First Katana, what do you think ….

[BertD]

Will be in Tokyo, first time end of this month, always wanted a Katana, looking at a nice papered blade.

katana [higo-no-kami kuniyasu] (sintou jou-saku) (oh wazamono)

Sintou  NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper

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¥ 700,000(JPY)

Item number: esg2310-1102

Category

[BertD]

Hello to all on the site. First time posting, and virgin katana buyer….Would like to reserve this and see it next week for possible purchase. Always wanted a katana. My last of 3 weapon wants is a Katana. I recently gifted myself a budget for a Shiloh Sharps black powder 45-70, a Colt 45, and a Katana. Have the firearms now, and last to add a Katana.

Been reading up here and ordering a few books recommended here.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Bert,

Some care and handling reading for you: https://nbthk-ab2.or...ord-characteristics/

Welcome, Grey

[Baba Yaga]

Been reading up here and ordering a few books recommended here.

 

Ah, so you're at point zero and looking for a sword. Can you see why this sword isn't going for double and triple $$$$$$/ ???

[jesse]

Bert, I see your using the 'E-Swords' website.  I have purchased a couple of blades from them and have always been satisfied. Their descriptions of the product were always accurate.

 

Warm Regards,

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Bert, the world is your oyster for that sort of money and you could probably do better than the sword you posted. Before reserving anything, take the chance to look at as many good swords over there as possible before purchasing.

[Jon]

Honestly for £4,000 I would be looking for an Ubu nakago ( not shortened)…..Especially for an EDO blade.

[DTM72]

On 11/14/2023 at 7:38 PM, BertD said:

Been reading up here and ordering a few books recommended here.

Grey Doffin has  great website for additional books, if you are looking for more.

This looks to be a nice piece. I can tell you that most of us had some horrible "first pieces". Out of polish, slightly rusted or stained, no papers, etc. I won't tell you how to spend your money, but will say, you are on the right path...looking at papered examples from reputable dealers. Just keep in mind, there are reputable dealers here in the USA that have papered, quality items. Lastly, please understand that IF you buy a Nihonto in Japan, you cannot just pay for it, walk out of the store and come home with it.

Each sword has a torokusho (registration card) filed with the local Prefectural Education Board. If change in ownership is to occur, (you buy it) the seller sends the proper transfer of ownership paperwork and the torokusho to the Education Board. The board reviews the information (2-3 weeks) and issues an export license to the seller. Only then can the seller ship to the USA or allow you to go straight to the airport with it.

 

Wishing you all the best!

[ckaiserca]

2 hours ago, DTM72 said:

Lastly, please understand that IF you buy a Nihonto in Japan, you cannot just pay for it, walk out of the store and come home with it.

Each sword has a torokusho (registration card) filed with the local Prefectural Education Board. If change in ownership is to occur, (you buy it) the seller sends the proper transfer of ownership paperwork and the torokusho to the Education Board. The board reviews the information (2-3 weeks) and issues an export license to the seller. Only then can the seller ship to the USA or allow you to go straight to the airport with it.

 

Wishing you all the best!

The export permit took slightly more than 4 weeks on my last sword purchase. YMMV

[Alex A]

Glad your seeing it hand, i struggle with the photography at this store in particular.

 

 

 

 

[Baba Yaga]

Permits are the last thing anyone should be thinking about. 

 

Koshirae is on the scale of poor for a TH sword. 

Suriagi  - Shorted 

Shirasaya - Check out the other NEW Shirasaya on other of there listings. Same .....

Polish* Looks just like other shinto listings on the same page with the same new Shirasaya . Poor ......

Papers- I don't look at them for this very reason. They didn't mismark the price. It's twice as low as it shoud be for a reason. 

 

Looking at it in hand isn't going to help much respectively, because you don't have an idea what your looking at. 

Remember, they are in the business to sell. This is a shrewd business.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Alex A]

Kanbun swords with little sori seldom fly off the shelf at top end prices.

[singlechange]

Bert, You are getting good advice here. You are doing the right things before making the decision to buy, like buying books and joining this wonderful forum. There is a Facebook group devoted to traditionally made Japanese swords. See  https://www.facebook...ups/1728933930663768.  Also in just two months there is the Las Vegas Traditional Japanese Sword Show. These are  some ways to further your education.  Good hunting.

[Paz]

How did this sword get a Tokubetsu hozon ?  (Condition?? Or wazamono)

 

Shortend kanbun shinto..... 

 

If your budget is in the 10k plus and live in the US. Pleeease don't rush in a and buy this. You have the opportunity to actually go to shows and handle them, a big market too. Then shop around more on Japanese sites and find something you'd like. 

 

Regards 

[PNSSHOGUN]

They seem to be handing out TH to anything remotely sword shaped these days, greatly reducing the significance of this paper.

[Mikaveli]

9 hours ago, Paz said:

How did this sword get a Tokubetsu hozon ?  (Condition?? Or wazamono)

 

Shortend kanbun shinto..... 

 

If your budget is in the 10k plus and live in the US. Pleeease don't rush in a and buy this. You have the opportunity to actually go to shows and handle them, a big market too. Then shop around more on Japanese sites and find something you'd like. 

 

Regards 

 

So, I think it's mainly the smith factor (several juyo from him), so his blades get the nod.

 

Remember, the NBTHK criteria states (translated):

 

Quote

Edo period works by less famous smiths with mid or lower grade workmanship may not receive Tokubetsu Hozon paper.

 

^ to me that implies mid-grade examples by more famous smiths may get Tokubetsu Hozon. Has that happened here?

[Alex A]

7 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

They seem to be handing out TH to anything remotely sword shaped these days, greatly reducing the significance of this paper.

 

Totally agree, feels like someone moved the goal post.

[Guest Simon R]

54 minutes ago, Alex A said:

 

Totally agree, feels like someone moved the goal post.

Absolutely. Even Showa Yasukunito can get TH now - and a sayagaki thrown in.

Shocking loss of standards.

[Alex A]

Its a pity no one has started a topic regarding folks thoughts on the subject.

 

I'm not talking about the sword above as not really looked at it

 

When you start seeing average Shinshinto waks by average smiths with TH you got toi start thinking what's going on ?

 

In fact, il start a topic rather than carry on here

 

[Paz]

1 hour ago, Alex A said:

Its a pity no one has started a topic regarding folks thoughts on the subject.

 

I'm not talking about the sword above as not really looked at it

 

When you start seeing average Shinshinto waks by average smiths with TH you got toi start thinking what's going on ?

 

In fact, il start a topic rather than carry on here

 

I was about to start one Alex last week, as I wanted to know the actual value and criteria for TH. Will be great if you can start it. 

I've seen Tokubetsu hozon by smiths who don't get any mention or are not famous. From the edo period. While I've seen hozon on koto swords which do.

[Alex A]

 I will add link in other thread