Art Torano

I have had good experience with this seller. What you see is what you get. Regards, Art Torano

Being in South Florida and having him do several projects for me over the years, I can tell you this guy is one of the most organized people I have met. His shops, yes there are several are immaculate. The best part is he is willing to sit down with you and explain the hows and whys of Nihonto. I can tell you from my personal experience that this guy is one of the best in the Nihonto hobby. Regards Art Torano

Very sad indeed, I feel honored to be mounting a beautiful Katana made by him. It will be treasured. Art Torano

Hello, I am a novice collector (4 years) living in Miami and was very curious if there are other collectors living in the area that would like to meet and share information on thier collections and the hobby in general. It's difficult enough to learn just from books and going to two shows a year and a little human interaction would be welcome. Regards Art Torano

Chris, I dealt with this guy a couple of years ago, he is a mess. He loses things, he has his phone disconnected and the list is too long to bother with. I hope you purchased things thru EBay and or Pay Pal. Go to them directly and they will put alot of pressure on him. I can tell you that this is the worst individual I have dealt with since I started in this hobby and would caution anyone that considers using him that no good will come of it. Regards Art Torano

Brian, I made many of the mistakes you did in the begining of becoming a collector of Nihonto. I will not repeat what everyone else has tried to tell you. I can buy what ever sword I like, money is not an issue. But what has happened over time is I buy less swords, may one or two a year. To see someone go out and spend good money on a bunch of swords like the one you just bought and many of the ones I have seen you post is disturbing to many of us. Here are guys that have spent thier years collecting and studying the Japanese sword and you seem to not want to hear what they tell you and then you continue to post purchases like this Wak. It seems that you really don't value what you can learn here. BTW, that $300 could have been better spent on a nice set of menuki or F/K. Art Torano

Chip, I know the sting of realizing you did not get what you thought you paid for. I have been lurking on this site for over 4 years and have learned much from from these guys. I learned how buying things on impulse is always a bad thing. I went from buying alot of mediocre swords to buying one or two good swords a year. I learned that Sword shows and BOOKS are a great investment in time and money. I can tell you that I wish I knew 4 years ago what I think I know now. More importantly, NMB gives you access to opinions and guidance from some of the best minds in this hobby or passion. The trick is to listen to them. Regards Art Torano

Alex, Good to see I am not alone in Miami trying to learn this hobby. I find going to the Florida and San Francisco shows over the last few years has been very helpful. I used to "impulse" buy. (a bad thing) Now I buy very few new swords and fittings and end up buying more research material. Regards Art Torano

Hi Mike, I am sure it will be as informative as your presentation at this year's Tampa show. I really learned a great deal from that. Look forward to seeing you there. Art Torano

Grey, Thanks for coming out with that post. The best thing that can happen is people are aware of Eric's scams. I can tell you that this fellow is lacking any integrety and I wish there were a way to make EBay and Pay Pal aware of his business practices or lack there of. Regards Arturo Torano