Looking for Resources/Books to build knowledge on

[deadreconing11]

Hey guys! Jaykob here,

 

If you haven’t already guessed from my previous posts, or from my introduction. My knowledge is still fairly amateur.

Other than whatever knowledge and books my grandfather left me. As a 20 year old with no formal experience, while learning everything mostly on my own. I’ve hit a wall. 
 

I’m looking to expand my knowledge with anything I can get my hands on, to become a more competent and educated collector. Can anyone recommend any books or resources I can acquire?
 

Especially about basic concepts of collecting Nihonto, to ensure my foundation is structurally sound. I’d like to find books that have information on the different schools, and their different styles of forging with photo examples of different works done by the school. Also some good books that go in-depth into hada, nie, yasurime and other important but minute details that show on the blade.
 

 I’ve done some searching through the forum and have some books in mind, but can you guys recommend any in particular? Publications written in Japanese are fine as well. 
 

I already own some of the Kanzan Sato Books, some vintage Sotheby’s Antique Japanese auction listing booklets, and a few of other books about tsuba, koshirae, and a bigger Katchu book. That I wasn’t able to bring with me on during the move just yet. Those are just what I remember off the top of my head. 
 

I do apologize for the slight gaps in my knowledge, I’m always actively trying to improve. Thank you!

[Mark S.]

At the very top of this site next to the NMB logo there are 3 lines.  Click on it and go to both the Nihonto Info and Downloads section.  There is a wealth of FREE information right there.  I highly recommend downloading the Nihonto Compendium by Markus Sesko.  Then move on to Markus Sesko’s website and there are all kinds of books to purchase.  The downloadable books are less expensive and at certain times of year he offers large discounts (usually X-mas, but there have been others).  The A-Z of Smiths, the Koto, Shinto, and Shinshinto Meikan, there is a breakdown of schools book (sorry, don’t remember name), and the Encyclopedia are good references.  
 

Sooner or later you will be recommended “The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords” by Kokan Nagayama and “Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords” by Nobuo Nakahara 

 

Others will give their ideas as well.

[deadreconing11]

Thank you! Sorry for the late response, I don’t think my last reply went through the other day. I will definitely be spending most of my time reading these!