New Member Introductions

[Brian]

James makes excellent modern "user" katana. I think his excellent reputation stretches overseas.
As long as the hobby work stays with modern Western blades, we'll all follow along and be happy to assist where we can.
Welcome and all the best with your endeavours.

[b.hennick]

Welcome! There is a lot to see and a lot to learn. Congrats o the first sword. 

[Jon L]

Hi there all,

Been interested in swords and steel my whole life. Recently divorced which afforded a thorough self examination, after which I decided to indulge in a little collecting...

Now I have maybe a dozen Chinese swords and am itching for the real thing!

Not that the cheap swords don't have a purpose, my kid and I are having fun cutting various things and I have started studying iaido.

I enjoyed this forum as a guest and feel privileged to be a member now.

 

Jon

[b.hennick]

Hi Jon 

There are several people in the forum who practice iaido and related arts. They all tend to be helpful. 

[Moritsuchi]

Hi All!

My name is Florian, I am currently studying Japanese Studies at University and love to use my studies and the papers I have to write as an excuse to write endlessly about ancient Japanese warfare. Though I am not that particularly interested in the Japanese sword in itself (I kinda like Naginata more to be honest, and to me the most interesting period is the Kofun-Era), I own a 16th century blade.

So you won't find me discussing every possible style of kissaki or so, but I could write a full book on why the Japanese switched from hoko to yari and tsurugi to katana.

Anyways, I look forward to interesting discussions, and I've already made a topic were I would greatly appreciate your knowledge for a paper I am currently researching for.

 

 

[DocDeCon]

Hello Everyone. I am new to forums and it looks as tho I skipped this step in etiquette. I have already posted in the translation section. I have just inherited my grandfather’s sword that he brought back from the pacific. I am interested in Gendaito and learning from you all. Thanks in advance. Paul

[Stephen]

Welcome Paul

 

Enjoy your adventure.

[shogun_nick]

Hello everyone. My name is Nick and I am deeply passionate about History. Japanese Swords are a relatively new interest for me, but I have always been fascinated with swords and other weaponry. I own a Type 98 Shin Gunto (mass-produced 1940-41), but I am looking forward to expanding my collection with some better pieces in due time. I am currently reading The Craft of the Japanese Sword as my introduction to this topic, and I have some other beginner books on the way. I might be one of the younger members on here in my mid 20's, but I am eager to learn and excited to be here!

Edited July 14, 2023 by shogun_nick
Spelling

[b.hennick]

Welcome! It is easy to get caught up in terminology. Take things slowly and ask will slowly become meaningful 

[HVM]

Hi everyone.

 

My name is Hylke and I am from the Netherlands. My son and I already collect WW2 and WW1 militaria for a while now, and build a nice collection of different items. But I have a special interest (love) for Japan history, craftmanship and beliefs. 

 

In the past I already purchased a few original netsuke's and high quality replica katanas, but now I want to buy an original old wakisashi or katana from Tamahagane steel. Collecting WW2 militaria, I learned, through trial and error, that I need to research the item before purchasing. And above all, using the knowledge of the specialists in the field. I do hope that within this area fewer counterfeits exist than in the Third Reich militaria. 

 

Looking forward to be learning a lot about this on this forum.

[Stephen]

Hi Hyike,

Welcome aboard you hang around here much longer you'll be wanting a gunto to go in your collection😎👍

[KSATSU]

Hello All,

 

My name is Steve, I’m 34 and from Melbourne. Travelled to Japan multiple times and off again in October with a stop over in South Korea. I have a lot of interests in Japanese culture (new and old) and in 2018 I visited the Samurai Museum in Tokyo which triggered an interest in Nihonto. Recently I purchased my first katana and Yoroi. I hope to learn as much as possible and attend events when possible. Looking forward to taking part in this forum. Pics attached of latest purchases. Hoping to continue to expand my collection

[Ken-Hawaii]

G'day, Steve, & welcome! Looks like you've already dived in, so please tell us where your interests lie.

[KSATSU]

Hi Ken,

 

currently my focus is on Bizen / Hizen swords. The sword I have recently acquired is tied to the Osafune school and I am looking for a JUYO sword to purchase over the next 12-18 months from the Ichimonji school. 

[Ken-Hawaii]

I'm also a Bizento collector, but you've set your sights (& your budget) higher than mine! I do have a beautiful Kagemitsu wakizashi, which has given me many hours of study, but that's as high on the Bizen tree as I'm likely to climb.

 

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the Bizen-Osafune Sword Village in Okayama, I recommend putting it high on your bucket list. It's full of juto of the highest quality, & confirmed my choice of what I wanted to collect. Here is the video I posted a few years ago, after my visit: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/30100-bizen-osafune-sword-village/

 

[KSATSU]

Thanks for the video. That was a great watch. I am in kyoto for 7 nights so a day trip should be occurring to the museum. 
 

I originally didn’t plan to get the Armour this year so that has slowed down the JUYO purchase but that’s ok. I am very happy with my purchase. The sword I posted above is signed “Yokoyama Kozuke Daijo Fujiwara Sukesada (横山上野大掾藤原祐定)” and dated around 1660-1715. 
 

 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Okayama is right down the road from you, Steve, & it's definitely worth the trip. You might also check out Tozando's store in Kyoto https://tozandoshop....do-store-information. My wife & I mostly use them for martial arts gear (iaido, kendo, jodo, & judo), but they also have a collection of Nihonto.

 

I would love to have yoroi, but my wife has 11 large Maine Coon cats, & armor deserves better than what they would do to it.

 

As far as juto, I suggest contacting Ray Singer, who advertises on NMB as Swords of Japan. I only see one juyo Bizen on his site (https://swordsofjapa...en-masamitsu-katana/), but I'll bet he has access to more juto, & Ray is very trustworthy. The least-expensive (2,950,000 JPY) Ichimonji I know of is an incredible wakizashi at Aoi Art (https://www.aoijapan...ikatayama-ichimonji/.

[KSATSU]

We went to Tozando in 2018. We’re some beautiful swords on display. I’m a regular on their website and Aiojapan :).

 

fortunately we have no kids or cats to worry about but the office is locked anyway so it’s a safe place for the Armour. 
 

I have been in touch with Ray he is a lovely guy with some great pieces. I’m still waiting on a property to sell so I’m kind of stuck at the moment but when the time comes another sword is on the agenda. 
 

https://nihonto.com/yoshihira/ this one has sold but it’s a beauty 🙏

[AlexiG]

Hi all,

 

Just taking few moments to say "hi". I have been collecting arms and armor for close to 20 years now but for the past year I really got into Japanese swords. My multiple searches kept landing me on this board, so I finally decided to join. I have not participated in online forums for ~15 years now (was quite active on MyArmoury in the early 2000's) but the quality of the conversation here made me reconsider.

 

I am in the Bay Area of California and did manage to make it to the SF Show last week. I enjoyed it quite a bit.  

 

I have made some reasonable buys and some questionable buys over the last year. All part of the learning curve, I guess.

 

As of late I have gotten really fascinated with the Yamato tradition and that is where my next purchases will likely be, but I am sure my tastes will change and evolve (been through this before  )

 

I have many questions but will save those for their own threads.

 

Cheers,

Alexi

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome, Alexi. There's a steep learning curve for Nihonto, so buying a few reference books is a good use for your money. Feel free to ask questions. We all do.

 

I used to live in Alameda, on Bayfarm Island, & do miss the city.

[Toryu2020]

Welcome Alexi - do consider joining us for a sword club meeting when you have the time...

 

-t

[Donzi1973]

I'm New member , I love Military History is fun to find something no one knows any thing about , and learning new History and information is awesome,  I collect an assortment of Military items from kbars to germqn melmets, I've did 20 years in the Department of public Safety here in NC , and looking forward to getting to know everyone and learn more . THANK YOU FOR HAVEING ME.

[Stephen]

Welcome Donnie 

Enjoy your time here and tk u for your public service. 

[History_Geek]

Greetings Everyone,

 

My name is Vu and I’m from the Bay Area in California. 
 

Currently in Japan right now for vacation but will fly back Monday (been here for almost 2 weeks). 
 

I love history but especially the samurai culture and history. Always wanted to own an antique samurai tachi or katana. Being over here in Japan and seeing them in person just makes me want one even more. 
 

visited Japan Sword and Ginza Seiyudo on this trip, and both stores seem legit. Wanted to check out the Samurai Museum but they no longer have a physical store. Been communicating with them about some swords via email and they seem legit. 
 

if anyone has purchased anything from any of the three shops I mentioned (especially Samurai Museum), can you PM me so I can get your take on their business? 
 

Sorry for the long introduction but I’m excited to be here. I’m a noob and still have a lot to learn and would appreciate it if people on here can guide me through this exciting new journey. 

[Stephen]

Welcome Vu, enjoy the adventure. 

[KSATSU]

I’ve purchased from samurai museum. Like all the Tokyo stores they aren’t the cheapest due to overheads but they have good staff and good customer service. Please research everything they post on your own before buying. They don’t always get every thing 100% correct factually or translated. In saying that I would buy from them again 

[Toryu2020]

Welcome Vu, 

Be sure to check out www.ncjsc.org when you are back in the Bay Area and consider joining one of our meetings. Lots to see and it is free of charge...

 

-tch

[mbrown62]

Hello All,

 

Joined the forum a few weeks back  and neglected to post here, apologies.

 

I have always been fascinated with Japanese culture and history, a month or so back I well and truly fell down the Nihonto rabbit hole when a friend asked me if I could tell them anything about an old Wakizashi they had. This was my first chance to really examine a Nihonto outside of a glass case in a museum. I jumped at it!! After weeks of web searches (which lead me to this fine forum) and books I now know without question just how little I know, and this is GREAT!

 

The little gemei wakizashi that started it all is very likely, as I had suspected, a relatively young (late-Edo) low quality but genuine nihonto. I may attempt to acquire it (within reason) as I have strangely developed a sentimental attachment to it and to commemorate this next phase of my fascination. Thanks for the help already provided by forum members! I look forward to the journey.

[cwo4uscgret]

Tim here, aka cwo4uscgret; retired (June 2001) Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Four and retired August 2014) Customs and Border Protection Officer as well.  Retired!  I collect and shoot firearms and buy, sell, and trade custom made knives. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Ah, now your screen name makes sense!  Welcome Tim!!  I know you have a nihoto to post, but be sure to come visit us on the Military Forum too!