Chord

My take is that most knowledgeable people on this forum generally do not recommend that non-expert US and European buyers consider Japan as the primary place to buy from. I bought from Japan a few years ago and the experience was very good - but it seems much more difficult now despite the favorable Yen exchange. Besides US tariffs (and perhaps more restrictive UK/European policies) did the market change as well (in recent years)?

Hi, I am Chord - and I am really enjoying and am grateful for the knowledge passed on here by members. The art and history of Nihonto is captivating, and I am but a student of these and eager to learn.

I am not that knowledgeable - but I would be ecstatic to acquire a blade like that myself. Nicely shaped and pleasing hamon.

Thank you very much! I will look through those. I would think that an untrustworthy dealer would be quickly outed here on the forum. I bought a wakizashi from a Japanese dealer in 2023 (pre-tariffs), and that experience was great - but since that time, that dealer seems to have very little in stock - and what he does have is sold out quickly. I don't know if that is a common theme now or what. I was thinking to look in Japan again both because of the yen issue and in theory that is still where most nihonto remains - but perhaps I should not limit myself there.

I am new to the forum, not new to Nihonto - though very far from an expert. I am also very intrigued by the yen to dollar situation - but also understand the tariffs. I have been looking through the resources and may have missed something obvious... Is there a clear short list of Japanese dealers that can be absolutely trusted - on this forum? Thanks very much in advance.