I need to make a decision tonight. I’m posting this maybe in wrong area but I need help.

[Davo]

I have been going crazy trying to find my first Nihonto. I found this Wakizashi that I maybe want. For sure if it’s good deal I want to buy now. It has interest by customers and may be gone soon.  I really want something just to stop my going crazy every night obsessing over owning a Nihonto. I feel this will help and the risk is low because it’s papered and I feel it has a look that if I needed to sale I could find a buyer easily.  Can I get some opinions please.  I will appreciate it so much.  https://www.touken-matsumoto.jp/en/product/shousai/WA-0808

 

My other option which looks very nice to me is this Wakizashi that has Tokubetsu status 

https://www.touken-matsumoto.jp/en/product/shousai/WA-0801

[CSM101]

You are an adult, you can go alone to the restroom and so you can make your own decisions. You dort need an advice. All I want to say is that when you want to resale you will have problems to get half of what you pay now.

[Ray Singer]

David, I replied to you previously on Reddit. It is likely that the Nobuie has an atobori horimono (a recent/modern carving that is not original to the blade). It would not be a huge surprise to me if the horimono was done by a gendai smith associated with the Gassan school.

[Robert S]

In my opinion, both of those blades are somewhat niche, which could impact ability to resell.  You should be making a decision on what you love, without expectation of resale.  If on the other hand resale is important to you, I'd look at more highly regarded schools and periods.

[Davo]

8 minutes ago, Ray Singer said:

David, I replied to you previously on Reddit. It is likely that the Nobuie has an atobori horimono (a recent/modern carving that is not original to the blade). It would not be a huge surprise to me if the horimono was done by a gendai smith associated with the Gassan school.

Oh ok. I was thinking because the picture on the papers had the horimono in it that it was real.  Ok I didn’t understand what you were saying in Reddit. Thanks so much.  

[Davo]

8 minutes ago, Robert S said:

In my opinion, both of those blades are somewhat niche, which could impact ability to resell.  You should be making a decision on what you love, without expectation of resale.  If on the other hand resale is important to you, I'd look at more highly regarded schools and periods.

Yeah. Or make sure I like what I’m getting. I just have never held or seen a Nihonto in person. Was worried it might not meet expectations and thus I might not be in for great monetary loss.  Guess I just need to be patient.  Thanks 

[Davo]

24 minutes ago, CSM101 said:

You are an adult, you can go alone to the restroom and so you can make your own decisions. You dort need an advice. All I want to say is that when you want to resale you will have problems to get half of what you pay now.

 

24 minutes ago, CSM101 said:

You are an adult, you can go alone to the restroom and so you can make your own decisions. You dort need an advice. All I want to say is that when you want to resale you will have problems to get half of what you pay now.

Well I’m not potty trained yet in Nihonto. So actually I did need help and got it and glad I posted so more knowledgeable people could help me and steer me in the right direction. If that makes me a child then so be it. 

[Shugyosha]

Dave,

Time is your friend. You don’t have to rush this: your sword money will still be in the bank when you know enough to make a more informed decision. 
 

 

 

[R_P]

@Davo Can we perhaps help you find what you love first from the Gokaden and go from there to help you on budget limits? If yes we can turn this thread into something interesting. I will begin by posting some sugata styles from there Jigane and Hamon types for you to gravitate towards and from there we will go to Boshi ? I would really appreciate older members postings and inputs if you can. 

 

Please look at the sugata and begin to pic something that speaks to you then we can progress. I will do my best to respond quickly.

 

[nulldevice]

I'll reiterate what has been said. Between the 30 or so sites I monitor, roughly 5-15 new blades come up for sale each day. You have all of the time in the world to find a blade that you like and more importantly decide what excites you. There are marked differences (as Rayhan pointed out in just shape alone above) between swords produced throughout the ages. Some will cost you a lot more than others and have certain features unique to them. 

 

Combine what you like with budget, and most importantly, patience and you'll find what you're looking for!

 

Edit: Depending on where you're at in Texas someone on here or possibly on one of the FaceBook nihonto groups might be local to you and be willing to show you some blades in hand. That would be ideal before purchasing any blade sight unseen. There is so much to see in person that internet photos just wont ever do justice. 

[R_P]

Agreed with Chandler! But if you have a minute to get to a target then let's try and assist.

[Rivkin]

Both of these blades have a bit of "beginner" friendly characteristics. They are forged in a way which is very forgiving to viewing angles, conditions, light etc..

Powerful, vivid imagery. I personally would go for o-kissaki blade - I like its forging a bit more and overall its unusual shape which can be quite attractive by itself. But echoing Ray I do not like the horimono, its a bit too much frankly.

 

Judging by these blades I suspect you'll like Okayama Bizen, Munetsugu/Sokan or Soshu hitatsura works. They can turn out to be better investments, but  moneywise, probably your first purchase will not be great in any case.

 

[George KN]

400,000 and 500,000 yen for those swords in the OP? That's twice as much as I've ever spent on a blade! 

 

Here's an alternative approach - if you don't have a specific smith, school, or style in mind yet, and are just really itching to get your first Nihonto, why not buy cheap for the first one or two? Like I can't recommend eBay at all, but you do see swords come up at local auctions, or antique markets fairly regularly. It seemingly takes a life-time to properly study Nihonto, but you can definitely learn to how to spot fakes, or differentiate WW2 blades from earlier swords very quickly. (Simply spending a few days scrolling back through old threads on this forum, reading one after another, taught me a huge amount when starting, even if I didn't understand it all) 

 

Sure, even with some study, your first sword or two will have plenty of flaws, be out of polish, have a damaged koshirae, or all three. Most will be mumei. Heck, you may even buy a fake, but they aren't going to break the bank if you only spend ~$600 per one. Most important, you will learn something each time, and it quickly forces you to do a lot of research. And resale wise, unless you've bought a fake or one with a fatal flaw, you're unlikely to lose a lot of money. 

 

But of course it does depend on what you want - you won't find an in-polish signed Koto work this way. But accidentally buying a few Shinto blades might make you realise Koto is actually what you really want if you simply don't know enough right now to form an opinion. 

[Mister Gunto]

Please, never feel like you have to rush to buy a sword. I've made that mistake myself. There are plenty on the market, with new blades turning up all the time. Take your time, be sure of what you want, and like.

 

Also, at those price ranges, there are several dealers here on this board who have some amazing blades on hand already here in the USA. You won't have to wait a month or more for export permission, nor risk having to pay extra on a tariff. 

[Davo]

4 hours ago, nulldevice said:

I'll reiterate what has been said. Between the 30 or so sites I monitor, roughly 5-15 new blades come up for sale each day. You have all of the time in the world to find a blade that you like and more importantly decide what excites you. There are marked differences (as Rayhan pointed out in just shape alone above) between swords produced throughout the ages. Some will cost you a lot more than others and have certain features unique to them. 

 

Combine what you like with budget, and most importantly, patience and you'll find what you're looking for!

 

Edit: Depending on where you're at in Texas someone on here or possibly on one of the FaceBook nihonto groups might be local to you and be willing to show you some blades in hand. That would be ideal before purchasing any blade sight unseen. There is so much to see in person that internet photos just wont ever do justice. 

Thanks.  This helps me calm down. It so hard to have a new passion and have to be patient. Hey but sometimes the anticipation can be rewarding also.  

[Davo]

3 hours ago, Mister Gunto said:

Please, never feel like you have to rush to buy a sword. I've made that mistake myself. There are plenty on the market, with new blades turning up all the time. Take your time, be sure of what you want, and like.

 

Also, at those price ranges, there are several dealers here on this board who have some amazing blades on hand already here in the USA. You won't have to wait a month or more for export permission, nor risk having to pay extra on a tariff. 

Thanks. Man so you know how hard it is to try and relax and be patient. And your mind gets all scrambled because you are trying to make decisions without proper knowledge of many factors. 

[Davo]

3 hours ago, George KN said:

400,000 and 500,000 yen for those swords in the OP? That's twice as much as I've ever spent on a blade! 

 

Here's an alternative approach - if you don't have a specific smith, school, or style in mind yet, and are just really itching to get your first Nihonto, why not buy cheap for the first one or two? Like I can't recommend eBay at all, but you do see swords come up at local auctions, or antique markets fairly regularly. It seemingly takes a life-time to properly study Nihonto, but you can definitely learn to how to spot fakes, or differentiate WW2 blades from earlier swords very quickly. (Simply spending a few days scrolling back through old threads on this forum, reading one after another, taught me a huge amount when starting, even if I didn't understand it all) 

 

Sure, even with some study, your first sword or two will have plenty of flaws, be out of polish, have a damaged koshirae, or all three. Most will be mumei. Heck, you may even buy a fake, but they aren't going to break the bank if you only spend ~$600 per one. Most important, you will learn something each time, and it quickly forces you to do a lot of research. And resale wise, unless you've bought a fake or one with a fatal flaw, you're unlikely to lose a lot of money. 

 

But of course it does depend on what you want - you won't find an in-polish signed Koto work this way. But accidentally buying a few Shinto blades might make you realise Koto is actually what you really want if you simply don't know enough right now to form an opinion. 

True. Good advice. I have the itch and I need to scratch it. Even a cheap Nihonto can alleviate this problem. It will help me calm down. 

[Davo]

4 hours ago, Rayhan said:

Agreed with Chandler! But if you have a minute to get to a target then let's try and assist.

Yes I need to relax and try to narrow my target. It is so hard when you find a new passion but need more knowledge and help to make decisions. Takes patience. I see all those Nihonto and my heart starts racing but my mind is also at 100mph and unable to properly think critically without enough knowledge.  And then I have met people who target me because of my ignorance and vulnerability.  Luckily I’m able to navigate some of those obstacles now that I’m a little more aware. But it would be nice to have some trusted help.  It seems almost a necessity starting out.  That’s why I can say years from now when I’m able I will help newcomers for sure.  

[Lexvdjagt]

David,

 

I think it is wise to calm down, and take some time to get to know Nihonto. I would advise against buying any blade in this state of mind. You will need to indulge yourself in the hobby first. Go to a sword meet-up close to you to view some swords in real life. This will help you to truly understand the hobby and what you want to own.

 

If you are in no particular rush now, then the best thing to do is wait.

 

Greetings,

Lex

[oli]

hi,

 

both Wakizashi are healthy, papered and are looking nice. Don't understand why so many are against this purchase. 

They are in the price range 2000-3000 $ , nether saw an offer that is cheaper or half of the price. 

[Sansei]

David, I agree with Lex. If you don't want to travel to Orlando or Chicago for a large sword show, there may be smaller groups in Texas where you can get up close and personal with some blades:

 

"For Texas-specific events, check with the Texas Token Kai in Austin for potential local meetings or unlisted shows: contact John Stewart at txtokenkai@hotmail.com. Updates can also be found on sites like www.japaneseswordindex.com or www.ncjsc.org, as show schedules may change." - Grok.

 

[Stephen]

Davo

Your hell bent on buying a sword no matter the advice,  Go for it sometimes it's good learning tool.

 

We get several ppl like you a year.

You know how many are left, not many.

 

So I said get it out of your system if it's a mistake you learn from it, if it's hit all the better for you.

[Cola]

I think there's two ways of looking at it, I clearly see it happening in this topic. The view of a dealer and the view of a hobbyist.

As a dealer you want something that is resellable, preferably gains value over time, and is priced in such a way that you can recoup the shipping and taxes if you sell it on.

As a hobbyist, you want something you like, find interesting etc. and the sell-ability is not that important. 

Should a hobbyist care if they sell it later with a loss of 1K $? If you have a hobby car, you can lose that kind of money every year on maintenance. It's just money spent on your hobby. 

 

If I look at these two examples, I think they are interesting; the Nobuie one has an intestesting shape and Hamon, but as others said, it would be better without horimono; 

The one by Ikeda Ryuken Isshu has a tokuho certificate, but I worry that the boshi runs out of the kissaki; but I'm not 100% sure that is the case based on the pictures. 

 

I have no idea about the resellability of either blade, but as a collector perhaps you don't care that much. What you might ask from a collectors perspective is: "can I get something better for my budget?"

For that question you should define what "better" means for you. For me the weird horimono and the possible boshi problem would be a pass, but if I had to pick I'd go for Nobuie. 

 

 

 

[oli]

I don‘t see any Problem with the Boshi….

[Matsunoki]

6 minutes ago, oli said:

I don‘t see any Problem with the Boshi….

Makes me a bit nervous🙂

[Alex A]

Edit, tired of sounding like a broken record with these type of threads.

[Davo]

9 hours ago, Rayhan said:

@Davo Can we perhaps help you find what you love first from the Gokaden and go from there to help you on budget limits? If yes we can turn this thread into something interesting. I will begin by posting some sugata styles from there Jigane and Hamon types for you to gravitate towards and from there we will go to Boshi ? I would really appreciate older members postings and inputs if you can. 

 

Please look at the sugata and begin to pic something that speaks to you then we can progress. I will do my best to respond quickly.

 

This is hard to pick sugata. The only blades I have and have seen in person are what are normal for modern day Chinese replica. Approx 28 inches Sori I forget but I think approx 1.5cm to 1.8cm and Chu kissaki.  Truthfully I think I would like a lot of them. Ok so we can take the latest six and I would take any if other features that we will get into after this are something I like. I think I like o-kissaki of course if straighter blade and chu kissaki for more curve sori in blade. This is hard because I haven’t held a katana that is straighter.   I wonder if I narrowed anything down?   And technically I think the first of the last six, middle one that is shorter and nakago is short. Probably like a wazakashi?  If a wazakashi that has longer blade would have better features and be nicer for less price I can go that way also.  Sorry it’s hard to explain this one. It’s easier for me to maybe pick other things like hamon etc.  But maybe o-kissaki with a hamon that works with it. I will know when I see a Hamon and can visualize it on the kissaki 

[Davo]

5 hours ago, Lexvdjagt said:

David,

 

I think it is wise to calm down, and take some time to get to know Nihonto. I would advise against buying any blade in this state of mind. You will need to indulge yourself in the hobby first. Go to a sword meet-up close to you to view some swords in real life. This will help you to truly understand the hobby and what you want to own.

 

If you are in no particular rush now, then the best thing to do is wait.

 

Greetings,

Lex

Thanks for your help. For sure I will relax and after some time I may reach out to you again. I appreciate your assistance 

[R_P]

3 hours ago, Davo said:

This is hard to pick sugata. The only blades I have and have seen in person are what are normal for modern day Chinese replica. Approx 28 inches Sori I forget but I think approx 1.5cm to 1.8cm and Chu kissaki.  Truthfully I think I would like a lot of them. Ok so we can take the latest six and I would take any if other features that we will get into after this are something I like. I think I like o-kissaki of course if straighter blade and chu kissaki for more curve sori in blade. This is hard because I haven’t held a katana that is straighter.   I wonder if I narrowed anything down?   And technically I think the first of the last six, middle one that is shorter and nakago is short. Probably like a wazakashi?  If a wazakashi that has longer blade would have better features and be nicer for less price I can go that way also.  Sorry it’s hard to explain this one. It’s easier for me to maybe pick other things like hamon etc.  But maybe o-kissaki with a hamon that works with it. I will know when I see a Hamon and can visualize it on the kissaki 

Ok let us ignore the Hanwei stuff/ China replica as they have no bearing here. Instead we will look at O-Kissaki to start. Most collectors new and old have some love for O-Kissaki but on that mountain there are Kings (none in your budget) and there are outliers that can be surprising. 

 

When looking at O-Kissaki you will have 3 eras to observe. We know O-Kissaki started in the Nanbokucho era and some can be found in the early Muromachi period then going into the ShinShinto eras and finally you get them in Modern times. Some of the Kings of O-Kissaki are:

 

Nanbokucho (Koto)

Chogi, Shizu, Naoe Shizu, Nobukuni, Kencho, Hasabe, Motoshige, Kanemitsu, Norishige (period specific, he later changed to Heian Sugata), Kunimitsu, etc, etc but to help you see them you can see these links (not for buying but observing, I am using online links as most people do not buy books anymore, why? no idea.) * Note that in the downloads section in the NMB you will find a lot of material also.

https://markussesko.com/articles/

https://www.sho-shin.com/

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/masamune-no-jittetsu

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/sadamune-no-santetsu

 

From the Muromachi you will see things like this:

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords2/KT219471.htm (not exactly O-Kissaki but still a powerful Sugata. I have seen this one in hand in Osaka and I think the day will come when it walks into TJ, but that is another thread). 

 

Going into the ShinShinto you will see the kings of O-Kissaki are Satsuma, Kiyomaro and his school

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/satsuma-province-swordsmiths

https://taiseido.biz/products/detail/pg93.html

 

Those are just a few examples. But you have a budget so scouring through what little liks I have in your budget we can find a few items like so (Japan only as you want to buy there) I have taken liberty to go from 400K to 800K JPY.

 

https://www.tsuruginoya.com/items/a00646.html

https://www.tsuruginoya.com/items/a00659.html (Naginata Naoshi, not O-Kissaki but might still get the heart pumping. Note that Naginata Naoshi do not retain value very well and is a have a specific type of collector that appreciates them) 

https://world-seiyudo.com/product/ska-120124/ (will paper for sure)

https://www.sanmei.com/contents/media/S72306_S1304_PUP_E.html (will not paper because the smith is still living, I think?)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-988.html 9not magnificent O-Kissaki but a nice Kissaki in terms of shape, condition is another story)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-811.html 9more of an Iaido sword, smith is still alive)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-911.html (Nobukuni has archetypical sword styles and this isn't really one of them but for the sugata it is ok. Condition is polished down so you might be buying a sugata and shape you like but very little to learn from)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-846.html (strange one but papered. Condition issues as polished down and Muromachi) 

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-878.html (not O-Kissaki but nice Sugata and could be papered in the future with Koshirae it would be a nice starter)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-467.html (Issues on the Nakago, Massive sword, unkown school but has papers, needs a polish to bring out the disco)

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords5/NT329440.htm (will paper in the future, I think the smith is still alive)

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords11/NT334358.htm (will paper, to get masame right on a sword this long is a feat on its own, but needs a polish maybe)

https://www.touken-matsumoto.jp/en/product/ichiran/tachi_and_katana

 

 

These are a few suggestions based on your O-Kissaki comment but if you want to narrow it further then Era, Hamon, Jigane, etc needs to come into play. There is no shame in buying a ShinShinto to Modern sword if forged well and has elements of learning just for the Hamon, Jigane, hataraki and such. If you want something more in the future you will have no issues selling them (especially if papered) and then going forward. No you do not need to lose money but be smart about it. Now in Unicorn teritory you will find swords at high prices but keep in mind that Unicorns have specific buyers and you have to hold it for a long time as oposed to fater moving lower priced items. Remember that when you really know what you want, gravitating to a Unicorn and having just the one sword collection is an achievement on its own. You dont have to have Osaka castles collection to have a great sword collection, you just need that one. And no, do not just buy what you like, you will like a lot of stuff at this stage, the point is to progress. We all had lots of lovers but in general we are working through a process of elimination to find the one. 

 

Before you go gallivanting into dealers in Japan please learn the proper etiquette before hand of handelling the swords as mistakes here will get you thrown out and the community is so small that word spreds. You won't find anything after that. Also make appointments and send them the links to the swords you want to see. Buy from the right dealers and you will build a great relationship. Buy from the sharks and you will be used and abused all week. 

 

Caution:

 

Aoi Art swords:

 

This dealer is very approachable and it is hit and miss with them so you really need to know what you are looking at and for. 

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/img/sword/2025/25235-2.jpg

https://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-sakuyo-bakkashi-hosokawa-masamori-kao/ (One of my favorite ShinShinto smiths)

 

 

Others you might like:

https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tachi&katana_A060224.html

https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tachi&katana_A101024.html

https://www.e-sword.jp/katana/2510-1069.htm (The interesting thing with swords like this is they will paper if the Mei is intact and the smith is no longer alive. Then you really have a full parcel)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-852.html (condition issues)

 

When you narrow stuff down we can go into pro and con of each, at this price range there are always cons and it is an accepted known.

 

 

 

 

[Davo]

2 hours ago, Rayhan said:

Ok let us ignore the Hanwei stuff/ China replica as they have no bearing here. Instead we will look at O-Kissaki to start. Most collectors new and old have some love for O-Kissaki but on that mountain there are Kings (none in your budget) and there are outliers that can be surprising. 

 

When looking at O-Kissaki you will have 3 eras to observe. We know O-Kissaki started in the Nanbokucho era and some can be found in the early Muromachi period then going into the ShinShinto eras and finally you get them in Modern times. Some of the Kings of O-Kissaki are:

 

Nanbokucho (Koto)

Chogi, Shizu, Naoe Shizu, Nobukuni, Kencho, Hasabe, Motoshige, Kanemitsu, Norishige (period specific, he later changed to Heian Sugata), Kunimitsu, etc, etc but to help you see them you can see these links (not for buying but observing, I am using online links as most people do not buy books anymore, why? no idea.) * Note that in the downloads section in the NMB you will find a lot of material also.

https://markussesko.com/articles/

https://www.sho-shin.com/

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/masamune-no-jittetsu

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/sadamune-no-santetsu

 

From the Muromachi you will see things like this:

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords2/KT219471.htm (not exactly O-Kissaki but still a powerful Sugata. I have seen this one in hand in Osaka and I think the day will come when it walks into TJ, but that is another thread). 

 

Going into the ShinShinto you will see the kings of O-Kissaki are Satsuma, Kiyomaro and his school

https://www.nihonto-museum.com/collection/satsuma-province-swordsmiths

https://taiseido.biz/products/detail/pg93.html

 

Those are just a few examples. But you have a budget so scouring through what little liks I have in your budget we can find a few items like so (Japan only as you want to buy there) I have taken liberty to go from 400K to 800K JPY.

 

https://www.tsuruginoya.com/items/a00646.html

https://www.tsuruginoya.com/items/a00659.html (Naginata Naoshi, not O-Kissaki but might still get the heart pumping. Note that Naginata Naoshi do not retain value very well and is a have a specific type of collector that appreciates them) 

https://world-seiyudo.com/product/ska-120124/ (will paper for sure)

https://www.sanmei.com/contents/media/S72306_S1304_PUP_E.html (will not paper because the smith is still living, I think?)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-988.html 9not magnificent O-Kissaki but a nice Kissaki in terms of shape, condition is another story)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-811.html 9more of an Iaido sword, smith is still alive)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-911.html (Nobukuni has archetypical sword styles and this isn't really one of them but for the sugata it is ok. Condition is polished down so you might be buying a sugata and shape you like but very little to learn from)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-846.html (strange one but papered. Condition issues as polished down and Muromachi) 

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-878.html (not O-Kissaki but nice Sugata and could be papered in the future with Koshirae it would be a nice starter)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-467.html (Issues on the Nakago, Massive sword, unkown school but has papers, needs a polish to bring out the disco)

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords5/NT329440.htm (will paper in the future, I think the smith is still alive)

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords11/NT334358.htm (will paper, to get masame right on a sword this long is a feat on its own, but needs a polish maybe)

https://www.touken-matsumoto.jp/en/product/ichiran/tachi_and_katana

 

 

These are a few suggestions based on your O-Kissaki comment but if you want to narrow it further then Era, Hamon, Jigane, etc needs to come into play. There is no shame in buying a ShinShinto to Modern sword if forged well and has elements of learning just for the Hamon, Jigane, hataraki and such. If you want something more in the future you will have no issues selling them (especially if papered) and then going forward. No you do not need to lose money but be smart about it. Now in Unicorn teritory you will find swords at high prices but keep in mind that Unicorns have specific buyers and you have to hold it for a long time as oposed to fater moving lower priced items. Remember that when you really know what you want, gravitating to a Unicorn and having just the one sword collection is an achievement on its own. You dont have to have Osaka castles collection to have a great sword collection, you just need that one. And no, do not just buy what you like, you will like a lot of stuff at this stage, the point is to progress. We all had lots of lovers but in general we are working through a process of elimination to find the one. 

 

Before you go gallivanting into dealers in Japan please learn the proper etiquette before hand of handelling the swords as mistakes here will get you thrown out and the community is so small that word spreds. You won't find anything after that. Also make appointments and send them the links to the swords you want to see. Buy from the right dealers and you will build a great relationship. Buy from the sharks and you will be used and abused all week. 

 

Caution:

 

Aoi Art swords:

 

This dealer is very approachable and it is hit and miss with them so you really need to know what you are looking at and for. 

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/img/sword/2025/25235-2.jpg

https://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-sakuyo-bakkashi-hosokawa-masamori-kao/ (One of my favorite ShinShinto smiths)

 

 

Others you might like:

https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tachi&katana_A060224.html

https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tachi&katana_A101024.html

https://www.e-sword.jp/katana/2510-1069.htm (The interesting thing with swords like this is they will paper if the Mei is intact and the smith is no longer alive. Then you really have a full parcel)

https://www.samurai-nippon.net/smp/item/P-852.html (condition issues)

 

When you narrow stuff down we can go into pro and con of each, at this price range there are always cons and it is an accepted known.

 

 

 

 

I am going to look over all you sent. But I feel so much more relaxed after seeing some of the Nihonto sale listings.  Now I can see there is not going to be a shortage of options now or in the future.  I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to help me.  In fact I feel so much more calm now I can finally go to sleep. I have been awake for a few days looking at Nihonto and posting and talking to people.  So I will have questions after I am rested and clear minded. Lol.   Truly appreciate this. I am a registered nurse and I am used to helping people but not used to people actually helping me.