Type 94 Shin Gunto

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	Weapon: Type 94 Shin Gunto Type: Officer Sword Country of Origin: Japan Year Adopted: 1934 Overall Length (mm): 985.0 Weight (kg): 1.00

The Type 94 Shin Gunto was a standardized sword issued to officers of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. Designed in 1934, it represented a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern mass-production techniques. Unlike earlier models, the Type 94 retained a curved, single-edged blade inspired by traditional samurai swords, but it also featured a simplified hilt and fittings to facilitate large-scale production. The sword was fitted with a metal scabbard, often painted brown or olive green, and equipped with suspension rings for ease of carrying.

The Type 94 Shin Gunto was produced in significant numbers at government arsenals and contracted civilian smiths, with production ramping up as Japan expanded its military campaigns across Asia and the Pacific. While high-ranking officers often carried swords crafted by traditional swordsmiths, many Type 94s were machine-made to meet the growing demand. By the end of the war, millions of Shin Gunto swords, including the Type 94, were distributed to officers and non-commissioned officers across the Japanese armed forces.

The Type 94 Shin Gunto is infamous for its association with Japanese military aggression during World War II, often serving as a symbol of Japan's wartime legacy. It was carried by officers in numerous theaters of combat and was sometimes used in acts of violence against prisoners and civilians, contributing to its notoriety. After the war, thousands of these swords were confiscated by Allied forces, becoming collectible artifacts. Despite its historical stigma, the Type 94 Shin Gunto remains a poignant reminder of Japan's militaristic past and the role of tradition in modern warfare.