Chicago Sword Show April 26-28, 2024

Mark · February 27

The show is coming up quickly. There are a number of new vendors who have tables for the first time. The hotel room block is already getting filled up.

The show website has a lot of information http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ FB-- https://www.facebook...p?id=100064937373977

If you are planning on staying at the Hyatt here is a link to reservations for the show https://www.hyatt.co...booking/CHIRW/G-MITK

We are upstairs in the big ballroom, people seem to prefer it to the basement and there is a lot more space.

If you have a question email me at chicagoswordshow@gmail.com or post a question here

Thank you for your interest

Mark Jones

Mark · March 4

The show is getting close, less than 2 months away. This year looks to be the biggest and busiest yet with many new vendors, some from Japan. The room block is getting full (i will try and get more rooms but i am at the mercy of the Hotel). Tables are just about sold out, i have a couple of people i need to confirm are coming but i may have to try and put a few more tables in the room. If anyone has any questions email me at chicgaoswordshow@gmail.com or message me.

Show details and links for rooms etc are at http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

Thanks

Mark Jones

Dan M · April 12

Hi all - I'm a newcomer to nihonto and am planning to come to this show. I'd like to ask for advice about how I should approach it. I respect that some (most?) of the crowd will be here for shinsa and to deal rather than to chat with a noob.

I'm currently reading intro books (Sato and Yoshihara "Art"), and am following the advice to "study at least a year before you even think of buying swords." And yet, I'm local here in Chicago and this seems like a great opportunity to see and learn. All the better if I get to meet some area graybeards.

I'm grateful for advice you might have on how to make the most of it. Perhaps a first question: Sat or Sun?

If relevant, I'm gravitating to shinto and shinshinto but appreciate that knowing koto is necessary. And I might change my mind 3x before my first purchase anyway.

Thanks very much,
Dan

Mark S. · April 12

Hi Dan,

Glad you are coming to show. I think Saturday is a better day, but any day is good. Although Saturday is usually the busiest day, some of the dealers travel very long distances and leave a little early on Sunday, so you sometimes don’t get to see quite as much. If you arrive early on Saturday, there is usually a class on the proper way to handle blades in the morning. There are usually other presentations on Saturday as well. Just an FYI… There is no official Shinsa this year.

Coming to a show can be a bit overwhelming. So much to look at and fall in love with! You will find most dealers are more than happy to talk to you and answer questions. Yes, they are there to sell, but most are very happy to educate you about their blades and to answer general questions as well. For the most part, you will see the show as not only a place to buy and sell, but as an educational experience, a chance to meet new people, and you will see many long time acquaintances catching up and reconnecting too.

I also live locally. Unless something comes up, I will be there all 3 days just roaming around. If you have any specific questions, I’d be happy to meet you during the day at the show.

Hope you have a great time. Mark works hard and puts on a great show!

Grey Doffin · April 12

Hi Dan,

Start by reading Care & cleaning here: https://nbthk-ab2.or...ord-characteristics/

and read it again until you're sure you understand the basics of handling a Japanese sword. Taking in the talk on handling Saturday morning at 10 is also a good idea. There will be a display of better quality pieces, probably early afternoon Saturday. Highly recommended.

Come prepared to look at everything in the room and ask a lot of questions. Come by the tables Mark & I share and introduce yourself. Have fun.

Grey

Brian · April 12

Having been to 2 shows recently, I can tell you there is no stigma attached to being a novice, all the guys are amazing and as long as you understand the basic etiquette and are safe, you'll have a great time. It's very informal, and I think you'll love it.

Winchester · April 12

Hi Dan,

Hope this helps and my experience may be of interest. I went to the Chicago show a few months after I started collecting and my interest in nihonto.

Being so new, I was just polite and honest that I was a total newbie and here to learn; what advice may “you” have or share? In this way, folks knew I had limited knowledge but an open mind to learn and study and my experience was overwhelmingly positive.

I learned more at the show in a few days talking with people then a week of independent study, easily.

O koumori · April 12

Hi Dan,

While at the show, stop by my table- I'd be happy to meet you, discuss nihonto, and answer any questions you may have.

I'll be there with other members of the Indiana Token Kai, a sword preservation and study group in your neighboring state.

Best,

Dan K

Dan M · April 12

Wow - thanks to all for the encouragement and advice. I'll read Grey's handling link closely and will be there for the tutorial at 10 on Sat. Again, really appreciate it. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Fred Geyer · April 13

The NBTHK.AB will be doing a great display on fittings with the motif of Dragons and Spring "this years ..year" with some great Juyo and equal to study.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the display!

Fred Geyer

Grey Doffin · April 15

Hi guys,

I drive to this show so if there is a book on my site you'd like, you'll for sure be at the show, and would like to save the cost and bother of post, send me an email; I'll have the book for you at my table. Just lowered almost all of my book prices; there are bargains to be had.

https://japaneseswor.../item-category/book/

Thanks, Grey grey at gmail.com

Mark · April 16

Chicago Sword Show April 26-28, 2024 is less than 2 weeks away. Don’t miss it! It should be the busiest show yet, the hotel had to add additional rooms. Free parking. The NBTHK.AB will be doing a great display on fittings with the motif of Dragons and Spring "this years ..year" with some great Juyo and equal to study. There will be a presentation of great blades 600-1000 years old. Buy-Sell-Trade. If you need anything let me know. I look forward to seeing everyone.

http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064937373977

Mark · April 22

The show is just days away. On Saturday there will be a presentation on swords with some great examples (most Juyo) to learn from and at 3 pm the NBTHK-AB will have a display of high quality fittings "Springtime in the Year of the Dragon" as the fittings will show the dragon as well as things that occur, are associated with, or can be seen in spring. Here is a chance to see some wonderful fittings for education and enjoyment. You learn the most from studying high quality items so you learn to recognize them.

Mark · April 23

attendees -- please stop by and say hello to Grey and myself. We will have some special items for sale this year: Heian, Kamakura, Nambokucho, efu Tachi, Juyo, lots and lots of treasures. see you soon

mark

Mark S. · April 25

Looking forward to a great show!

DTM72 · April 26

On 4/25/2024 at 9:48 AM, Mark S. said:

Looking forward to a great show!

As I sit here at work, earning more money for Uncle Sam today and tomorrow. Then I fly out on Sunday for San Jose, California to work there until Wednesday. This work stuff is preventing me from making the Chicago show this year. Mark jones is a great guy and runs a great show in Chicago. I wish Mark Jones and all the vendors and attendees a great weekend at the show.

POST LOTS OF PICS!

PNSSHOGUN · April 27

+1 for pics and plenty of them.

Dan M · April 27

Just a quick note to thank the organizers and the folks I talked to, both here and at the show. I couldn't have had more fun.

The exhibits were great to observe and handle objects I wouldn't otherwise see and in a noncommercial setting. I'll keep reading, but it's all more tangible now.

Mostly I liked talking to people and look forward to seeing everyone next year. I've told Mrs she probably won't be lucky enough to escape two shows without a nihonto in her house...

I hope all enjoy the rest of the show and safe travels.

Mark S. · April 28

21 hours ago, Dan M said:

Mostly I liked talking to people and look forward to seeing everyone next year. I've told Mrs she probably won't be lucky enough to escape two shows without a nihonto in her house...

Was great getting the chance to shake your hand and say “hi” in person. And just remember… your wife WANTS you to be happy and buy nihonto. Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway! :thumbsup: We will cover for you.

Mark S. · April 28

All,

Just a few pictures of the show (pics were taken on Sunday so a few people had to pack up for long travel - almost all weekend, all tables were FULL of ‘goodies’). Another great event hosted by Mark. Lots to look at and a couple of very good presentations on blades and fittings. Can’t tell you how lucky I consider myself to be given the chance to handle and study blades that I would not have access to in any other setting. It was great to see some long-time acquaintances and meet a few new people as well. All in all a great show.

Fred Geyer · April 28

Another GREAT Chicago show by Mark!

I saw more Juyo blades and fittings than another show before along with some incredible other collectables.

Mr. Ito was set up with 3 tables with outstanding iron tsuba, you wanted it they had it.

Bob Benson had a Ko Bizen Juyo blade that looked like a shinto blade, great sword to study.

Really the show had great swords on every few tables, The NBTHK-AB had a display of 20 fitting for everyone to look at and enjoy.

THANKS AGAIN to Mark and his wonderful family.

Fred Geyer

Bugyotsuji · April 29

Liking the venue and color coordination. How many dealers/tables are we seeing there, Mark?

Curran · April 29

Indeed, the show was Great. It surprised significantly on the upside.

Mark did a phenomenal job. Even the taxi service was surprisingly good if you had access to an I-phone.

I regret that I only spent 1 day there.

It was my first show in 5 years.

Next year, I will be back.

Thank you Mark.

Mark · April 30

Thanks for the comments there were 114 tables on the floor, all occupied, not sure exact number but i think about 70 vendors. I thought the show went very well. We had good attendance, my son said he saw more people bringing swords in than usual. Thanks to the NBTHK-AB for a great display. if you see great work you will know what to look for. Thanks to Matt J for the assistance with the sword presentation. Those attending could hold and examine 6 GREAT swords, a Ko-Hoki with Mr Tanobe's sayagaki saying he thinks Sadatsuna so it was made 1000-1100 what a treat. there were 5 Juyo, a Sejuin (kamakura), Aoe Hisatsugu (signed- it is the one in Fujishiro), Sanekage, Ko-Mihara (looks Shinshinto it is so healthy), and an ubu Skikakke Naginata......

It was great seeing a lot of old friends and some who came for the first time. I apologize if i was ever short with conversation, with taking care of the show and doing presentations etc i get a bit flustered. I think sales were reasonably brisk, one regular vendor said he saw people he had never seen there before buying items. It was the Ito' first time and they were very happy and have already signed up for next year. At one point Grey and i had a big pile of free books on our table. But it wasn't there long. Next Orlando!

Mark

Ed · May 1

It was a great show. I too, didn't get to stay the entire show, but had a great time seeing old friends, made a few new friends and saw a ton of nice swords and fittings. Didn't take any sword photos but here are a few photos for your enjoyment. Edit: Sorry, it only allows so much for uploads. I have many more but couldn't upload them.

Juyo Goto Ichijo

Juyo Nobuiye

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Chicago Sword Show April 26-28, 2024

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