Art Torano

Jeremy, It seems you did not understand what the other members were trying to impart on you previous post. They gave you outstanding advice. This hobby is not about buying a sword. It's about learning what quality, history and provenance means. The fact you asked about what obviously are cheap Chinese knockoffs and a gunto seems to indicate you have not attended a sword show and seen and held a real Nihonto in hand. Perhaps your taking the time to acquire some books and going to a sword show would be better than wasting your money. If you really just want to have a blade to do cutting, buy a used Paul Chen on ebay, low cost and at least you know what you have. Then as you learn what real swords are and you like the hobby, then invest. Better to have a few high quality pieces than a bunch of mediocre pieces. Bon Chance, Art Torano

Brian, The picture of one of my swords is on his website. It's Bizen-to with a multi color green and black sageo. The picture does not do justice to the awful job he did. I ended sending it back to Japan for a proper polish. Anything he says can in no way can be believed. I have endured the shame of my bad choice. Don't allow any of our members to make the same mistake if it can be helped. I do deal with many of the vendors and artisans from NMB and had not had a bad experience. Art Torano

All I can say is WOW!!! That is one of the most amazing swords I have ever seen. Congrats. Art Torano

Thanks Guys, It took me almost three years from the time I saw it until I held at in my hands. I have to really give a great deal of thanks to Mike Y from Tetsugendo. He and I had spoken about it, then about a year later he gives me a call to be sure I would be at the Tampa show because he had a surprise for me. Not only did he have the sword, he saved me a substantial amount of money. I think patience is a great factor in this hobby. Regards, Art

One would think that this individual would be familier with NMB if he is providing these services and introduce himself and his services to this community. Much like Kunitaro has and make it a point to answer your all your questions. Although this add seems somewhat more sophisticated than what the "usual suspect' has done in the past. My two cents, Art Torano

I wish I could offer more, but this sword is attribution to the second generation Wakasa no Kami Ujifusa that worked from 1569 to 1588. He had a very interesting history. This sword is mumei, but I find it a beautiful blade in hand. Thank you Mike Y for finding it for me. Regards, Art Torano

Hey Guys, I found some photos of my Enomoto Sadahito Wakizashi from my IPhone. They don't do it justice. I am trying to figure out how to use a real camera. Art Torano

Stephen, Just a little teaser....the Katana on top is by Higo Kaneaki, the Katana on the bottom is the Enomoto, Tatsuyoshi Katana and the Wakizashi is Enomoto Sadahito. I will take some better pictures over the next few days. Art Torano

Grant, That is quite a beautiful tanto! I am a huge fan of the Enomoto family and their work. I own two wakizashi, one by Tadahito and one by Tadiyoshi, they feel so good in hand. I recently had my Enomoto Katana mounted, some of the members here are familiar with it due to to the massive O'kissaki. I will be posting photos to NMB in the next week.. I am happy to see you enjoy their work as much as I have. Art Torano

Hello Members, I am looking for your opinion on this mei's authenticity. I have been reviewing the Swordmakers work online and it is in the syle and has the characteristics of the blade itself. This is my first time posting pictures and I am hopefl it can be made out. I am obtaining a better camara for posting photos of the blade itself along with a the measurements. Thank you in advance for you assistance. Art Torano

Hi David, Welcome to the Board! Polish and restoration, as you will see when you research all this if far from cheap. The only way to financially justifying this is if the blades are from a well known smith and will have some value.....But cheap? I would not use that in a sentence regarding Nihonto restoration. Better to learn what "it" is and then save and buy a Nihonto in good polish from a reputable dealer. Regards Art

Another kudos for Ted, I just got back from Japan the restored original saya and tsuka that came with the Shimada Den Katana I bought from him at the San Francisco show the last year. All my dealings with Ted wether they be a polish, restoration or purchase have been a pleasure and I look forward to continued dealings with him. Regards Art Torano

Trevor, Please do not go down the path that so many newbies (including myself) go down. Spending hundreds or thousands of dollars with no knowledge of what it is you are buying is a shame. There are many threads devoted to how you are better off investing in books and going to sword shows to learn before you buy anything. So enough said. Bon Chance!! Art T.

Trevor, If you do your homework, E-bay does have some nuggets now and again. Good Job, Art Torano

Robert, Very classy, subdued piece. Congrats! Art Torano

They look very Japanese, In fact I have some arrowheads that are Identical.....these are just remounted on shorter shafts. Art

Hey Guys, My two cents is I have bought several items from Eric and they have all been as described, I am not aware of any reason to "beware" of him. Not all deals are perfect and if you are going to buy on EBay you should be aware there are much worse situations waiting to happen. This is a very small community and I don't see anyone that is as invested in it as he is willing to risk his reputation over one sale. Art Torano

The question "Have you no shame?" is easily answered here. The real question is how he continues to get new customers? Karma will catch up with this one.....of that we can be sure. Art Torano

Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all your ideas and I will be attempting to put this sage advice to good use. I can't tell you what a great resource NMB and it's members are to someone that has really grown to love this hobby. Thanks again for your help. Art Torano

Hello NMB Members. I am looking to ship a sword to Japan for a polish. However the shipping is presenting a problem so far. UPS (Brown) said it could not ship a sword anywhere. The USPS informed me that the Japanese Customs will not allow a blade longer than 6 inches, much to my frustration. Any advice as how to ship there reliably would be greatly appreaciated. Many thanks in advance. Art Torano

Hi Stephan, That sword is sitting next to the two Enomoto Sadahito wakizashi I have collected. Rest assured it has a good home. Regards, Art Torano

Hey Mike, When will this be taking place? Thanks, Art Torano

You are so right, I am already out there and very much looking forward to it. Art Torano

Ford, That is amazing!! Keep up the great work. Regards Art Torano

Wow, WTF was that? Anyhoo, Shibui Swords has a beautiful article about Katete Uchi. Just Google it. Regards Art Torano