Sue Koto Vs. Shinto

[Wickstrom]

I've recently had this debate in my head over which is the better era to pick for the price. I've seen gorgeous blades out of both periods but I'm still on the edge. I've noticed Shinto era blades seem to have more aesthetic value to them since they were not entirely created for functional use. While I have seen some very beautiful late Koto blades, Most in the range of what most people would deem "affordable", seem to show a little more utilitarian usage. In comparison, a $3.5k Shinto katana will get you a pretty little blade with a notare-midare and some nice burly grain in decent polish, maybe even with papers too. While spending $3.5k on a Koto katana will get you a old,sturdy soldier that definitely has the power behind it, but maybe in a little older polish with a pretty plain features,more polished,more risk of flaws appearing. I know most of this is just personal preference as some prefer plain to fancy, but I'm interested to see what you guys have to say. Or maybe I'm just over-thinking the whole concept

 

Regards,

[Jean]

Up to your taste, make up your mind Andrew :D

[elliottshogun]

Andrew,

 

My preference is 'papered' Koto era blades. I own only one Shinshinto era tanto because I just couldn't say "No".

 

Elliott

[Wickstrom]

Up to your taste, make up your mind Andrew :D

 

Occasionally I have a tendency to be a bit indecisive when it comes to investments. As always, too many blades; not enough funds

 

 

Andrew,

 

My preference is 'papered' Koto era blades. I own only one Shinshinto era tanto because I just couldn't say "No".

 

Elliott

 

Papered always makes a sweet deal sweeter and it secures your investment is genuine, but papers can also add another 0 to the price....maybe even three 0's..

[sanjuro]

Its easy for us to say what we each personally prefer, but perhaps you should consider the following and answer the question for yourself, because regardless of what is said here, that is exactly what you will ultimately do.

Are you more interested in appearance or quality? Many flashy blades are low quality, and many high quality blades are relatively plain. Even with comparable quality and finish, the qualities of a koto blade are different to the qualities of a shinto blade.

Are you collecting to impress others or to satisfy an interest of your own? What is that interest? What type of nihonto do you prefer?

Regardless of the price of a blade, if it does not interest you then you will not be happy with it.

 

Koto versus Shinto..... immediate affordability aside, the swords from these two periods differ greatly. The old methods of making swords from the koto period had been largely lost prior to the shinto period. Shinto steel was different and lacked the regional characteristics that each place of manufacture had once been renowned for. The gokaden had become much more blurred in the shinto period. With this in mind, it is difficult to compare a koto blade to a shinto blade.

 

At the end of the day it all comes down to what you want to do. Its a matter of personal taste. It is also better in the long view to buy a good example of whatever type interests you rather than a cheaper lower quality sword that you can afford easily, no matter how good the cheaper blade may appear on the surface.

 

Just MHO.......

[cabowen]

It is really quite simple: Swords are a rather poor investment for nearly everyone. With that in mind, a good sword is a good sword, no matter the period. Buy what you like and be sure it is quality and you will never have regrets.