Michael Nihonto

Plan is changing as I learn more. 1. Continue my education - learning more everyday. 2. Thinking about raising my budget to entry level Juyo Token ~3.5 mil yen? (Seems to be an easier range to recover investment should I find something else I might want instead) I chose this approach as it seems easier to be ignorant when buying than going sub 10K? 3. Start buying YEN at favorable exchange rates. (loading up my wise account) 4. Maybe buy a sword in Japan with assistance from a guide or just buy from one of the amazing trusted local dealers 5. Skip having custom Koshirae made since I will never have a high end sword put in it. I will keep in shirasaya and display a period correct koshirae with it. 6. Seriously consider if I should even make a Nihonto purchase and just admire from a far.

I just bought a book from Grey and he is in Duluth,MN which is only a few hours from me

This is all excellent advice and I really appreciate it! Here is my plan.... 1. Continue my education - learning more everyday. I love these types of hobbies and collecting. 2. Confirm that my focus period is Shinto (1596-1763),,,,specifically early 1600's 1600-1650 ish 3. Gather a list of select blades hoping to see during visit in Japan. 4. Plan timing so my wife isn't too annoyed by my blade shopping. I plan to have custom made koshirae with antique period correct fittings for my blade. Is this something most dealers can accommodate and ship my my blade when complete? I hear it takes 6 months to complete? Is 200,000 yen a typical fair price for custom saya and tsuka (not including menuki, tsuba, fuchi kashira)? Final question, how aggressive is negotiating in Japanese culture?

any thoughts on buying said blade in Japan vs online through a reputable dealer?

I like the idea of having it papered. Authenticity and resale (hopefully not needed any time soon). Easier for me to trust it is what it says it is. I will buy a blade but only one with papers

here was one I was eyeing. https://www.aoijapan...kubetsu-hozon-token/

Quick question for all you experienced folks out there. If I have a budget of up to 12K USD to buy a sword and will be in Japan next year. Is it best to buy while I am in Japan or should I just buy online from a reputable dealer like Aoi Art? I like the ability to look online and do my research after a I find one I like. I am worried going into shops that speak English in Japan I will just get the tourist tax and end up paying too much anyway. I do have all the books and I am studying up but I do not think in a years time I can get anywhere close to educated enough to not get tricked in Japan, even with a papered sword. Where do you think I will find the best value?

I have been reading about that and it seems like that would be a good place to find my treasure. I have to convince that family that is a good time to go

I am excited to read up on all the things in this forum. I have a few katanas currently but no Nihonto. I am traveling to Japan November of 2025 and hope to buy my first one. I have been researching as much as can to try and find the best place to buy one. My budget will be 9-12K USD. So far all I know is I would like it to be Tokubetsu Hozon and older than 1850. I am still researching smiths. While I have no intention for selling I hope that I could flip it for what I paid should I need to. I am looking forward to learning more! Cheers!