Look for help with a sword on auction

[slowtriathlete]

I am new to to the hobby and I wondering about this auction listing and whether it is good and any other info you can offer:

 

https://ebay.us/m/ZAxWVX

Edited December 15, 2025 by slowtriathlete

[Joseph P.]

Hello Brian,

Here is my opinion. It is a decent blade on it's own, with no major flaws and seems honest. It is a genuine antique Japanese sword. Is it worth the asking price? Not really imho, especially when you include the cost of shipping/fees. The paper with Japanese writing that is displayed in the photo is a registration certificate, it is required to possess a weapon in Japan. They are not authentication papers (NBTHK) on their own though.

You can find NBTHK papered swords within the $1,500-$2,500USD range, so it would be more worth it to buy a blade for around the same price that comes with papers. For that reason, it's hard for me to recommend this blade at this price for someone new to the hobby. Just to compare:
https://rva-katana.com/collections/antique-swords?filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=&sort_by=price-ascending

[Rawa]

Miyabi is a reseller. Look around you will find this example cheaper. Dunno how he got all those positive comments but not from selling swords.

Edited December 15, 2025 by Rawa

[Hector]

Rawa is right.

This is the original auction in Japan and the current price converted to USD.

 

https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/p1208185731

 

Edited December 15, 2025 by Hector

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Brian,

If, as you say, you are new to the hobby, you don't want to be searching unknown websites for a bargain; it's a jungle out there. You need to learn a lot more that you currently do before buying and, even then, a trusted seller will be helpful. No need to hurry to a purchase; good Japanese swords will always be available.

Grey