Alex

Just saw these on a french auction site, I am a novice and have no idea as to wether they are of any interest, just thought I'd share in case its interesting. One has a signature on the left but hard to see on low quality pic, Its a mixed lot with some chinese necklaces, doubt it will go for much at all as there is not even an estimation. http://www.interencheres.com/fr/meubles ... v7964.html If anyone is interested am happy to bid for you and send them to you later. all the best Alex

Hi Reuben, Thanks for the welcome, much appreciated. Indeed so much to learn and the expertise in this forum is truly impressive (and somewhat overwhelming I have to admit). There are number of factors that has drawn me to love Nihontos. The combination of beauty and functionality, the art and detail of the koshirae, the trends in styles, both as history progressed and between the five main schools. Which makes collecting especially challenging and opens up so many options as to what a collection could look like (focus on an era? on the Bizen school?, on a particular smith?) I guess everyone has different approach. To me, I want to start by gathering a "representative sample" that highlights the various styles. The first swords that I am looking for are to learn, both styles and quality. I am focussing on certified blades and Koshirae to start - i.e.: have the NBTHK tell me the level of workmanship, era, metallurgic characteristics etc. So the first swords won't be cheap, but I want to have a baseline against which to learn, and as much as possible, swords that exemplify a certain school, period - So would have as much variation as possible in my first blades. Am not so interested in Gendaito, and not at all in modern swords, even if the skill is there, a big draw card for me is the fact that a beautiful work of art I am the custodian of, was also a lethal practical weapon owned by a Samurai in a previous era (with all the spiritual value that this implies). Not sure if that makes any sense..? Cheers, and thanking you and Jean for the welcome Alex

Hello Everyone, A short note to introduce myself as a new member to this forum. I am in my 40's and work for an international organization, never stay in one country longer that 2 or 3 years (which makes collecting and customs issues a real pain), currently i am based in Thailand. I have always been fascinated by the culture of Japan, especially the concept of trying to attain perfection, (from serving tea to making swords). My interest in Nihonto was triggered a few years ago in a lecture at university, while studying the crystalline forms of steel, and seeing an example of differential hardening (I am a chemist by formation). Ever since I have been reading, but that's about it. Looking at some of the reading suggestions in this forum, I own most of the non-specialised books. I am a novice by all accounts, having seen very few blades, and not even owning one yet. I decided a while back that I would like to be the custodian of one, and probably more nihonto's as time goes on, but as of yet, I don't feel I know enough to really appreciate a fine blade.. I will be looking for my first Nihonto, a learning blade, and I look forward to seeking your advice and sharing my limited knowledge. All the best Alex Marianelli