I turn 35 in a few days and have had a 'thing' for Japanese weaponry for a good number of years. Back in Canada I had a couple stainless steel wallhangers which I used to practice cutting things up. When I moved to Japan to further my study of budo and met the woman who would become my wife I also met the person who has been most responsible for my Nihonto interests (obsession?). My at-the-time fiance's uncle, upon hearing of my interest in Japanese martial arts, invited me to his home where he showed me his Nihonto collection (impressive!) and we cut some tatami using real Nihonto. Now that I think about it, I should have at least checked the age and condition of the blade before hacking at the mat.
Shortly after my marriage, a long, thin package arrived in the mail addressed to me. I opened it to discover a real Nihonto and a letter stating that this blade was mine and I had to register it promptly.
It turns out that the uncle had promised my wife that if we did get married he would give me a blade. She thought he was joking because he was drunk at the time.
I immediately started studying the blade, purchasing books, and found this here NMB.
Since then the uncle has gifted me with a few more. I consider myself extremely fortunate and am overwhelmed.
The NMB community has been a great place to be a part of.