G'Day
I have been regularly looking at this site, enjoying reading the discussions and articles for probably the past 2 years. Today I decided that I should join and formally introduce myself instead of lurking in the background.
My name is Doug Austin, I am from Mackay, Queensland, Australia and have been a Collector of Japanese Swords for the past 35 years. My interest in Nihonto was awakened as a boy of about 10 years when I was shown my 1st samurai sword brought back from WW2 by a relative. From that moment on I was hooked, however I had to wait untill I was 17 and working before I could afford to buy my own 1st sword. During the 70's and 80's I would regularly advertise in the local paper of a weekend " Wanted to Buy-Japanese Samurai Swords"
These advertisements brought me countless new treasures from local Ex Serviceman. At the time, I think half the thrill was in the chase, and hearing How, When, and Where the swords were aquired.
My real break into understaning Nihonto came when I met a Japanese Collector from Cairns in Nth Queensland who had replied to one of my advertisements. It turned out that his brother-in-law was an executive member of the NTHK shinsa team under Sensei Yoshikawa. At every chance I would then drive the 750 klm to Cairns for the opportunity to study blades of varying quality in full Japanese polish. Having others willing to give their time, assistance, and knowledge, I found to be invalueable.
The Forum offers new collectors many of these opportunities, the chance to draw upon the wealth of knowledge out there, unselfishly offered by collectors who have paid their dues, and now freely offer that knowledge without having to leave the keyboard.
I commend those members.
Regards
Doug Austin
