History and description Guntō

japanese officers surrender swords indian troops in malaya, after surrender of japan, 1945

during meiji period, samurai class gradually disbanded, , haitōrei edict in 1876 forbade carrying of swords in public except individuals such former samurai lords (daimyo), military , police. skilled swordsmiths had trouble making living during period japan modernized military , many swordsmiths started making other items such cutlery. military action japan in china , russia during meiji period helped revive manufacture of swords , in shōwa period (1926-1989) before , during world war ii swords once again produced on large scale.

during pre world war ii military buildup , throughout war, japanese officers required wear sword. traditionally made swords produced during period but, in order supply such large numbers of swords, blacksmiths little or no knowledge of traditional japanese sword manufacture recruited. in addition, supplies of type of japanese steel (tamahagane) used sword making limited several other types of steel substituted. shortcuts in forging taken, such use of power hammers , tempering blade in oil rather hand forging , water tempering; these measures created swords without usual characteristics associated japanese swords. non traditionally made swords period called showato , in 1937 japanese government started requiring use of special stamps on tang distinguish these swords traditionally made swords. during wartime period antique swords older time periods remounted use in military mounts. presently in japan showato not considered true japanese swords , can confiscated; outside japan collected historical artifacts.