Buying first katana

[Gazza1984]

Hey everyone,

I'm travelling to Japan in April and I would like to buy a Japanese Katana. I will be spending most of my time in Tokyo and my budget is 300,000 yen. Is it possible to pick up a decent Nihonto for this price and if so, where should I look? If it isn't possible to pick up for this price, is there a next best thing? I'm not planning on building a collection. I would just like to have it as a showpiece. Thanks in advance.

[jeremy]

You should look into the process of exporting the sword out. It's not easy that's for sure. I think aoi art is located somewhere near Tokyo

[Brian]

Takes at least 2 weeks to get the export docs done iirc.
So bear in mind you can't always take it back with you. I think you would find a sword for that price easier on the forum than in Japan, and probably a better one.
 

[Gazza1984]

Would these be considered good Nihonto?

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumei-mino-school/?_sfm_price=100000+400000

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumeiunsigned-attributed-as-fujiwara-nobuyoshi/?_sfm_price=100000+400000

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumeiprobably-nio/?_sfm_price=100000+400000

[Alex A]

Hello ?

 

Before you go, have a read up, plenty of info for first time buyers on this site, buy a few books.

 

For the money, i think the swords are quite decent..

 

Perhaps try here too https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_en_tokuteisyoutorihiki.html

[Ken-Hawaii]

Please sign all of your posts with your first name, per Brian's rules. Otherwise, we don't know how to address you.

 

As Alex points out, you're obviously jumping wallet-first into a very-deep hobby. Everyone is anxious to buy his/her first sword, but spending the time to study beforehand will get you a much-better blade for less money. Another option is to sit down with an experienced collector so you can learn about blades first-hand. With the fires, we've heard from a lot of Aussies, & you can probably find someone in or near Sydney.

 

All three of Aoi's blades are decent, but only the second one comes in shirasaya for long-term storage. Koshirae are great for display, but aren't meant to hold a blade other than for battle or court appearances. It's these little details that will come back to bite you.

 

One last note - blades almost always cost more in Japan. Also, all they'll show you are swords that no local collector wants.

 

Welcome to the forum.

[DoTanuki yokai]

I think owning a nihonto can raise ur interest but maybe you will find out that you prefer other things in blades when you know more.

The books say for the first blade u should get a decent study piece in good polish with genuine signature from reputable dealer.

Sato Kanzan said that the best bargain are those bought for a reasonable price from a reputable dealer.

[Surfson]

I recommend that you email Aoi arts ahead of time and call Tsuruta San when you are in Tokyo to arrange a time to visit his shop.  Spend some time looking at swords, having some tea, chatting about what you are looking at and pick one out that you like.  Try to get one that is beautiful (to your taste) in hand, in full polish, has attractive mounts and has NBTHK papers.  If it is unsigned and cut down, preferably it should be a koto blade.  I think that if you spend time with him, tell him your situation and budget, and express your enthusiasm for nihonto, he will show you some nice things and help you find something nice that you like.  After you buy it, you can leave it with him and he will ship it and take care of the paperwork.   Good luck!