Reputable dealers

[slashxu]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and pretty new to collecting Japanese swords. I was wondering if anyone can share some knowledge on which (online) dealers have good reputation selling authentic swords, with appraisal from societies such as NBTHK or not. It would be even better you had past experiences dealing with these dealers. I don't think eBay is suitable for me. I read quite a bit of negative things about it here and on other sites. I'm doing research and looking for sword shows around me, but would like to know some trustworthy online resources from experts. Thank you in advance!

 

-James

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome to the forum, James. Please tell us just how you are going about your research.

 

Knowing that you shouldn't buy on eBay is a good start, BTW, but have you invested in some good books to learn about Nihonto before you begin buying? Dealers should come much further down that research line.

 

Ken

[Derek]

Hello James,

I strongly recommend that you start your studies with Grey at

http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/

He is a member here, has a great selection, and is a true gentleman. His last book to me came so well wrapped, my wife accused me of spending a lot more than I did! Cheers.

 

Derek

[slashxu]

Ken,

 

Thanks. I have some books coming from Amazon. I'm currently just studying from online resources. A lot of wikipedia and google searches. Mainly on general knowledge of Japanese swords and Japanese sword history. I'm not rushing to buy since I don't know enough history. I think after tons of reading and history lessons, I will then be able to narrow down to a certain period of time in history with a few swordsmiths and their works that interest me. I think my collection and my further studies will focus on those and not go too far from that boundary. There is no such person who's an expert on everything, right?

 

Since I don't speak Japanese, this proves to be more difficult, but I'm trying thanks to online translations.

 

-James

[Gabriel L]

Dealers should come much later in your studies as has already been suggested. However, when you do get around to looking at stuff for sale, know that this very site actually has a decent list already posted: http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/links.html

[slashxu]

Thank you Derek and Gabriel. I will check it out.

 

-James

[Nihonto Chicken]

If you are serious about intelligently obtaining nihonto (whether just one or many), then your first few hundred dollars spent should be on books. Additionally you might find a mentor and attend a regional show, but those options aren't always available to everyone, but the books are. Here's a link to a thread on the subject of books:

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8341

 

Here is my meager, but I believe somewhat meaningful, entry to that thread:

 

"I believe my first book was Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945 (Fuller & Gregory). Not the ideal first text, but I bought it only because I was simultaneously purchasing my first nihonto at a militaria antique store, and this book plus my age assessment convinced me that the kamikaze tanto was legit, as it indeed proved to be, although with a mill steel blade as it turned out.

 

My first general text was Yumoto, and I still think it's not bad, it's better to spend a few more bucks and take small steps getting into the awfully deep waters of nihonto. From there it's a good move as many have mentioned to Sato and Yoshihara & Kapp, perhaps throw in Harris & Ogasawara and Bottomley & Hopson as well for spice.

 

What has perhaps not been mentioned so far is a robust glossary/dictionary of nihonto terms, such has been published by the To-ken Society of Great Britain and (I think) the Northern California Japanese Sword Club (likely others as well). Very helpful when running into new terms as one's education progresses.

 

Once one has a good start with these basics, it's time for The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Nagayama. Too much for a neophyte to begin with, this is a really good book for someone who has assimilated the other basic texts, and a branching point for more in-depth (and expensive) books (Fujishiro, etc). I have much admiration for the Nagayama text in "bringing it all together", a seriously worthwhile book, IMO."

[slashxu]

Thanks Rick.

 

-James

[nihonto1001]

I purchased my first higher end swords from Bob Benson, http://www.togishi.com, and have never regretted it. You will get a good sword at a better price. There is one sword that I never plan on selling.

 

I think the book before purchase idea is good, but I also understand wanting a real Samurai Sword, is something of an impulse purchase. So maybe get one, then read up. You will have a research subject to motivate you. If you go this route, ebay is definitely a bad place to shop.

 

If you go for the book first, maybe get some sword porn, like the Christies Compton Collection catalog. It has very good pictures and write ups on many nice swords and kodogu.

[slashxu]

Thanks Jon. Bob Benson's website has some good information and currently selling a couple really highend swords. I will also look into the Compton books. They look like they are great references but apparently not very easy to get. I know about those impulses, and I'm trying to refrain myself from them.

 

-James

[nihonto1001]

Hi James

 

Most of Bobs swords are not on his website. When you are ready, just call him and tell him you are a beginner and need help finding a good sword...

 

Also, there is a sword show in Tampa in February. It is a great opportunity to get some hands on learning.

[Ken-Hawaii]

James, please don't forget to sign each & every post, per the rules.

 

Bob Benson has nice blades, but don't expect any bargains.

 

Ken

[slashxu]

Will do Ken. Thanks for the tips.

 

Jon, that's good to know. I think trustworthy is important for beginner collectors like me. Thanks.

 

-James

[Adrian]

One more vote for Grey, a honest dealer with good communication. A pleasure to deal with him.

[takakage]

Hi,

 

I have a good trade with

 

http://www.cmmilitaryantiques.com/index.php

 

Sometimes he listed blades on e bay too.

[steve0]

John Grasso at http://www.nihonto.com.au is also a safe bet to deal with.

 

I got my first blade off him and will never sell it, he is good people.

[slashxu]

Thanks for the info Patrick and Steve. Will check out the sites.

 

-James

[Marius]

Add:

 

http://yakiba.com/welcome.htm

http://www.nihonto.com/itemsale.html

http://www.nihontocraft.com/japanese_sw ... _sale.html

 

All excellent dealers, with great items and great customer service. Bought from them all, excellent experience.

 

 

Of course there are more good dealers, no doubt.

[slashxu]

Thanks Mariusz! I hear you are a pretty good seller yourself

[YOJIMBO]

http://www.aoijapan.com/

 

good experience

 

best

Simon

[w.y.chan]

http://www.aoijapan.com/

 

good experience

 

best

Simon

 

Good experience with Aoi Art too.

 

If online always look around other dealers websites. Some Japanese dealers don't rate gendaitos as high as it should and sells them cheaper than normally seen elsewhere. A particular dealer sold a WW2 Okimasa 71.5cm special shrine dedication sword for the equivelent of $7.5k and he typically sells big name WW2 swords somewhat lower.

[slashxu]

Thanks for the info Simon and Chan! I have been to aoijapan's website. They have a great looking inventory. It's good to know they are good to deal with as well.

 

James

[raven2]

James, please don't forget to sign each & every post, per the rules.

 

Bob Benson has nice blades, but don't expect any bargains.

 

Ken

 

I would highly disagree with you, Ken. Bob sold me a very nice early shinto katana for a very good price. I have dealt with him on a number of things and I never felt his prices were bad.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Feel free to disagree, Fred. He lives about 10 miles from me, & those of us who work with & buy from him on a regular basis know better. Nice, good quality blades, yes; bargains, nope.

 

Ken

[Jean]

AFAIK, Bob's prices are market prices, unless you get a good discount... Just compare the juyo prices on different websites.

[raven2]

No big deal. I just don't like singling out one dealer, esp since you can say that most of the dealers here are at market prices.

[Jean]

There is no issue in this. Most dealers are at the market price, that's an economic law, beware of dealers having low prices or selling under the market prices, but that may account for different things, need of cash, defaults on the object, clearing...

 

The best deals I have found as so far (except with a few friends) are in NMB sale section.

 

The topic is: "Reputable Dealers" and not how to get bargains.

 

Now, this topic could have been opened and shut by replying: "go to the top of the page, click on "links", then go to Commercial 1/2/3/4, here are listed reputable dealers.

[Ken-Hawaii]

 

Ken

[ilikesword]

I'd like to cast a vote for TESTUGENDO.COM (http://www.tetsugendo.com/). I've dealt with these gentlemen for a few years now and their items are top notch!! They are very knowledgable and have great customer service!

 

 

 

 

Edwin

[Jean]

Listed in Commercial 3