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TRUE cutting test would add to the value of the blade.....which THIS one is obviously NOT. True cutting tests were done on bodies of executed prisoners and other cadavers. This guy is alive although maybe brain dead?

Thanks very much for both of your responses and the information provided. The translation of the mei is much appreciated (It's fortunate that the smith's name survived given the shortening of the blade). The conversion of a late Muromachi katana to wakizashi in the Edo period sounds very plausible to me. Thanks again for your help and best regards, Steve

Rayhan, I think your logic is correct but most collectors defy logic and operate with emotion. I also think there is a trial and error period, which helps us understand what we like and don't like. Taste can change.

Please, never feel like you have to rush to buy a sword. I've made that mistake myself. There are plenty on the market, with new blades turning up all the time. Take your time, be sure of what you want, and like. Also, at those price ranges, there are several dealers here on this board who have some amazing blades on hand already here in the USA. You won't have to wait a month or more for export permission, nor risk having to pay extra on a tariff.

I agree, likely authentic - but it's not in good shape and the pictures don't even show the other side. Easily could be hiding serious flaws like hagire.

They say "Stupidity should be painful." And you know, sometimes it is!

400,000 and 500,000 yen for those swords in the OP? That's twice as much as I've ever spent on a blade! Here's an alternative approach - if you don't have a specific smith, school, or style in mind yet, and are just really itching to get your first Nihonto, why not buy cheap for the first one or two? Like I can't recommend eBay at all, but you do see swords come up at local auctions, or antique markets fairly regularly. It seemingly takes a life-time to properly study Nihonto, but you can definitely learn to how to spot fakes, or differentiate WW2 blades from earlier swords very quickly. (Simply spending a few days scrolling back through old threads on this forum, reading one after another, taught me a huge amount when starting, even if I didn't understand it all) Sure, even with some study, your first sword or two will have plenty of flaws, be out of polish, have a damaged koshirae, or all three. Most will be mumei. Heck, you may even buy a fake, but they aren't going to break the bank if you only spend ~$600 per one. Most important, you will learn something each time, and it quickly forces you to do a lot of research. And resale wise, unless you've bought a fake or one with a fatal flaw, you're unlikely to lose a lot of money. But of course it does depend on what you want - you won't find an in-polish signed Koto work this way. But accidentally buying a few Shinto blades might make you realise Koto is actually what you really want if you simply don't know enough right now to form an opinion.

Both of these blades have a bit of "beginner" friendly characteristics. They are forged in a way which is very forgiving to viewing angles, conditions, light etc.. Powerful, vivid imagery. I personally would go for o-kissaki blade - I like its forging a bit more and overall its unusual shape which can be quite attractive by itself. But echoing Ray I do not like the horimono, its a bit too much frankly. Judging by these blades I suspect you'll like Okayama Bizen, Munetsugu/Sokan or Soshu hitatsura works. They can turn out to be better investments, but moneywise, probably your first purchase will not be great in any case.

Agreed with Chandler! But if you have a minute to get to a target then let's try and assist.

I am trying to understand the point of this subject because certs are based on the whole sword and not just the Nakago....Nakago is very crucial, but?

I'll reiterate what has been said. Between the 30 or so sites I monitor, roughly 5-15 new blades come up for sale each day. You have all of the time in the world to find a blade that you like and more importantly decide what excites you. There are marked differences (as Rayhan pointed out in just shape alone above) between swords produced throughout the ages. Some will cost you a lot more than others and have certain features unique to them. Combine what you like with budget, and most importantly, patience and you'll find what you're looking for! Edit: Depending on where you're at in Texas someone on here or possibly on one of the FaceBook nihonto groups might be local to you and be willing to show you some blades in hand. That would be ideal before purchasing any blade sight unseen. There is so much to see in person that internet photos just wont ever do justice.

Ok Ok we step away from Juyo and unicorns now gentlemen because I am talking in the 8K USD range. Why the reluctance to save for the first to be in that range. When I was a poor student in the UK in the early 2000's I would save everything for Gendaito, I didnt fly home (even if the family offered to cover it) all I wanted was Gendaito. Last year those Gendaito I purchased for 600 GBP or 900 GBP sold for 5K a piece in Bonhams, that is 5X in 20 years and in 2045 those Gendai blades are going to jump as they hit their 100 year mark. scrounging and saving pays off as long as you aim for the right elemets. But I am so confused why saving for is such an issue, it is all, I need this now? Why? Then when i was in the work place I was so impulsive, bought so much nonsensical stuff and had to spend years, YEARS, selling them to get back on track. Why not try atleast to start in a logical progression?

@Davo Can we perhaps help you find what you love first from the Gokaden and go from there to help you on budget limits? If yes we can turn this thread into something interesting. I will begin by posting some sugata styles from there Jigane and Hamon types for you to gravitate towards and from there we will go to Boshi ? I would really appreciate older members postings and inputs if you can. Please look at the sugata and begin to pic something that speaks to you then we can progress. I will do my best to respond quickly.

The sword below was made the same year. The description seems to indicate this was made by Ogawa Kunihiko. https://ginza.choshuya.co.jp/sale/gj/r2/01/19_kanekuni.php

Can anyone confirm the swordsmith as Ogawa Kunihiku by the signature? I know he as a son (Ogawa Mutsutoshi) who is a active swordsmith. I'll be using this sword for Iaido.

Dave, Time is your friend. You don’t have to rush this: your sword money will still be in the bank when you know enough to make a more informed decision.

Michael, you're exactly right—the psychology isn't reserved for rarefied Juyo pieces or grail-level smiths. In fact, I’d argue the pressure is often more intense at the $3,000 level and below. For newbies and budget-conscious buyers, that sum often represents months of saving, negotiation with a spouse or partner, and maybe - though seldomly - hours of research and online lurking. When a blade suddenly appears within reach, the emotional surge and the desire can be overwhelming—because for many it feels like a now-or-never moment. At that tier, there’s often less confidence, less experience, and more susceptibility to lust, FOMO, or the thrill of acquisition. You're not just buying a sword—you’re trying to buy validation, a piece of history, and even identity in the hobby. That kind of psychological charge can make restraint even harder than for a wealthy experienced collector weighing whether to spend $30,000 on a Tokubetso Juyo blade (if one existed at $30k.) So yes, the logic absolutely applies across the board. The real difference isn't price—it’s experience, patience, and emotional discipline, none of which are tied to budget. Like I said, even I sometimes need a friend to hold me back when enthusiasm and stupidity get the best of me. I am getting better but am still often a five-year-old kid in the proverbial candy store when it comes to swords and fittings.

Well I’m not potty trained yet in Nihonto. So actually I did need help and got it and glad I posted so more knowledgeable people could help me and steer me in the right direction. If that makes me a child then so be it.

Yeah. Or make sure I like what I’m getting. I just have never held or seen a Nihonto in person. Was worried it might not meet expectations and thus I might not be in for great monetary loss. Guess I just need to be patient. Thanks

Oh ok. I was thinking because the picture on the papers had the horimono in it that it was real. Ok I didn’t understand what you were saying in Reddit. Thanks so much.

Haha, yes, it would be impossible to find a Norishige “katana”, you are right, as they would be “tachi” technically. But the discussion does not need to revolve around these ethereal blades, and not even relate to expensive blades. The logic is symmetrical at lower-valued blades.

In my opinion, both of those blades are somewhat niche, which could impact ability to resell. You should be making a decision on what you love, without expectation of resale. If on the other hand resale is important to you, I'd look at more highly regarded schools and periods.

David, I replied to you previously on Reddit. It is likely that the Nobuie has an atobori horimono (a recent/modern carving that is not original to the blade). It would not be a huge surprise to me if the horimono was done by a gendai smith associated with the Gassan school.

Welcome to the community Dvill

You are an adult, you can go alone to the restroom and so you can make your own decisions. You dort need an advice. All I want to say is that when you want to resale you will have problems to get half of what you pay now.