Paul LeHingrat

Brief update: I called Aoi and spoke to a very nice young lady who was able to sort me out. Payment received and confirmed and am now waiting for the export permit. Turns out my email server was blocking their emails. We resolved the issue by providing an alternate email address. During and subsequent to my call they have been great, basically killing me with kindness! lol! Thanks again everyone! Paul

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. I am waiting to hear back from my bank on the trace that I had them undertake. Once I do I think I will give Tsuruta a call and see what the issue is. On a more positive note it is a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. I look forward to getting acquainted and to broadening my education in nihonto. Best, Paul

Responding to JT Nesbitt. I too have been having difficulties with Aoi Art as of late. Before I get into the specifics I must say that up and until very lately Aoi has given me impeccable service. The blades I have bought varied in cost and quality (some cheapies, some juyo token)but they always came through for me. Things started to change about a month or two ago. I emailed them regarding a sword that I saw in their inventory offering to purchase. No response. I email them again a week later, same thing...no response. I then see later that week the item has a hold placed on it and is sold. I email them again asking for clarification...crickets! Example #2. this time recently. Given my good track record with Aoi but not fully trusting them I decide to put a bid on a cheap sword in early November. I win the bid, get the usual notice about terms, conditions and payment options. So I wire transfer the funds to them. I send them an email asking them to confirm receipt of funds and.....nothing. They ghost me again. I email them a second and third time. Polite and professional ... again no response. So now I am in limbo waiting for them to respond. I would appreciate any suggestions that members of the board may have to resolve this issue that I'm having with them. If not I hope that I may serve as a cautionary tale, should one wish to deal with them in the future. I am hoping though for a successful resolution as I have enjoyed working with them in the past, and would be pleased to update everyone on my progress or lack thereof. I thank you all for your attention and consideration. Kind regards, Paul Lehingrat