How to order

[Eric70]

Hello

Has anyone ordered a sword from Japan and had it shipped to U.S.A.?  I have found a sword but don't know whats involved. Has anyone ordered from Samurai Museum Shop?

Does anyone know of other reputable places to purchase?

Thank you for any help.

[NewB]

Hello,

 

 

I have, many times. Any of the reputable places are reliable. So far I have not been burned. Not sure how the post works nowadays but you'd get it eventually. Feel free to post a link of what you are looking at so other could chime in.

 

Cheers

 

P.S. buying from the dealers on the forum is a great option. You support them and the forum and you get quality product from knowledgeable people with proven track record AND.. you won't wait more than 3 days to receive 😀

 

 

John

[Jwrussell]

I just purchased from AOI. Shipment from Japan took right around a month from payment. Shipment was via UPS and once actually shipped was fairly quick. Only hiccup was them needing to contact me for some tax number and not actually leaving a message. Be sure to watch for unknown callers once you reach that point. I can't really speak to Samurai Museum Shop. I emailed them on two different blades, twice, and they never responded.

[Katsujinken]

I strongly recommend you check out the for sale section here before buying. Samurai Museum Shop is fine, but usually overpriced in my opinion. 
 

As Jason said shipping from

Japan is straightforward, but it can take time due to the export process. If the sword is worth more than $2500 or so you will likely owe some duty upon import (to the USA, anyway), and you’ll want to make sure all the declarations and paperwork are in order so as to avoid running afoul of Fish and Wildlife. 

[Japan2112]

US Fish and Wildlife department will study any same, horn, or other such natural materials for a while then charge  a stiff fee for doing it. 

SO be careful of anything in koshirae.

 

UPS is no problem for swords, Fed Ex for small filtings.

 

Value over $2500. requires additional paperwork that you may be contacted for by US customs to provide. The info they want can be related to materials or proper identification of age. If your (buyer) info, as in email or phone number, is on the outside packaging that will help. This was handled in concert with the shipping, so no additional delays occurred. Communications were easy.

 

I have bought from two Japanese dealers since the pandemic no problems. You can always save your money and attend the July 9-11 Orlando Florida Japanese Sword show.