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. 

[tlzkaasen]

That sounds like my dream trip. One day when I'm retired.  I did have few opportunities about 5-7 years ago while my son was stationed there.  I was never able to get the timing down. My loss, but probably saved me a TON of money.

 

I know Tariffs were brought up several times.  HTS Code 9706.00.00.00 is confirmed as the correct U.S. tariff classification for importing antiques over 100 years old, including Japanese swords over 100 years old.  You should be fine as long as you document correctly for the swords trip home.

 

 

[Toryu2020]

I am going to say rather than trying to cram for this like a test, you could hire an expert for the day. There are ex-pats (experts) who are currently living in Japan that specialize in this field. Someone like Paul Martin or better yet Robert Hughes who is on this board could I am sure act as a guide for a day at a small fee, take you to sword shops, help you negotiate deals, help you recognize quality and later handle export procedures. 

 

This way you can travel with confidence and avoid a feeling of being lost or unable to communicate thus ensuring a happier experience...

 

-t

[Davo]

15 hours ago, tlzkaasen said:

That sounds like my dream trip. One day when I'm retired.  I did have few opportunities about 5-7 years ago while my son was stationed there.  I was never able to get the timing down. My loss, but probably saved me a TON of money.

 

I know Tariffs were brought up several times.  HTS Code 9706.00.00.00 is confirmed as the correct U.S. tariff classification for importing antiques over 100 years old, including Japanese swords over 100 years old.  You should be fine as long as you document correctly for the swords trip home.

 

 

It actually was much less than i expected.  I am between jobs and thats why i have limited time.  2 weeks hotel and round trip from texas is 2.5 to 3k. 

 

[atm]

@Toryu2020 has given you an excellent suggestion. As a bonus, Robert Hughes @Keichodo is a fun guy to be around.

[Bugyotsuji]

My first thought was that this is a nice idea, but dream on. Unless you have super powers, naturally including a photographic memory, it would be an impossible task in three months, or even a year. Much better to find a very good example already in the US, and it might even be cheaper.

 

In fact, though, after reading some of the advice here, it does seem possible to narrow down the task somewhat. You will never get a 100% perfect result, even if all your careful timings and plans fall into line. There will always be an element of gamble and risk, and you'll have to keep open the possibility of coming away empty-handed, but you might find something, and it will certainly be a fun trip! And you'll almost certainly want to go again!

 

Wishing you good luck, and please keep us updated!

[Stephen]

1 hour ago, Toryu2020 said:

I am going to say rather than trying to cram for this like a test, you could hire an expert for the day. There are ex-pats (experts) who are currently living in Japan that specialize in this field. Someone like Paul Martin or better yet Robert Hughes who is on this board could I am sure act as a guide for a day at a small fee, take you to sword shops, help you negotiate deals, help you recognize quality and later handle export procedures. 

 

This way you can travel with confidence and avoid a feeling of being lost or unable to communicate thus ensuring a happier experience...

 

-t

Tom gave you the advice I was going to give you.

I would hire Bobby to meet you and show you the ropes and even some shops he will not let you down.

Learning is a life long experience in Nihonto, cramming for it will just Cloud the issues. Just learn the basics and nomenclature. Have fun enjoy the adventure it's a long ride.

[Davo]

On 8/1/2025 at 6:59 PM, Rayhan said:

Sorry, did I miss the budget threshold?

I was thinking expensive but for my first Nihonto I think $4k is a good start. Then as I learn more and maybe a year or two down the road I could go more $8k to $15k 

[Davo]

I really appreciate everyone for taking the time to respond and give advice.  It is reassuring to know there are good people here and I’m sure elsewhere to support me on my journey.  

[Stephen]

1 hour ago, Davo said:

I think $4k is a good start.

Respectful starting price but think Wakizashi, for that price you can get a very good one.

[klee]

In my opinion

 

If you try to learn every little thing before byuing and trying to pick out a perfect 1st piece, you will probably never get there.

 

For me, I picked a nihonto time period that I was most interested in which was muromachi. Specifically sengoku jidai.

 

You will eventually find a blade that draws you in . Wether it s shape ( sugata ) , jigane, hamon, or all the above that fits your budget. You cant really go wrong with a papered blade from a reputable dealer in the $4000 range. This will become your starting point. You may love the school/smith and seek for more from the same or decide to move in another direction.

 

A papered blade in the $4000 range will be fairly easy to find a new home should you decide to sell to make room. Maybe take a slight loss.

 

It may sound hasty but you need a blade in hand to study in order to find out what you truly want. Online listings and descriptions wont get you there.

 

And do not be swayed by bias and opinions. Incredible nihonto were produced in every era and everyone will have a different opinion of the era they like.

[tlzkaasen]

Great advice!  

[tlzkaasen]

9 hours ago, Davo said:

It actually was much less than i expected.  I am between jobs and thats why i have limited time.  2 weeks hotel and round trip from texas is 2.5 to 3k. 

 

Wow!  Not bad at all.....

[Davo]

5 hours ago, Stephen said:

Respectful starting price but think Wakizashi, for that price you can get a very good one.

What do you think about this site?  They have many affordable Nihonto including this wazakashi https://shop.nihontou.jp/products/detail/29520

[Stephen]

Davo you don't want that did you expand the blade and see all the lamination folds exposed, even it's description if you look at it in English says heavily polished,  sure has a lot of The Bling you want but you would tire of that quickly once you've seen better blades in your learning.

You're going to have to ask other members about Japanese shops I've not bought sword in many years.

 

[Rawa]

5 hours ago, Davo said:

What do you think about this site?  They have many affordable Nihonto including this wazakashi https://shop.nihontou.jp/products/detail/29520

Watch out for this site. It have all from bottom. Posting pics of their Kanehide [1944] and Slough's pages.

[Rawa]

And another page. Gimei as hell.

[Rayhan]

17 hours ago, Davo said:

I was thinking expensive but for my first Nihonto I think $4k is a good start. Then as I learn more and maybe a year or two down the road I could go more $8k to $15k 

 

How long will you be in Japan? Tokyo only?

[Davo]

9 hours ago, Rawa said:

And another page. Gimei as hell.

And this area is always blurry on the papers. I wondered about that. 

[Davo]

20 hours ago, klee said:

In my opinion

 

If you try to learn every little thing before byuing and trying to pick out a perfect 1st piece, you will probably never get there.

 

For me, I picked a nihonto time period that I was most interested in which was muromachi. Specifically sengoku jidai.

 

You will eventually find a blade that draws you in . Wether it s shape ( sugata ) , jigane, hamon, or all the above that fits your budget. You cant really go wrong with a papered blade from a reputable dealer in the $4000 range. This will become your starting point. You may love the school/smith and seek for more from the same or decide to move in another direction.

 

A papered blade in the $4000 range will be fairly easy to find a new home should you decide to sell to make room. Maybe take a slight loss.

 

It may sound hasty but you need a blade in hand to study in order to find out what you truly want. Online listings and descriptions wont get you there.

 

And do not be swayed by bias and opinions. Incredible nihonto were produced in every era and everyone will have a different opinion of the era they like.

Thank you that is great advice.  I’m gonna also post a lot and maybe I will find someone trusted to help that may even be around a shop to look at a blade for me. Although I have to beware of people trying to take advantage of my ignorance.  I am kinda assuming that anyone shady that’s been around here for a while doesn’t post much or they have been outed.  

[RichardY]

Hi .. if you have time.. do give Sokendo a try.. very nice place in shibuya .. abit on the high end side and they have the owner's  collection on display too in case you want to see what a good sword look like