Hello all! I've had this sword for quite a while now, maybe a little under 10 years, and never got around to looking into it. I figure this is the best place. I've tried to do my own research, but I haven't come up with anything.
What I know:
My dad bought this in Japan. He was told it was used in combat.
The blade looks, to my untrained eyes, to be made for use. It looks like other real Japanese sword steels I've seen, but I am about as far from an expert as can be.
Also, my sister's boyfriend is half Japanese and speaks/writes/reads Japanese and said he recognized the names/writing on the blade but I don't know what he thought it said.
I'm mostly looking to learn about the history of this sword, if it is authentic and likely used or at least made for use, if it would be better to leave as is / restore / rehaft it, and if you have an idea of worth that wouldn't hurt.
Thanks ahead of time for any help!
Pictures (let me know if there are any others that would be helpful):
What I know:
My dad bought this in Japan. He was told it was used in combat.
The blade looks, to my untrained eyes, to be made for use. It looks like other real Japanese sword steels I've seen, but I am about as far from an expert as can be.
Also, my sister's boyfriend is half Japanese and speaks/writes/reads Japanese and said he recognized the names/writing on the blade but I don't know what he thought it said.
I'm mostly looking to learn about the history of this sword, if it is authentic and likely used or at least made for use, if it would be better to leave as is / restore / rehaft it, and if you have an idea of worth that wouldn't hurt.
Thanks ahead of time for any help!
Pictures (let me know if there are any others that would be helpful):