jawob

Thanks for the links. I believe the Coins & J is part of a collection

Marcin, I'm curious was there any discussion about the first 2?

The first two have been sitting on eBay for months

Reinhard, Appreciate your thoughts. I would add a spiritual, Buddhist/Shinto, component to sword making.

Great insight

I can only add that for collectors, whose families have no interest, It might not be a bad idea to handle the sales for oneself. It can be quite the burden to leave it to loved ones. While I'm only 50, and hopefully still around for awhile, I have sold off several different collections knowing that if something were to happen it would be a big drag on my family. I keep a couple items that have meaning and sell the rest, which can be just as thrilling as the hunt and study of the object. I suppose this circles back to the question of quality over quantity. Of course, large and important collections, are a different animal.

Thanks for the info. You would think the tsuka would be gold wrapped at those prices

What's the demand for these? Scarcity?

My copy came in today. Looks like a great collection to read this winter.

Nothing on Ken's out there?

Are there any publications that focus on Tsurugi that anyone can recommend?

The Tetsugyu is stunning. Master brushwork .You have a great collection!

Thanks for this post! Beautiful piece at the top! I remember her mentioned in relation to Basho. I now have purchased the pre-order book, to enjoy further.

That is a real bummer. I was going to pull the trigger on a sword before the tariff nonsense, seems too much of a headache and kick to the wallet now.

Being new to nihonto this has been an interesting conversation. I'm not new to collecting and understand the nuances and complexities. I do have a hobby budget, which involves selling to fund the next purchase. Unfortunately, that well spring has a budget. Sometimes that hobby fund has to go to real life things like a bathroom renovation that is overdue. Under the best of circumstances if I was to buy only $10k + for nihonto, I would have at most 2 or 3 examples at one time. That might be a very smart decision, as I don't want a large collection but it would be very limiting. I mentioned liquidity earlier, that would be a major consideration, while I could be wrong, I have a sense selling a lower tier item would be a lot easier. I guess the best I can do is buy the best within my budget

I don't mean to be argumentative but I believe you have stated that collectors should be studying and saving for a $10k + nihonto. I agree that this price opens up better quality pieces, but in the end there is no guarantee that others will think the piece is worth the price. The old saying goes "opinions are like -, everyone has one". I get the feeling that if you don't own a Rembrandt, than your art collection is lame.

Which means that a collector is financially taking more of a risk with a $12k blade vs $4k

If I bought a sword at $12k, from a trusted dealer, at retail, on average how long would it take to break even if I had to sell? I know this is very general.

Rayhan, I think your logic is correct but most collectors defy logic and operate with emotion. I also think there is a trial and error period, which helps us understand what we like and don't like. Taste can change.

Spot on Chandler!

Thanks Bobby, that's exactly what I mean. Seems like a good marketing tool to include a wide range of buyers. I posted this question, not exactly for myself, but in wonder why a dealer wouldn't corner more of the market.

Might have to disagree with your analogy. Understandable for some who deal in masterpieces. Not sure I'd call any hand forged blade pre school

Forgive the stupid question, but why don't dealers have a section selling low end blades? Seems every week there is someone on the forum asking to buy nihonto at the $2k and under mark and buying from a trusted name would seem to insure sales.

Great video. The skill and confidence that goes into that is mind blowing.

Interesting conversation. This seems to be an age old collecting debate. I'm not a tsuba collector but this issue covers swords in particular. For me, it is much easier to buy say a $5000 sword on the lower tier than laying out $10k for something special. Either purchase from reputable dealer, if sold down the road, would be lucky to break even but most likely sold at a loss. Seems the best way to come ahead is arm yourself with a lot of knowledge, time and patience. Very difficult hobby.