Help with Blade Condition

[PEF87]

Hi, I'm looking for some assistance with purchasing a sword for my father. He's been a martial artist for decades, a black belt in Karate and Aikido. He's always wanted, but never purchased a true Japanese sword, so I decided I'm going to get him one.

 

I've done some research and found what seems to be a reputable store with a selection of antique swords with NBTHK paperwork.

 

The problem is I don't know what I'm looking at, and was hoping for some help in understanding the condition of the blade.

 

I've inculuded some photos from the listing. It is attributed to Uda from the Muramachi period. Comes with fittings, mounted blade down, and a fairly fancy sheath for ~$4K USD. 

 

https://imgur.com/a/zsc4YKT

[klee]

Hi @PEF87

 

What an awesome idea for a gift !

 

It would depend on what he plans to do with a the sword. A modern blade would definitely be the way to go if he plans on iaito and tameshigiri.

 

If this is something for artistic and historical appreciation , then you can definitely find something he d love for around $4000 usd.

 

The condition in that price range will vary depending on the smith and time period. I personally love muromachi blades and decent ones can definitely be had around that range. Id love to provide you with some links to listings.

 

There are also shinto ( year 1600 + )

And shinshinto ( year 1770 + ) but I am not very familiar with those timelines.

 

Generally , In my personal opinion, shinto and shinshinto swords will be in better condition but lacks historical and artistic appeal for me. 

 

This is of course grossly simplified description for ease of understanding and you ll soon see that there are endless pathways and considerations to take as a buyer / collector

 

 

Happy to help if you have any questions

 

 

[PEF87]

Thanks @klee!

 

Are you able to see the pics in this imgur link? If not I can send you the listing I'm looking at.

 

https://imgur.com/a/zsc4YKT

 

He definitely would have used it for iaido when he was younger, but not anymore. I do want something he can handle from time to time, but he wouldn't be practicing with it. 

Edited November 24, 2025 by PEF87

[klee]

You are most welcome @PEF87 !

 

And yes the link to the listing will be great. Cant seem to open the imgur link

[PEF87]

@klee just sent you the link through PM

[Schneeds]

This collector guide, written by member Rivkin, may be of help to you. 

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/files/file/125-nihonto-collecting-guide/

[Bruce Pennington]

I see no images on those links, either.

[eternal_newbie]

4 hours ago, PEF87 said:

https://imgur.com/a/zsc4YKT

This link appears to either be deleted or incorrect, it just redirects to the imgur homepage.

[PEF87]

[PEF87]

[PEF87]

@eternal_newbie 

@Bruce Pennington

 

Not sure what's going on. The other forums I use embed the imgur post. I also couldn't link directly to the original URL. I uploaded a few to hopefully help.

 

Klee was kind enough to give me some direction via PM yesterday and basically said it was nice, but overpriced at $4.5K.

 

Specifications:

Nagasa : 64.7cm

Sori : 0.5cm

Motohaba : 25.4mm

Motokasane : 5.3mm 

Sakihaba: 14.7mm

Sakikasane: 3.6mm

 

 

Edited November 25, 2025 by PEF87

[eternal_newbie]

47 minutes ago, PEF87 said:

Klee was kind enough to give me some direction via PM yesterday and basically said it was nice, but overpriced at $4.5K.

Klee's on the money with that advice. For Muromachi and $4.5k I'd want a longer and/or signed blade. Seems like most of that price is going into the fittings and the "fancy sheath", as you put it. Which is probably fine if that's your area of interest, but it sounds like the blade itself is more important to you, in which case you can probably find something better for the same money.