Winchester

Thanks everyone for the welcome and advice. It is a long journey to understand this hobby, which is great. Since the first of the year, I am getting the basic vernacular down, when I can find time between work and family time. I am trying to read a little bit each day and expect to be more active on here in the future. I am located in greater Chicago-land. There may be shows around me, but as mentioned, I do not have anyone I know that is a collector who could help direct me. There is one local-ish show I found via Google, but it is not scheduled again until next year. I guess they did have it this year, but I missed it!!! Frustrating because it was not too long ago. I guess right now my philosophy is that I have two ears and one mouth, so I plan to listen and take advise more than prove how much of a newbie I am. General thought is to continue to read here, make a donation this week to the forum (over the weekend), and continue to study. I'd like to buy a few more pieces for the collection this year and I have a feeling this is a slippery slope, because I can tell I am already hooked... My other hobbies just aren't as interesting to me right now and I am excited to learn.

Hello folks, have a lot to learn and am thankful for your sharing your fellowship and insights to this new collector.

I have been fascinated by swords for a long time. As a young boy, I purchased my first metal sword in Epcot at the Chinese feature...gentlemen working the counter told me in the early to mid 1980's "use this only to defend your family". I know, I know, might sound corny, but it really captivated me as a young child and we mailed it back home after our trip to Florida. In any event, I have been interested in Japanese swords for a long time...it wasn't until my early 20's that I realized that some of the vet bring backs were signed and older than WW2; having already had an interest in military collectibles. It wasn't until this year that I found two locally: a type 98 with family mon and a Gendaitō which was signed. I am in my later 30's and do not have any friends or local experts I can call on who share this same interest. I know I will probably not ever have the best or whatever, but I would have interest in learning more and buying a few more this year. I truly had no idea how expansive the topic is. One of my questions is, given that I have no local collector group, would it be best for me to watch the sales ads here and when there is positive feedback, along with me appreciating the item, to purchase here? It seems to this total novice that the auction site sellers are all over the map and I do not know if I am comfortable spending $2K, $3K, $4K and above without having some guidance. Is it within the scope and good faith / gesture if I have a question, to ask the group about an item; be it here or elsewhere? Thank you

I will try to post photos prior to purchase. As indicated, the seller is a serious collector, I am guessing around 100+ swords, just from what I have witnessed and on occasion, sell via prominent auction houses. I am at a disadvantage...but I am doing this for fun. Will update as the facts become evident. Kind regards, Chuck.

Thank you, Bruce. I am not an expert, in actuality, I am so new that it is sometimes a bit overwhelming. Just being honest. I have been interested in these since I was 5 years old. When I was around 21, I learned that the ones Vets brought back home sometimes were older than WW2. It has only been in the last year or two that I have had occasion to buy (always something else that I spent on). Well, in the past two years I bought two katanas. I know it is not much of a collection, but with a family it is what it is. My goal is to learn more and I suppose this is not anything fancy but I would dream of owning a per-1800 blade. One I have is late 1800s, the other is WW2, but an officers sword, with a family crest. I really appreciate the help. I think I might YOLO this one because it is doubtful I will have time to think it over...person does not run a shop and is a long time collector of good reputation.

Thanks in advance for your help. I am just learning and had a question on a sword. I talked to a guy the other day who had a stainless steel katana that he said was a bring back from WW2, which was signed. He told me that these were usually mass produced and it was unusual for it to have a signature because they were more mass produced. Kai Gunto. He wants around $1K for it and I'm wondering if it is a good deal and any info. as I have not been able to find hardly anything on it. If these were more mass produced, then why would this one be signed and is that truly 'unusual'? I don't have a picture because I didn't buy it, but have his number. Thanks for helping the new guy.