Jagchester

Thanks for the warm welcome Roy. Yes I have a lot to soak in!! Thanks again, Jag

Hi Eric, Thanks for the advice. Yes the similarities in the honour, bravery, principles, disciplines, ethics and respect of the Sikhs are legendary. There were many last stands similar to that of the battle of Thermopylae against the invading Islamic forces with some battles outnumbered 1,000 to 1 with the Sikhs emerging victorious. Even in this day and age, the Sikhs are held in high regard in many countries, with regiments in many armed forces. Thank you for the interest, I will post pictures up as soon as I have access to a laptop, prob Sunday. Jag Singh

Thank you Ian, I will be in touch. Jag

Thank you Veli! Beauty is evident to all I believe. This is a consignment katana and I have made an offer due to the condition of the koshirae and shintetsu. I really want this piece may take a few months saving though! Let's hope it goes well! Thanks again for the support! Jag

Geraint.........thanks for the great advice I will be joining this group and absorb their knowledge on the matters! Thanks again, Jag

Hi Grey, Advice noted! I was waiting for this comment! Thanks again, Jag

Thank you Veli. That is the correct blade! Ah Core Steel.....is this an issue maintenance wise? Is this why the hamon is so prominent? I am 50/50 for buying this. I have checked the signature it seems to be authentic. Thanks again, Jag

Thanks for the swift repsonse Martin. What do you mean by papers on blades that were authentic but will not pass today? And do you know what years those papers not to be trusted were issued in? I would post up pictures but im not aware of the copyright forum rules etc. of posting up images referenced to Aoi arts site. Thanks again, Jag

Hello All, I have a dread fascination with traditional weaponary, being a pracitising sikh, we have a lot in common with the samurai culture/bushido. I also have amassed a collection of sikh swords and a few hanwei blades amongst other items. After 10 years of pondering and dreaming, the time has come to acquire a fine piece of Japanese history. I am looking at a nihonto piece from Aoi Arts. I am very nervous being a first timer and lots of questions if anybody would be so kind as to answer: 1. Are NBTHK papers legitimate in guaranteeing a piece's authenticity? 2. I am looking at a Hizen Yukijiro blade, it is priced around £4k and claims to be around 300+ years old is this normal? 3. It is a lot of money to put down and I never intend to sell this blade, however, in the future if I were to in an emergency, would I break even on it? 4. I am extremely nervous on importing to the U.K, what should I be careful of? And HMRC, what do I need to do? 5. Aoi-Arts - many speak very highly of Mr. Tsurtua, I have contacted him, what are others experience with dealing with him? Thank you in advance, Jag Singh