cerberus

Thanks Grey, well you know you need to start somewhere and your taste can already be strong even if you are a beginer i guess. I was thinking to get the connoiseur's book of Japanese sword too start, since i heard so much about it. What do you think? Unfortunatly I'm living in Belgium and I can't say that nihonto is a big thing here. Maybe I should check for Paris. Has a matter to understand more Could you tell me a bit about your first acquisition ? Romain

@gunto: really? sounds odd since it's an auction. But with what i read and talk, I think it's too soon for me to buy one. Indeed i really need to educate myself about what style, school etc... So far I know that a sort of perfect nihonto for me would be something with: - strong curve - cutting test inlay on the nagako - a very "graphic" hamon, style don't know the style I prefer - and long kissaki I look to a lot a things and i know now that this is the kind of things I appreciate and would enjoy everyday to look at. But i think what is the most importante criteria for me is the reputation of being extremely sharp ( even if most of them are). Any suggestions of name? school? or style? base on those criteria Thanks again Romain

Thanks Alex, why are they hard to re-sell? farely new in nihonto world so got loads of questions. I really admire the patern on that blade, looks really special. Also i was concern by the fact that there was no gold inlay specifying the cutting test, so how that company can know about it? Is it written on to the Hozen paper? Romain

Hey, I seen a very cool wakisashi on this website and i was wondering if anyone could give me an opinion: http://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-mumeitatara-nagayukichoko Really appreciate your help guys Romain

thanks for all your help. I been trying to learn more an more but it's not an easy task has you all know. I seen this particular piece recently that really hit me. If anyone is interested to share his impression. http://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-mumeitatara-nagayukichoko I really like that website since pictures a good and there is a good amount of information. Romain

Hi, Thanks for those informations because i was really asking myself about that. So basically you don't try to get something fantasist to add to your blade. It either sold mounted with proper parts ( original parts) or you keep it like it is?! @ Grey Doffin, when i meant only the blade it was with a saya of course . You said something about the link above for sword dealer, did you mean in the forum? Thx

Hey, I'm new in your forum and I have to say this i quiete amazing all the informations i found so far. I'm very interested by martial art and blades in general, first started by buying a Paul Chen practical plus as a starting point and recently i looked and informe myself about blades that are real and represent true history and craftmanship. My two trips in Japan helped me a lot, and specialy a little book i bought there that i recommand for beginner or curious: The art of Japanese sword by Kunihira Kawachi and Masao Manabe Questions: - I would like to know where and what websites people recommand to buy real antique or recent swords? and of course i'm not talking about semi industrial only pure katana - I seen in many websites only blades for sell and I wanted to know what people in general do when they only got the blade. Do you buy tsuba and menuki etc... ? If yes do you only buy from the same era or just something that appeal you? Thanks anyway