How do I gain enough knowledge about Nihontos to make a purchase when I go to Japan in 3 months?

[robinalexander]

10 hours ago, Mikaveli said:

Next, find some reputable dealers

Davo, I can't recall seeing so much great advice and practical options being provided in one quick thread....nice.

 

But I reckon the quote above should be really up there in your priorities.

 

Good luck 

[Rayhan]

Sorry, did I miss the budget threshold?

[Sebuh]

I think that this is certainly quite the task, but i’d say just read the book, research what you like, make sure it is papered, no flaws. and you should leave happy with something nice.

 

first blade shouldn’t be a masterpiece, something you enjoy, to learn from and later you come back for something really grand.

 

1. Research, read books gain knowledge

2. Learn how to identify flaws, etc

3. Ensure the blade has papers, NBTHK

4. Most importantly make sure you enjoy it, I understand the excitement, but don’t buy something for the sake of buying something, there is always another time.

 

There is a list of good dealers somewhere in the forums i’m sure, but AoiArt is in central Tokyo in Shibuya, Eirakudo is another good one, most of their inventory is Koto which seems to be what you like. And far, far more dealers though those are what are on my mind now.

 

Have fun with it sounds like quite a quest, if you do find something make sure to show us! look forward to it!

 

Wish you well, safe travels.

[When Necessary]

Read these, especially the first one. You join the Internet Archive for free and then you can borrow these - just like a conventional library.

 

The connoisseur's book of Japanese swords : Nagayama, Kōkan, 1920- : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

 

FACTS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF Japanese SWORDS : a collector's guide : NAKAHARA, NOBUO : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

[Cola]

11 hours ago, Davo said:

Good advice. Yea I’m thinking to get an old Nihonto in good condition without flaws you mentioned would be too much for me to spend at this time due to me just getting into buying. Maybe I need to buy a newer Nihonto that would have minimal flaws and cost much less? 

 

Well yes, that's our eternal conundrum; an old, signed, flawless, papered, original length sword in great polish is going to cost more than a car. 

So you have to make concessions somewhere. Personally I find myself looking more at wakizashi, since there I can tick most boxes within my budget, and the craftmanship is just as impressive. 

But I can imagine size is more important for other collectors. 

[Rawa]

6 hours ago, When Necessary said:

Read these, especially the first one. You join the Internet Archive for free and then you can borrow these - just like a conventional library.

 

 

The connoisseur's book of Japanese swords : Nagayama, Kōkan, 1920- : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

 

FACTS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF Japanese SWORDS : a collector's guide : NAKAHARA, NOBUO : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Great place but getting one in paper is really good idea too. After overuse of screen either PC or smartphone I got the feeling Im going blind 

[Shugyosha]

16 hours ago, Davo said:

What are some trusted U.S. sources to get Nihonto ?

 

Hi Davo,

Have a look in the dealer showcase section - there are a number of USA based dealers there. Also, at the top of the forum there's a "Nihonto Info" tab, then look at "links," then "Commercial" and there's a quantity of links to dealers worldwide including the USA and Japan.