Is It Ever At All Possible To Be Content

[Alex A]

with what you own in this hobby?

 

Ive yet to hear of it.

 

People say thats it, ive done with buying, then six months later there is a new sword in the post 

 

If you have managed it, be good to hear how you kicked the habit.

[Fuuten]

Well I'm actually rather content with what i have. I know realistically that doing what i do i won't make heaps of cash, so as far as i came now I'm actually very happy owning 2 swords:)

 

Sure fantasizing about getting more is great, but unless i win the lottery (which i don't play), its just not realistic. However.. i would love to expand!

[paulb]

No!

However just because I am not content it doesn't mean

a- I dont really appreciate what I have and am grateful to have it

b- Because I see things I still lust after I can afford to buy them

 

I think there is a danger that if you become content it is easy to slide in to being complacent and part of the drive to learn more and understand better falls away.

So if I see really beautiful swords for sale in Japan or where ever I can enjoy them and appreciate them, I can be frustrated that I cant buy them but I think that frustraion is less now than it was 20 years ago.

[b.hennick]

The sword study group in Rochester New York was called Muto Kai. The idea being that it was not necessary to "own" swords to love them or learn from them. It was a great study group that now is no longer in operation. Driving forces died and interest diminished. I feel fortunate for having known and learned from the many members of this sharing group. 

As for me, I am in the phase of reducing numbers and increasing quality. So still looking, saving, hunting. 

[vajo]

Is there a limit in buying, collecting and enjoying art? Our currencies worldwide goes worthless, more and more. If you have enough to live why to spare more and more money on the bank?  The nex crash will come - enjoy your life.   Thats what i think.

[ggil]

To continue with what Chris was writing (or what happened in my head after reading his post)

 

Why save up for posh living/vacations in retirement when you'd probably enjoy them more in youth (and your children would become more 'cultured' maybe)?  I recently stopped my 401K/roth contributions (I still have a very descent gov't pension) and started a euro-trip fund.  35 years old w/ a 15 year loan on the house and I'm scrimping to save an added $1200 per month 401K, therefore my family can't afford to go eat sushi but a few times a year!  HOW STUPID!  The conspiracy theorist in me thinks:  The oligarchy would rather me scrimp and save up (so my cash, makes others get more cash); but there is something to be said about enjoying the here and now too! 

 

Sorry my posts are always off topic.

 

back to Alex's original question:  if purchasing is becoming a problem and draining your funds, there are support groups and therapy, like for other addictions that are damaging.  If you are still financially comfortable but spending all your time away from your family or something, time to get help.  If you aren't really hurting anything with your addiction, than its just YOU! at that point it is a endearing quality!  You are really serious about collecting!  Maybe you are secretly interested in delving into another aspect of these arts, and learning some sort of craft involved like tsukamaki or something.  Maybe that will curb your appetite?  Then again you may end up with drawers of tosugo after that!

[Alex A]

Grant, I'm nearly there, but not quite ready for Nihonto-Anonymous yet

[chrstphr]

I researched.

 

I bought one sword. Hozon papered Koto.

 

Love it. done. 

 

Cant say anyone would call me a collector, perhaps you need two to be a collector.

 

I do still look at swords, but one is enough for me. 

 

 

Chris

[Alex A]

I researched.

 

I bought one sword. Hozon papered Koto.

 

Love it. done. 

 

Cant say anyone would call me a collector, perhaps you need two to be a collector.

 

I do still look at swords, but one is enough for me. 

 

 

Chris

 

I remember when I bought my first sword, owning one was adequate for a while, but as I started to learn more curiosity got the better of me. I don't plan on owning a room full of swords, cant afford it so if I buy a sword that sadly means that I eventually may have to sell a sword, but great owning and studying them for a while. It seems I may never be content, until ive seen everything i feel i need to see, could take a while 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Like Barry, I am consolidating my collection, not necessarily looking for new, higher-quality blades, but won't turn down one or two that plunk themselves in my saya.

 

Ken

 

[Surfson]

The old joke is how many swords does a collector need?  The answer: just one more!

[Ted Tenold]

[Alex A]

^Classic

[Kurikata]

No comment.....

[Prewar70]

Someone once said, "quantity, has a quality, all it's own."

[Shamsy]

To quote a collector of fine antique flintlock pistols;

 

"Collecting is a disease and I'm glad I have it!"

 

Some people seem to be natural hoarders, collector's and seekers. I'm one. Combine that with a grandfather who used to watch all the old war movies and guess what? Japanese Swords first caught my eye because they were actually considered weapons (not plated status symbols ), have set 'basic models' so it's possible to actually finish a collection, but there are also an infinite number of variations to keep it interesting.

 

Currently I'm split between Type 95 (there is an end in sight!) and any fine nihonto that catches my eye. Will it ever stop? Nope. I will however obtain a great sense of satisfaction once I have the basic 'set' of 95's.

 

But as Paul said, I love what I have and am very grateful for them.

[dominnimod]

What i like about this hobby is that its not simply buying swords,(at least in my case),you study them,its history and in the meanwhile tie tsukas,sageos,relaquer sayas,decorate sword stands,make shirasayas,engrave habakis...

I think is a healthy hobby