What Do You Think?

[dominnimod]

What is a better investment? an early edo signed katana in poor conditions or an high end,good condition edo mumei katana?

[paulb]

Accepting that swords are a questionable investment in the first place you have to decide why you are buying it.

swords in poor condition are always a problem if you want to sell on. Unless they are by a very famous maker (in which case they are likely to have been cherished and not in poor condition) then they are extremely risky

Unsigned shinto blades are generally not regarded as commercially strong.

So as a buy that you want to sell on at a profit (an investment) both have their issues. On the other hand if you are buying because they appeal to you and you will enjoy studying and trying to learn from them then a good condition unsigned blade is likely to teach you more than a poor condition sword signed or otherwise.

[ROKUJURO]

Josh,

why is that high-end, good condition EDO MUMEI KATANA not signed?

Your question cannot be easily answered. You will have to compare the blade's quality which might be difficult if one blade is not polished. If both blades were on the same level, you should look at possible costs for restoration. Eventually, you have to decide following your taste.

[dominnimod]

Well,more than investment,it would be a very long-term investment, right now i just want to collect them because they appeal to me

[dominnimod]

Josh,

 

why is that high-end, good condition EDO MUMEI KATANA not signed?

 

Your question cannot be easily answered. You will have to compare the blade's quality which might be difficult if one blade is not polished. If both blades were on the same level, you should look at possible costs for restoration. Eventually, you have to decide following your taste.

Well,it actually have parts of an high end koshirae and seems that they took a good care of it

[w.y.chan]

Much depend on the price but I would choose a high end good condition mumei over poor condition signed pieces. One of the best blade I have once owned was mumei early Shinto, the signature was removed long ago so it can be passed off as a Sadamune but the blade was a masterpiece.

 

 

Wah

[Ken-Hawaii]

For an investment, don't choose either.  Paul is right that Nihonto can't really be considered as money-makers these days, & choosing Shinto blades doesn't help, if you plan to sell them to break even.  Kamakura & Nambokucho blades in good shape will always have a market. Otherwise, buy them because you like them.

 

Ken