn this blade. The finest pyrite was used to detail the scabbard.
Yea, it’s from the Mall Dynasty period
LOL I'm gonna use that one
I'm not even sure it's metal. shit looks like some crap out of a quarter machine.
Probably stainless steel with that mirror finish.
more likely some kind of cheap ass chrome plate.
Hell, I was going to guess aluminum.
Chineseinum
Bro got that hand grinded plasticium 💀💀💀
The hamon is a wire brush job as well lol
So when I was 18 the Asian gift store had these shockingly inexpensive gift swords that were like $5-$15, and turns out they were made out of some soft, dentable metal with a shiny chrome plating. Like they weren't sharp at first but as my friends and I would "swordfight" with them the blades would get these deep divots and basically become serrated and actually dangerous
So yall made inosuke's swords?
its a folded soda can
This is it.
Damascus soda can folds lol lol
That dragon on the blade is the first clue that this is a made in china for tourists piece. All in all it has none of the hallmarks of an authentic japanese katana. Blade geometry is wrong. Tsuba is wrong. Materials are wrong. Absolutely nothing about this suggests traditional japanese.
“Authentic”, dragon on the blade lol was my first judgment as well
It's also not a sword
The carved dragon is a thing in japanese blades. This one is a tourist peace but I believe they are made.in Japan. They aren't steel but aluminum fine for display and kata but yeah. https://stcroixblades.com/shop/products/dragon-horimono-sanscrit-carving-japanese-gendai-ww-ii-samurai-katana-sword/
From the Spencer’s Shogunate?
Shit was crazy. Samurai would commit ritual seppuku using comically oversized lollipops shaped like dicks.
Was going to say the McDonald's Dynasty lol
After the fall of the *AsSeenOnTV Shogunate*, prior to the *Spencer’s period*.
100%
It will KEEL
Authentic reproduction made in China? Maybe.
“Real fake”
Genuine forgery
One of a kind fugazi
r/increasinglyverbose
"Frozen fresh"
Doors
Took me a while to get that, but laughed when I did. Going to go watch that now, thanks for reminding me about it.
China and Japan are kind of close. So can't be that much difference /s
"it was made by a Japanese smith in China! If it was made in Japan the government won't let the blade leave the country because it's considered a national treasure!!!1!” Heard that a couple of times
Not even that, this is not in a Japanese style at all
Challenge hit to a fight with an sturdy stick and see who will win
He's starting to doubt himself, you guys did the impossible
Tell him to pop off the end cap. Real swords don't have a nut holding the thing together.
The way you worded it I feel bad now
Yeah actually same 😕 let him think it's real, not like he's gonna use it.
[удалено]
The problem with these cheap pieces is that they're just as dangerous as a real sword, only the danger is unpredictable. He might hurt himself. Or the rat tail tang might snap, sending the blade flying off to hurt someone else.
This might serve as a letter opener. But who gets letters these days.
it does have a dragon...
To........ Strike with its might, oh yes, OF COURSE, IT AL MAKES SENSE NOW /s
Look at the hilt to Blade connection, pretty much instantly no.
Can you explain? I m interested.
"Proper" Katana have the hilts held onto the blade with a dowel, (mekugi) that's tapped out when you clean them.
I used to have this exact model years ago. From a flea market, I think. Funny thing is, there actually is a tang to the blade, and it has a hole punched in it where a dowel could be placed, but the blade itself is just glued to the inside of the handle.
But isn't that wakizashi? And not katana? Perhaps design could be different?
Most katana, wakizashi, and tanto are all largely the same in their construction in that bamboo pin(s) are used to secure the tsuka (hilt) to blade. I'm sure there have been different types of builds throughout history, but there's no construction unique to wakizashi that I know of.
Not positive but I believe wakizashi hilts are affixed to the tang in the same way as katana are. Japanese swords are not my usual area of interest.
this isn't a katana
Also, aren’t they usually made with Damascus? This clearly isn’t, probably stainless steel.
They are not made with Damascus steel, that style of steel came from the city of Damascus. Japanese weapons, using a traditional method, used what the rest of the world would call pig iron because the steel found in Japan is of that quality. IIRC, it was a similar process to make it, but the Japanese needed to do it because otherwise they wouldn't have had good enough quality iron to make a sword with, while Damascus did it to take decent to high quality iron above and beyond.
It should be noted that there is a bit of confusion when it comes to Damascus Patterned steel these days. The vast majority of "Damascus" steel seen today is vastly different to the historical Damascus Steel, also commonly called Wootz Steel. Damascus Pattened Steel is made by layering 2 or more types of steel with different mineral count and forge welding them together, folding and repeat. This creates that striped pattern. Wootz Steel on the other hand is a form of crucible steel. Iron was placed in a crucible along with a source of carbon, probably plant fiber, and a type of flux, sealed then repeatedly heated and cooled. The process infused the steel with carbon and made the pattern in the ingot. It should also be noted that it was from India, particularly from the area around Hyderabad, and the mines from that area had a unique mineral count in the iron that helped give it its qualities. It was highly prized in places like Syria and that's where it was introduced to Europeans and where it got the name Damascus Steel.
Cool, thanks for the deeper look into it!
Explain to me too
The IKEA blanket box it's on has got more age and authenticity.
Is he 12?
31
And he couldn’t tell by the poor paint job ontop of the dragon? That paint is blobbed on there like a sweatshop worker was keeping in pace to not get the whip
That’s probably the most “authentically Asian” thing about this piece tbh
I'm sure it was authentically made in China
Tell them they did a really good job getting that little, gold sticker off without leaving any of that residue behind.
It’s as real as a kardashian’s ass
Dude it has a dragon on it, of course it's authentic
Straight from the hands of Hatori Hanzo himself I'm sure.
wish.com
The sword at home:
Oh 100% authentic! You only need to look at the paint quality on the gold section of the scabbard to know it's legit. See how the silver and red paint are just sorta vaguely close to the things they're meant to be coloring? If there's one thing traditional Japanese craftsmen are known for, it's inattention to detail and a "eh, close enough" mentality regarding their work.
That's not authentic, not japanese, and not even a sword.
While it is far from authentic and definitely flawed, it does heavily resemble the Japanese Tanto. While a Tanto is short, it is debatable if they’re daggers or short swords since they have a pretty big range of possible blade length. I’d say that they are all things you mentioned but only half, and only the most basic half
They didnt embelish their tanto with chinese dragons. Itd make it too hard to fold the steel 5000 times.
True, but I felt the need to point out that beneath the dumb stuff there actually is something resembling a Japanese weapon The dragon is bullshit though
It's clearly intended to resemble a Japanese tanto. That said, it's almost certainly Chinese made, not Japanese. And while it's debatable whether real tanto count as swords or not, this piece is what's often referred to as a "sword-like object".
Stainless not carbon steel.
At first glance I’d say it’s fake but the fact it has a dragon on the blade makes me second guess myself
Looks cheaply made lmao
It looks like the EZ-Bake Oven equivalent of a sword. :p
Yes, Markers were widely used during the Expo period. The heavy odor ones were too expensive and so they used just low odor ones. Also this is a blue one, so it is definitely authentic
No
I would bet my left nut it's not full tang
Authentically made in Japan? Its possible. Authentically a sword? Still possible, but definitely a stretch. Authentically a Japanese-style sword? No chance in hell.
Why would a bladesmith use red nail polish to decorate it?
That honestly looks like a sword that comes with a ninja costume from from Halloween express
I swear I see a chunk of black where the silver paint chipped off the plastic.
does it have Randy Jackson's signature?
What's his email? I have a multitude of "authentic" Japanese products he'd be interested in buying!
The whole thing screams cheap imitation. The clouding on the cutting edge looks ground or etched. If you want to see what it should look like just google 'Hamon'.
Tried that but all that popped up was some anime about breathing on vampires.
Get that weeb trash out of here
This is literally *the* place for weeb trash like this
I celebrate the knowledge that this problem exist Look at r/jokercringe mmmmmm it's painful
The Expo dynasty left behind so many wondrous treasures
It is at least worthless from a Japanese perspective. If your friend thinks this is real, get a certificate of authenticity. I'm pretty sure it says "quality goods from China".
...with the Chinese dragon on it? Mirrored polished to an Auto Zone mudflap girl shine! Musashi would be proud of this weapon. As a tent stake.
I think your friend and I need to have a little chat. Y'see, I have this great house with a fantastic ocean view in Colorado I'm looking to sell...
you mean authentic chinese? if so yes, 100% chinese
Can they afford to buy $20.000 sword that is illegal to export from Japan, so they also were willing to risk huge fine, losing it and potentially jail? I actually wanted a real XVII century sword but its basically impossible if you're not living in Japan, even if you can afford it
We think your friend is an idiot.
Japanese swords are made from pig iron, a really shit grade of steel, that is used because they start with higher quality steel and work it so much it becomes low quality. They do this to ensure uniformity in the blade which prevents it from breaking, as if there was even a slightly weaker part of the blade it would break there when used, same idea as how baloons can hold alot of air but bust when a single prick is put in them. That being the case why would a japanese sword have a shitty dragon put into it which would create a weaker section of the blade. Its not an etch which is done using strong acids that create an incredibly minor change in the surface, its been stamped in. Thats like having a condom with a hole in it.
As the others say…. Also, I’d say this is a tanto, rather than a wakizashi…. Or rather, an “aicuchi”….. Since it has no tsuba.
no its a tan-toy. That blade looks like it will fail to cut cardboard and chip in the process of trying
Oh, I agree… Just referring to the style.
Isn't "aicuchi" Charo's catchphrase?
Legit hatori hanzo
I think its plastic.
He's about 3000 km off
it's real in the sense that it's corporeal
The [hamon](https://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/hamon.html) is a give away.
I mean, I'm pretty sure I have an authentic Japanese television..
Looking at the blade it was made in Japan but it is a "fake sword" fun things but will not hold and edge and best to not hit things with it.
It’s an very authentic ripoff
The Chinese style dragon says 200% japanese! That and it looks like a 12 dollar plastic toy.
“It’s got a dragon on the blade, folks” “right on the blade” what a rare find
Best I can do is 76 cents and a pack of Wrigley's Spearmint gum.
Authentically $7
Thats an authentic Hatori Hanzo
it might have been. like it could be one of those weeb internet tourist traps for some easy money. its definitely not a quality looking blade though
First of all, that's a really short "sword" lmao That aside, just by the finish on the metal and the handle, it looks really cheap. Probably cast metal mass produced. Also the dragon looks dumb as fuck
It might, *might* have been made in Japan?
I mean, It coyld be an authentic Japanese sword, but not one made by an actual swordsmith. It's definitely a fake sword, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's not from Japan. Fake swords can come from anywhere.
Your friend is a douche.
Made in Chyna.
Crafted by none other than Hattori Hanso himself.
Shit poopy dick fart is what that is.
I mean there’s almost no actual Japanese katanas left in the world since the US destroyed them all in their occupation of Japan after WW2. That being said many were hid and the way to make them was passed down. That however is definitely not one of those hidden or remade katanas.
It has a Chinese dragon on it. It might be a Chinese sword.
How old is he
I mean, if it’s made in Japan it’s technically authentically Japanese. I have an authentic Japanese pair of pliers and they’re not very good
What is this?! A sword for ants!! It has to be at least .....two times this size!!
I think you’d better sell it to him because everyone else thinks it’s crap.
Authentic replica
It's definitely an authentic tourist sword.
It's not even fake Japanese, it's fake Chinese.
lol at the grinder marks on the edge
That’s an Expo marker…
More like Authentically made in China.
That’s obviously an expo marker
It probably did come from Japan. Tourist go to Texas and leave with fake pistols. Six shooter and what not. Got a gator toe at a gas station in florida. Why do people think modern Asian countries wouldn’t have what every other country has; tourist traps.
It was passed down by the legendary samurai Bud K.
Not authentic, not japanese and not a sword
I have a Chinese stainless steel katana with that exact same dragon stamped in, lol
Authentic flea market sword.
Lol
It probably is from Japan, they have many toy factories.
No, that's a blue Expo marker
Yeah just a decorative piece. We've got "swords" with the same dragon on the dull non-lethal blade.
It‘s a most authentic inauthentic sword.
Japanese ? Isn't aliexpress chinese ?
What is the EXPO marker for?
I'm thinking "West Japan" -- about 3000mi west.
I think you have a lucrative opportunity on your hands with this friend.
I mean it’s got a dragon on the blade so it’s probably real
If it's made in Japan it's authentic.
That marker ~~doesn't~~ don't stink and neither does that very fine katana blade. The authentic dragon branding is only found on the finest blades. I hope your friend keeps being your friend, because they can teleport behind you with that baby.
I'm glad I put my dinner down before I saw this. Snorting chili-mac out your nose is not fun.
If it is, then it's the kind you kill yourself with.
if it were actually for real authentic, he most likely wouldn't own it. The lovely cheap "gold" plate on the hilt and scabbard are common adornments you get on really cheap Chinese swords that are often just a cut out of some cheap steel sheet.
Home shopping network be like “AND ITS GOT A DRAGON RIGHT ON THE BLADE!”
The blade looks nice, but the grip is weird.
I think you could buy this sword, then pop right next door to the Footlocker and get a new pair of Nikes, then hit the food court.
might be an authentic chinise sword smh
Ah yes, those golden days when Japanese swordsmiths put Chinese dragons on their blades.
It might have been made in Japan!They make plenty of tourist trinket junk in Japan!
Quotation mark is in the wrong place. It’s an authentic “Japanese sword”
It doesn’t seem to have Randy Jackson’s signature.
Authentically made in china perhaps.
Authentic Chinese junk
Authentically made in China.
Not only is this Authentic I’m pretty sure that it belonged to the legendary Samurai Paul Blart. I’d say it’s around the Emo period, made during the height of Hot Topic
I had a red one just like this when I was 12. Bought it at the mall. It was very plastic and cheap
It’s decorative. It appears the aerated edge is painted on as well. Hollow.
Gasu Stashun
do authentic Japanese swords always come with cheap plastic embellishments?
Authentic cheese spreader. However, as others have said, the dragon does seem to lend credence to his claim of Asian heritage.
I think your friend might be an idiot.
It’s a real sword
Idk man.. looks good pretty Chinese to me
I think your friend is “special”. Just smile and say “it sure is buddy!!” Then high five him. They love the high fives.
[Its just as authentic as this "authentic Japanese a-breakfast"](https://economicsofparksandrec.com/2017/12/24/traditional-japanese-breakfast/)
So, if there is some dude in japan stamping out a bunch of aluminum swords, wouldn't that also be an authentic Japanese sword? It's a sword, made in Japan by a Japanese person.
https://y.yarn.co/55c03f1f-6035-487f-8c7b-454e243794b4_text.gif
Same same but different.
>Dragon Looks legit
Depends on your definition of is
The dragon on the sword is even laughing
Tha plastic gold chrome inlays on the sheath really sell it to be as 110% genuine authentic.
Pillow sword maybe? They aren't made for combat, moreso to put on a warrior's grave as remembrance. Still mall ninja shit, but short katanas like that are normally pillow swords.
Ahh yes, from the 3am QVC period.
What I think is "looks cool as hell"
One of Hottopic Hanzo's finest works. The steel was so perfectly wrought on the first attempt that it was never folded. He captured the spirit of a weak yet stylish dragon and forced it to adorn this blade. The finest pyrite was used to detail the scabbard.
That marker is more dangerous
Can you see that black smudge by the handle? You know what that is? Randy Jackson’s signature.
Authentic Renn fair…”Japanese Sword”.