Lingonberry

I've been poking about this website (and reading the FAQ) as well as some commercial sword sites. What I've noticed is that the general consensus on getting started is to read as many books as you can, then read some more, then ask questions, then re-read everything, then eventually make your first purchase. Regarding the first purchase, the advice I've seen here is that one cannot learn very much from a scuffed/scratched/rusted sword and that the best swords to learn from are high quality blades in good polish. However, I assume it isn't wise to spend "high quality sword in good polish" kind of money on one's first sword, correct? Additionally, I've seen on a few commercial sword sites swords that are labeled or described as good swords for beginners even though they are comparatively inexpensive and not quite in good polish. Is there such a thing as a "beginner sword," and if so would anyone be able to provide an example (e.g. from an expired ebay auction, sold items from a commercial site, etc...)? I'm guessing this question is a bit like asking "how long is a piece of string" as there are many things to consider but I'd like to have some sort of baseline/frame of reference if at all possible. Secondly, would a beginner benefit much from an NBTHK membership or is that something best left for later once I've become a bit more familiar with the subject? (The reason I feel that it is prudent to ask is because the material in the newsletters may be a bit "over my head" since I'm still fairly new). Finally, does anyone know where I can find hoshogami(?) sword cleaning paper in the US? I seem to have run out and would prefer not having to ship it all the way from Japan.

Hello! I guess I first got interested in Japanese swords when I was just a little kid growing up as an ex-pat in Tokyo. Naturally I was unable to collect then, but I began to seriously look into it during my teenage years. I took a break from it during my college years and started collecting firearms (much cheaper!). I'm getting back into it again and have a keen interest in naginata and koto blades. Regards, Adam. PS: There used to be an annual sword show in San Antonio that I went to once but I can't find any info on it anymore. Are there any sword clubs/events in Texas?

I'd refrain from using most gun oils as many of them contain powerful solvents. They're typically meant for cleaning copper and brass particles as well as carbon residue out of barrels. Hoppes 9 in particular is one gun oil that should NEVER go anywhere near a sword.