[Drhall762]

Ran across a sword the other day, Type 98. I imagine it is a copy. I don't have any photos but what made me think it was recent production was the following:1. Overall blade condition was near perfect.2. Blade was "damascus" and very clean. Pattern very visible.3. 3 rather large figures (Kanji??) just below the guard on the blade.4. Condition of the scabbard rough compared to the sword.Anyway I have very little knowledge of these swords. It is being proffered as "real" but with a price tag under $300.00 I would think it is fake or the current owner has as little knowledge of these swords as I do.Any thoughts?

 

[03man]

With a "damascus" blade it is almost certainly recent Chinese made; without pictures it is impossible to tell.

 

[mike radford]

I am pretty sure I saw that one at the SCACA show in Greenville. I am no expert but my conclusion was fake from 5 feet away. I later ask the guy who was looking at it when I was at the 5 feet away point if he agreed it was a fake and he said yes. I have never seen that "writting" you are talking about on a real one and it spooked me immediately.