Curious if we have some progress in clicks, topics, members and...
What's about that, Brian?
Best Regards PS in my feeling Admin, mods and members did a good job????
To bad...https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/Japan-is-running-out-of-swordsmiths-and-a-strict-apprenticeship-requirement-is-a-big-reason-why
Best
Biografie of the first westerner who learned the craft of sword making. Markus article in the german book Bunbu Kenkyu. Every chapter has an english summary.
http://www.bunbu.de
Best
I do not see a "prestige" in buying a "good, nice" sword. Otherwise you have " a glow in your heart " ( like that phrase, thank you Piers) and of course be proud to own it for hopefully some decads.
Personal evolution, education is a target you do not explain as a newby, but will happen when you seriously join the nihonto path.
So you have to wait for your sword ? Not bad at all to wait for your tachi...
Best