New To Japanese Swords

[mackan110]

Hi

 

I hope this is the right place to post this.

 

 

I have an interest in collecting all kinda of things from WW2 and I want to focus on Japan.

 

Do you have any suggestion on books (swords from ww2) that are good information?

 

i have seen people talking about "John slough" but can't find that book. Do you have any other books that are a good start? 

 

thanks

 

 

[Ray Singer]

A copy of Slough's book was recently posted for sale in the FB group below.

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1310291582446519/?source_id=361556667382125

[Ray Singer]

There are also many threads in this board related to the best books to start with. Nakahara, Yamanaka and Nagayama are frequently recommended.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/9782-best-five-or-so-books-for-beginning-nihonto/

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/1901-best-reference-book/

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/4722-book-question/

 

Etc...

 

I'd start by sending an inquiry to Grey Doffin.

 

http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/

[Blazeaglory]

As stated above, I would start with, "The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords", by Kokan Nagayama.

 

It is probably one of the best sources for beginners (and pros alike!). It can be a little daunting at first but my advice would be to find that book and read it slowly, over time, as well as keeping it handy for constant reference. I can tell you that I am always running to that book to cross check one thing or verify another.

 

Also, try to get to as many Nihonto shows, or similar events, as you can. In the mean while, read as much as you can on this message board and look at as many photos of different types (schools, smiths, etc...) as you can.

 

.

[Guest Rayhan]

If you're specifically looking for Gendaito educational material then

 

1) https://yumecollection.com/education/useful-links

 

There is a link to military swords of Japan

 

2) The book titled "Modern Japanese swords: the beginning of the Gendaito era" by Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Leo Monson

 

Good places to start but you will need some foundational knowledge as members have stated here

[mackan110]

Thank you all so much! 

 

I can't wait to get started :D

[Mister Gunto]

Modern Japanese swords and Swordsmiths by Knapp and Yoshihara is also a good one. 

[Surfson]

I would suggest starting with the book by John Yumoto. Many of the foregoing are for more advanced collectors. Good luck with the hobby - it's very satisfying but quite a bit addicting!