Tips for a beginner?

[Logan_86]

Hello everyone, this is my first post!

 

I'd like to say a little about myself, my name is Logan and I'm from Alberta Canada. I have always had a fascination with Japanese swords, in my opinion there is no better symbol of the grace, beauty, and power of the warrior spirit.

 

I had always dreamed of buying an authentic Japanese sword, but never had the funds. A few weeks ago I got a raise at work, and decided finally to give it a try.. So I burned myself on eBay, and am now the owner of 2 pieces of Chinese junk. Luckily the price wasn't great, and even though fake they are much nicer than any of the (also fake) swords I've seen for sale in pawnshops around here.

 

Anyway, on to my question. How much money would you say a person need spend to have this as a rewarding hobby? I'm not a rich person, but in a few months I think I can have close to $2000 for a purchase.

 

I know I should start by learning more about it, so that I don't make the same mistake again. I plan on buying a few books, and have been spending most of my free time reading about Nihonto on the web.

 

I pretty much would just like to know if this is an affordable thing for a person who makes less than 40k a year to do or not, before I sink too much into it.

 

Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance

 

Logan Howes.

 

 

 

Edit - Thanks for the tip John, can't believe I didn't notice that up there :lol:

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Hi Logan.

Mistakes are likely the only thing I can teach in this board.

By personal experience : please fight the hurge to buy.

The first blade I've bought was, after polishing and shirasaya, absolutely

not worth the price I paid.

More... with the knowledge your tastes will change.

Today I'll never buy again that sword (that's been sold in a loss anyway..)

 

This passion is an expensive one, but IMHO it can be followed even by

people that's not billionaire. The key factor is to not loss money on

swords that doesn't deserve the price requested. You can even rise

funds with intelligent purchases that can be later re-sold at an higher

price (that's the way many collectors help to rise funds for a better

piece). But this need knowledge and knowledge is the hardest thing to

achieve. Harder then money, because it requires time and opportunities

that not everybody, for several reasons, can put on the table.

 

My 2 cents..

 

welcome, best wishes and good luck.

[Logan_86]

Thank you for the reply.

 

Can you suggest where the best places to acquire this knowledge may be? Can I learn most of what I need to know from the web, or is it best to order some books? Which books would you say would be most beneficial to me?

 

I live a good distance away from any major cities, so the chance of my being able to attend any sword shows is slim at best, unfortunately.

 

From what I've found in my searches, this board seems to be the most knowledgeable and I'm sure I can learn much just by hanging around here for a while

[John A Stuart]

Hi Logan, I lived in Calgary for about 7 years 25 years ago. Anyway if you click on the 'Suggested Reading' link above and digest some of the books there you will be a step ahead. Of course this site is a good place to whet what you learn and perhaps some of the more knowledgeable folk will help. John

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

From what I've found in my searches, this board seems to be the most knowledgeable and I'm sure I can learn much just by hanging around here for a while

 

The same reason because of I registered here.

[Darcy]

The Glenbow museum in Calgary has a collection of swords.... not sure how many or what the quality is, but your first step can be there to go look. Seeing blades is very important before buying.

[kizu]

I would join a sword society and dedicate some time to studying not only the sword but the history Japan as it relates to the sword. Books are great theres a guy at site sacho.com selling some great books for beginners.