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Thanks for the info Patrick and Steve. Will check out the sites. -James

Will do Ken. Thanks for the tips. Jon, that's good to know. I think trustworthy is important for beginner collectors like me. Thanks. -James

Thanks Jon. Bob Benson's website has some good information and currently selling a couple really highend swords. I will also look into the Compton books. They look like they are great references but apparently not very easy to get. I know about those impulses, and I'm trying to refrain myself from them. -James

Thanks Rick. -James

Thank you Derek and Gabriel. I will check it out. -James

Ken, Thanks. I have some books coming from Amazon. I'm currently just studying from online resources. A lot of wikipedia and google searches. Mainly on general knowledge of Japanese swords and Japanese sword history. I'm not rushing to buy since I don't know enough history. I think after tons of reading and history lessons, I will then be able to narrow down to a certain period of time in history with a few swordsmiths and their works that interest me. I think my collection and my further studies will focus on those and not go too far from that boundary. There is no such person who's an expert on everything, right? Since I don't speak Japanese, this proves to be more difficult, but I'm trying thanks to online translations. -James

Hi, I'm new to the forum and pretty new to collecting Japanese swords. I was wondering if anyone can share some knowledge on which (online) dealers have good reputation selling authentic swords, with appraisal from societies such as NBTHK or not. It would be even better you had past experiences dealing with these dealers. I don't think eBay is suitable for me. I read quite a bit of negative things about it here and on other sites. I'm doing research and looking for sword shows around me, but would like to know some trustworthy online resources from experts. Thank you in advance! -James