Best Place to Buy My First Nihonto?

[mtexter]

I've been browsing eBay and other auction sites, but they seem absolutely riddled with fakes, or they're blurring lines / not taking as detailed pictures to really be able to tell whether a piece is real.  Does anyone have a trusted source or any advice in buying my first Nihonto?  I have a budget in mind, probably too low to get anything of substantial quality, but don't want to gamble on something that might be garbage.  Maybe my money is better spent on books to start.  

[16k]

Well, here in the sale section.

Otherwise, I recommend Ray, Ed and Gray since you live in the USA. All of them are great and trustworthy dealers.

http://yakiba.com

http://swordsofjapan.com

https://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com

JP

[ChrisW]

What JP said! Here or any of the above sites are ideal and very welcoming to newcomers to the hobby. Welcome to the NMB!

And you are correct, books would be the wisest way to start so you can avoid an expensive mistake. eBay is a bit like the Wild West, an extreme case of caveat emptor.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Yes, definitely books, as studying will get you a lot more for your budget. Everyone is anxious for his/her first blade, & we've all been there. But, eBay is not for the inexperienced.

Hmm, we've lost your first name, it seems. Guess you'll have to re-enter it in your profile.

[Babu]

Also Don't forget David at Rain Dragon antiques.https://www.raindragonfineartandantiques.com

He's got a couple of very nice starter swords if your not too hung up on katana being a must.

Nothing wrong with a good wakizashi or tanto.

 

[Mark]

i usually have some stuff for sale. I live in Toledo OH but i will be in Grand Rapids Oct 9-10. Maybe we could meet up and you can see items in hand. my email is nixe@bright.net

 

mark jones

[mtexter]

4 hours ago, Babu said:

Nothing wrong with a good wakizashi or tanto.

Couldn't agree more! I love the idea of someday having my own daisho.  (Is there a term for a matched katana/tachi + wakizashi + tanto? (tri-sho?(lol)))

Mark, that sounds fantastic!  I'll shoot you an email soon

[Babu]

I've dealt with both David and Mark and would do so again with confidence and I don't even live in the US.

 

[Surfson]

I would also recommend Mark Jones.  He runs the Chicago show and is always coming up with good pieces.  He is honest, his prices are fair and he won't lead you astray.    

[mtexter]

Thanks for the recommendations, Mark and I are emailing back and forth now.  What a community

[ChrisW]

Yes! We do have something quite special here.

[bigjohnshea]

Fred at Nihonto.com

Highest caliber seller in the USA.

[Surfson]

I would also highly recommend Andy Quirt as well, if you are interested in a entry level sword.  His site is Nihonto.us   

[Oshy]

I live a few miles from Andy Quirt and can vouch he always seems to hold the customers interest above locking down a business deal.

[ChrisW]

Andy is a stand up guy. I've asked him questions and he's always been 100% upfront about any of his listings.