My name is Ron Watson, .. I am Canadian. I am 62 years old, and for the past 35 + years have operated an Antique Business dealing primarily in Antique Weapons. Due to ever increasing Government Bureocracy I am in the process of shutting the business down. Where there were once hundreds of items per section there are now but few on offer. I also for the past 40 years operated a demolitions business removing all manner of man and God's creations with the use of explosives. I got interested accidentally in Nihonto about 30 years ago when I was offered a very tired osuriage tache ( cut down to a wakizashi ) with a heavily painted tsuba for $ 75.00. It was the tsuba that perked my curiosity and after spending many hours removing the heavy layer of paint, ... to my surprise what turned out was to be a very fine Ono school tsuba signed Fukushige. Since that time, I have added steadily to my collection of Samurai arts. In swords I have specialized in the Mishina School Smiths.
I have not limited my interest to swords however, and have been fortunate to acquire a full suit of Armour, several Tanegashima, yari, naginata, yanone, gunsen, jingasa, Samurai Dolls, tsuba, and other Fittings, Hachiwawa, Jitte. Many woodblock prints, and a prized Bronze Cannon of the 17th century. My personal library on the subject amounts to several dozens of books, and periodicals. The Study of the Arts of Japan is both complicated and at times full of pit falls. It is not a game for the weak of heart or pocketbook. It is far better to own one or two good pieces than a grouping of the mediocre. My advice to the beginner is study study, ask, ask, handle, handle. My opinion of eBay for the beginner at least, is to use it as a RED FLAG of what not to buy. Better to stick to reputable dealers who stand behind their products, and more importantly their reputation. May you all find that special happiness in aquiring the best you can afford and the supreme joy in sharing with others.
....... Ron Watson