Alex A

Folks get rid of worms in antiques (books etc) by placing the object in a sealed bag with a rag soaked in a chemical. Though i wouldn't do this before speaking with someone like Ford H As you don't know of any possible effects it may have on any metal parts. I guess folks have to be real careful with antiques.

The reality is a lot of folks will never get a chance to buy a sword "in hand" for many reasons. Though im not saying that is not the ideal way to buy a sword, of course it is. Scarcity being one of the reasons. Take the UK as an example and compare what's available here compared to online in Japan or the US. There is no comparison and prices at the main dealer here seem sky high and none of the blades have papers, the least said about the quality of polish the better.. You could wait forever for a blade by your favourite smith to come on the market here. Many of us don't have the luxury of taking expensive trips to Japan to view swords in hand, buying swords is expensive enough. You have to ask dealers about condition and ask for more images if necessary. If any dealer declines your requests then walk away as it is possible they are hiding something. Bought quite a few blades from Japan and only ever sent one back, even though the dealer said no returns. Rust marks in the bo-hi which were very difficult to see in images, though i should have asked, live and learn. Would also state that if you don't know what you are buying, you will never truly appreciate it. Dont just buy for the sake of owning a sword, learn what appeals to you, then buy.

On Hold

Ok Adam, no worries, thanks. I never used to focus on Shinsakuto either but these days it seems they are the only swords that catch my eye really, purely down to condition and the information available about the smiths. Over time, taste changes. information/provenance for me is as important as the blade itself. Folks go on about "history" when really there is not much known history about most swords, at all. Do find blades with interesting inscriptions from time to time, mainly Shinshinto, find those interesting. Genuine reason for the sale of the Kanetsugu. Only me and the Misses at home now and the house is too big for us, hence we are downsizing and looking for a smaller house in the country, which costs money. If it sells, its sells. if not i will be happy to keep it as it is such a nice sword with a story, which is what i like. Anyways, thanks again. If interested, pm here or alex.aspinall@sky.com. Serious buyers only please.

Thanks Mark, Perhaps an idea to use the "wanted" sales section, more folks may notice your request there.

Even if is Japan, tell them you are sending it back. Undisclosed flaws is the worst trick.

The holes could be filled easily with leather repair filler, they do many various colours in many shades. You would hardly see them, used it a few times. The question is whether you should?, Don't see it as much of an issue either way.

Wonderful! Glad it arrived safely.

Reduced to £4750 or best offer.

Aoi art said they are using Fedx and UPS instead of EMS, That was a week ago they said that. Other firms may find a way, should they try.

Thanks Paul, good write-up.

Final thoughts on "art swords", its about connection. Someone could look at hundreds of swords and not consider any of them as Art but then come across one they truly appreciate and have to have. For me, guess that's art.

Hi Colin, when i say "protect their investment" , what i mean is they rain down on other swords to keep theirs above the clouds, so to speak. Short story, and it kind of sums it all up, as in all relative. Its all been said before. Again, when asking the dealer what the best sword he ever had is hands on was.? A dealer that has had thousands of swords in hand, battle swords, art swords, gunto swords, modern swords, Juyo swords, you name it he has held it and had time to study it. Expecting him to say something from the magic Koto era, was really surprised when he stated a wakizashi by Inoue Shinkai as one of his top two. The reason i was surprised, seen two in hand and being honest, they were good swords but never really had such an effect that i ever would rush out and buy one. Its all relative, i much prefer the likes of Tadakuni. I know i say i look to modern swords as being "art swords" but its hard not to look at some Tadakuni blades with the distinct "cloud like" hamon and not get sucked in as just thinking of it as "art" I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. On the other hand, some swords, most swords in fact, i would not consider art,.

Its a touchy subject Colin. Wealthy collectors have to protect their investments and have little time for bottom feeders telling them that the sword they just paid £30,000 for, you could buy similar quality for a lot less. Lost count of the number of folks that have seen a "Juyo" and felt deflated. Its all relative to what you like. Same in a lot of hobbies and its a part of human nature. Its become kind of boring listening to it Modern art swords can be picked up for relatively low prices, your "Enomoto Sadayoshi" type blades etc etc etc. Its open to everyone. As a side note. I do have reservations about folks with zero experience going out and just aiming for "juyo" papers. I know folks always say buy the best you can but for me it has to be a bit of a learning and experience journey. Amazing swords can be had for a lot less, and experience gained. Free world though (kind of), folks can do what they wish.

Jacques, the pictures are adequate enough for me to make a judgement on a low price £1200 sword. Now **** off.

Actually Jacques. It is if you are on a budget and want a reasonably priced Naginata, which is what the title states. Desperate Nit-picking as always. About time this thread was locked or even better deleted. Brian, if i were you i would stop worrying about how to keep the elitists happy and be more worried about paying members that are wondering why they are paying to be trolled.. Real high flyers don't come here, unless they want quick advice. The ones i have met have no interest in long term study.

Well Jacques, here in the UK doubt there is any papered, signed, in polish naginata for that price. Hence the title. Actually, cant remember seeing many Naginata here at all. I'm not big on Naginata but if i wanted one, this would do. Someone mentioned it may have been a woman's Naginata, that i find makes it more interesting for some reason Nothing wrong in aspiring to own quality items but at the same time nothing wrong in owning something just to satisfy ones curiosity for relatively low cost. All part of the journey. Horses for courses.

Someone may see something. If you see anything good let us know, id be interested see them. Not my usual window shop

Agree Jarrow. He stated it is a tanto that holds the most memories, only worth 50000 Y. Intends to pass it on. I guess sentimental value is the reason many swords are still with us.

You make a good point Jarrow. Got the odd person here bragging they have seen 200 swords in hand and readily gives out harsh opinion. My thought when reading such a comment was when you have seen thousands of swords in hand and had TIME to study them well, then il listen. Spoke with a Japanese dealer that has such experience, very humble and unopinionated. Favorite sword being a sentimental tanto of no special value. A vast number of swords out there can be described as mediocre, for me the VAST majority. Lets not be too harsh.

Just a thought With your budget and as you want a display. Would you not consider looking for a nice daisho with matching old fittings ? Look for a late Edo sword stand.

Could you be more specific?, bit confused by the question? You think its too expensive?, too cheap? or maybe the price is right?

An "art sword" is what we call a sword when it has to go though customs Ps, this will no doubt irritate some, but who cares. I secretly have trouble calling any sword "an art sword" if it was made solely for use as a weapon. Which is most swords. Art sword for me, sword made just "as art", appreciation, tend to think more along the lines of Shinsakuto. As made,

Reading over the original post again, surprisingly how it has spiraled out of control and into the stratosphere Got to laugh. Its just a Naginata., a reasonably priced one

What I've learned, never be surprised at what folks collect, even folks you think only collect high end stuff. Guido once bought a sword off me from a very modest school........Dotanuki. He was happy with it. Not an "art sword" by the way,. Big old clunker.