Fake Avoidance

rsen · February 21, 2016

Okay,

So it looks like I just purchased a fake, (the MEI is gibberish)

Here are the photos.

My problem is I had no idea what to look for. Fake damascus is a common thing apparently.

My first give away should have been the scabbard, it just looked fake, but I assumed it could have been purchased separately.

I'll link the photos of the auction I won.

I'm blown away at the amount of effort put into this...

2 concerns, if I were to use it, would it shatter?

Any advice for future reference, I really thought I did enough research, apparently not..

Brian · February 21, 2016

If it LOOKS like damascus, it is a fake. Japanese swords are not damascus and the grain looks completely different.
The only way to avoid them is to spend time looking at genuine ones. And reading pages like this: http://jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

Based on the fact that they described it as an "authentic samurai sword" I would return it for refund.

rsen · February 21, 2016

Thanks for the quick reply,

What an excellent resource, I wish I had read that before spending $300 on nothing.

Brian · February 21, 2016

I think only 6020 (cheap military Showato) and 6025 (nothing special) were genuine anyways

http://www.liveauctionworld.com/EXOTIC-GAME-TROPHY-AUCTION_as40795_p4

Brian · February 21, 2016

Please take advantage of in person preview as all items are sold "As Is, Where Is" - catalogues are prepared only as a guide. No sale shall be invalidated by any reason or defect or inaccuracy of description in catalogue or otherwise, and no liability shall be borne by the auctioneers by virtue of any such fault or error. All sales final.

Don't think that is legal.

Alex A · February 21, 2016

Not the end of the world, could have been a lot worse than $300.

If your interested in these swords you need to read, a good start http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samurai-Sword-Handbook-John-Yumoto/dp/4805311347

Pika007 · February 21, 2016

Another tip-

except for exceedingly rare finds/critically flawed blades/pitted and rusty as hell blades, a sword is not going to cost 300$. You came out cheap, keep that sword as a lesson.

I bought my first sword at 17 with almost zero knowledge and way too much excitement, and had someone rip me off, only i payed almost twice as much. Said blade is still on my table to remind me.

Start with buying books- it's the first thing every collection should have.

Also, lurk around here and other blade forums, you'll be able to see examples of good blades, and study from the mistakes of others.

SwordGuyJoe · February 21, 2016

I really thought I did enough research, apparently not..

I have been at this for about 7 years. I'd say in the last 3, I'd stopped considering myself as a new collector, but I certainly know that I still have A LOT to learn. The best lesson I ever learned when I started was that I had no idea what I was doing. To that point I bought a ton of books - so much that if I'd liquidate the book collection that I could get one hell of a nice sword, but the references and information is priceless to me.

So that would be my recommendation. Find the thread about the best books for a new collector and start buying if you can afford them - most are very reasonable. Also, learn from this experience. Hopefully it didn't sting so much to scare you away from the hobby, as there is a lot of great people and so much to learn and appreciate.

If you ever need help, guidance or advice, most here are extremely willing to share their time, expertise, and their collection of you live near people.

Stephen · February 21, 2016

But how long at what cost to fight them, hard learning curve, take it, learn re pete with better sword.

jason_mazzy · February 21, 2016

I have found sometimes a simple call to the auction house and saying an item is counterfeit will immediately make a lot of headway. Generally it will be returned and refunded.

rsen · February 21, 2016

Another tip-

except for exceedingly rare finds/critically flawed blades/pitted and rusty as hell blades, a sword is not going to cost 300$. You came out cheap, keep that sword as a lesson.

I bought my first sword at 17 with almost zero knowledge and way too much excitement, and had someone rip me off, only i payed almost twice as much. Said blade is still on my table to remind me.

Start with buying books- it's the first thing every collection should have.

Also, lurk around here and other blade forums, you'll be able to see examples of good blades, and study from the mistakes of others.

I like this. I'ma keep it to remind me that a little research is never enough...

It's just that my fiancee was pretty excited for me. I'm thinkin how to break the news to her..

ROKUJURO · February 21, 2016

rsen (please be so kind to sign all posts).

the first thing to learn is the NIHONTO vocabulary so that you understand what is meant. It is an exciting subject once you have the bug, so be happy to dive into an interesting new world!

Jean · February 21, 2016

Rimo,

For your sins (), study the swords on this website, fantastic pictures, after that you should be able to distinguish fakes from real items.

http://www.aoijapan.com

rsen · February 22, 2016

Y'all have been really great, thank you so much.

This forum has been the silver lining on this experience.

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