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.

[Ichi]

Welcome onboard, and to one of the most expensive hobby. :D You should invest more into books, before you decide what to buy on your first nihonto. Be carefull buying it from the net, and make sure you know what you are buying. Good luck.

[Ken-Hawaii]

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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.

 

No, Logan, I'd say about $40K a year is just about right for this hobby....

[benkyoka]

This is a good topic question and one I had thought of asking. I came into the 'hobby' of Nihonto when I received one from a relative. Now I have started to find out just how expensive this hobby can be. My related question is, "On a limited budget, is collecting Nihonto possible for a person living in Japan?" It seems that most of the 'deals' people find are on the swords found outside of Japan in second hand shops, etc. But for those of us in Japan, where almost all swords are registered, how do you go about growing your collection?

[Stephen]

and the limit is low start with gendaito and work your way up, like with anything else in life trade up.

[Henry Wilson]

I think the best way to get on in the world of swords in Japan is avoid dealers.

 

If you make connections with more advanced collectors you will be surprised what they are willing to part with. I have received nice stuff as gifts because I helped a few people out and also have got nice deals at about 30 percent of the asking price icompared to shops. However I am not that fussy about stuff, just as long as it is nice quality.

 

If you are set on a particular sword or smith then dealers might be the only way. Just my two yens worth

[Guest Nanshoku-Samurai]

Hello,

 

books are a good investment. Local clubs are good, too if available. Go to sword shows / events. This way you can handle lots of swords and see what they will sell for. There are many good dealers in the USA like for example nihonto.us any many more. Also there are good vendors on eBay. Bargains on eBay are getting fewer but they are still around sometimes - expirience recommended. Also try to work garage sales etc.

 

Good luck!

[Brian]

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in a few months I think I can have close to $2000 for a purchase.

 

We have just seen Bullpuppy sell a decent papered katana on eBay for $1800, and Stephen offering a great Emura for around that price, so there are definitely deals to be had around that amount.

Let us know when you are ready, and I am sure someone will point you towards a decent deal. Until then, books and seeing good swords in person is the way to go.

 

Regards,

Brian

[Logan_86]

Wow, thanks for all the replies!

 

Sorry about the double topic.. Not sure what happened there.

 

Anyway, I've put in a bid on eBay for "The Samurai Sword Handbook by John M. Yumoto", which I found to be highly recommended on several sites. If any of you know of a book that you feel would be a good choice for someone just starting out, let me know and I'll see if I can find it.

 

I can see I still have a lot to learn before I start buying anything, but perhaps in a few months I will consider making my first small purchase, and I'll see where things go from there.

 

I'm happy to see that I can probably get something worth while for the price of a few car payments, rather than a whole car, and I'm only 21 so I've still got plenty of years to work my way up.

 

I remember when I was about 10 years old my martial arts teacher showed me an old sword that he brought from Japan in his youth, he told me it was from the early 16th century, but I don't remember much else about it other than the fact that it was simply beautiful.. I'm going to be heading to Lethbridge later on this week, if possible I may stop by his place and ask if I could find out a bit more about it. He recently suffered a heart attack though, so I'm not sure if he will be well enough to see me.

 

 

Edit - Just found that Suggested Reading link at the top of the page.. Right in front of me and I didn't notice it :lol: