Greetings folks!
I lurked here a little and heard of this forum for a while. I used to be on the Nihonto section of the now nearly dead International Sword Forum. Since that died, I've been looking for where everyone moved. It seems to be here where the knowledgeable people are. Great. I bought a few books, did some research, seen true nihonto in an exhibition or two. Since then, I now have a WWII army gunto katana (given to me) and a wakizashi (Muromachi) and a tanto (1800s) that I traded restoration work for. I have always been interested in nihonto but was afraid to purchase until I had some research and understanding under my belt. My main interest is Philippines weaponry. However I also have love of mokume hada (which I find more among koto blades). So yes I am a newbie, but learned enough so far to know what I want and love most. And BTW - I made my first nihonto seppas for my wakizashi.
Domo arigato and maraming salamat!
Jose C. (aka Battara)