Standardized in 1938 (Imperial Year 2598), the Type 98 Shin-Gunto was the quintessential sidearm carried by Imperial Japanese Army officers through Pacific and East Asian campaigns. Its mountings modernized traditional samurai tachi aesthetics for modern battlefield utility.

Craftsmanship & Construction

• Blade & Tang: Hand-forged Showa-era high-carbon steel blade displaying an active temper line (hamon) and crisp mei (signature) for Osawa Kanehisa on the tang (nakago).

• Fittings (Koshirae): Classic cherry blossom (sakura) army-issue brass guard (tsuba), fitted spacers (seppa), and operational scabbard lock mechanism.

• Hilt (Tsuka): Genuine white ray skin (samegawa) wrapped in regulation brown cotton combat cord (ito) over gilt brass menuki.

• Aluminum Scabbard: Scarce, lightweight aluminum field saya with single hanging ring (ashi), designed specifically to resist corrosion, rotting, and warping in humid tropical climates.

Source & Provenance (Sauce)

• Maker / Tradition: Osawa Kanehisa (Kanehisa), Seki blade-making tradition, Showa wartime mobilization period (c. 1940–1945).

• Markings: Verified hand-chiseled mei (smith signature) on the tang with authentic period patina and file marks (yasurime).

• Origin: Authentic military field bring-back, preserved in uncleaned collector condition.

Availability

Available at: Armfoundry.com