Help wanted on what to expect for my money

[alant]

Hope this is the right place to ask for advice.

 

I want to get a nihonto. Okay, that was the easy part. I am limiting myself to at most $600 (the hard part). As a student of martial arts I'd like something "authentic" from the time of the samurai. I'm not ever going to be a nihonto collector or trader, just want the one item.

 

What I think I can expect:

 

An authentic, but probably not authenticated (papered), antique wakizashi, Katana or tachi in less than the best polish, perhaps with some minor non-fatal flaws.

 

If possible it should be in koshirae. Most definately tamahagane.

 

 

So please tell me, are my expectations realistic, and if not then what should I expect for not more than $600.

[Brian]

Definitely not papered obviously. Probably with some minor flaws and out of polish. Wakizashi, not katana or tanto.

You should find something that is genuine and in low class fittings, but I think it is do-able. Some will have issues with spending so little and trying to get a reasonable piece, but you have been honest and said you won't collect and just want a representative item, so if that is where you want to go, then I am sure something can be found. Just read up on how to treat, clean and maintain it.

 

Brian

[Rickisan]

Might find something on "Larry' List" ...the one that Stephen posts once in a while.

Rick

[Mark]

I have a few "real" blades that are $600 or less, they are not treasures but they are honest. You can email me and i can try and help you.

[Grey Doffin]

And I can vouch for Mark; he'll treat you fairly.

Grey

[Stephen]

I'll second what Gray said, Mark will take care of you, one other thing id set the goal a bit higher, time payments will net you a better blade youll fell better about it a few months down the line. My guess your in your twentys you have plenty of time as youll find out later. :D

[alant]

I'll second what Gray said, Mark will take care of you, one other thing id set the goal a bit higher, time payments will net you a better blade youll fell better about it a few months down the line. My guess your in your twentys you have plenty of time as youll find out later. :D

 

In my twentys? I wish! Retirement is a mere 5 years away now.

 

I have the simple desire to own a genuine period piece, and this would be the only antique anything we own. There is no hurry, these swords have been around a long time, something respectable will come up. This is what I want to spend, not all I could afford.