Long time Ground-Shipping from Japan

[DarrylDkrs]

Hi guys, 

 

I am an absolute newbie to Nihonto. I have no experience how fast ancient blades start to rust, but i know how fast modern steels start to pack up oxidation. And i guess old blades won't be that different and this is a major concern for me in regard of my recent purchase. 

 

After my winning bid on Catawiki the Japanese Seller (btw: who is listed as a private seller on Catawiki, but i just found out, that he is a professional seller with several accounts on Catawiki and other Platforms, as well as running a own website) 

 

told me, that EMS is not possible to my destination. I checked on that and it turns out that EMS indeed seems to reject all swords that can't be sent via a direct connection. 

 

Seller told me, he has to send via Ground-Shipping which will take 3 to 6 Months 😱. 

 

Is it really Ground-Shipping? I can't imagine any route from Japan to Europe on Ground that would be suitable for sending a sword without it getting lost. 

 

Most probably it will be via Ship.... But how is any blade going to survive such a long trip on a salty ship? 

 

I am seriously considering to cancel the order. Is there any experience on how long a blade can survive without beeing oiled periodically ? 

 

Does anyone know a carrier from Japan to Germany that transports swords in an acceptable time-frame? 

[DoTanuki yokai]

Aoi Japan can send blades with ups to Germany but this is based on a special contract with Aoi Japan and ups. 
 

Usually UPS don’t send swords and won’t do it for private people. 
 

I have once ordered Tamahagane that was sent via ground because of the weight and it arrived safely without corrosion after 96 days. 
 

I think a blade well packaged can also get away with this without damage but I wouldn’t try it.  :/