Japanese iconic weapon

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

I've got one, a lesser enlisted man's version with the brass grip, machine made blade, etc, that I believe is real (original WW2) and was told is real, but the problem with these things is that there are so many knockoffs, and very good ones, that it is a real crap-shoot. I'm told that even the experts have trouble telling the originals from the post war Chinese knock-offs.
I'd like to upgrade to a more ornate model, signed blade, etc, but am nervous.
Are my concerns realistic?
dju

Yes,
like Alvin says most are good, but enough are bad that one needs to study a bit and even better vet with a reliable sword collector.