How Did You Begin Collecting?

[mattr]

Hi all, Ive been interested in nihonto for some time now and would like to begin collecting - maybe a blade or two. How did you begin? Any suggestions for a new collector? Im leery of the ebay route but then again dont have a huge pool to draw from for investment quality blades......

 

 

 

[edit]

[outlier48]

If you search through the previous posts you will find the advise. It is basically to buy a lot of books (three that I found helpful are "The Samurai Sword" by John Yumoto, "The Japanese sword" by Kanzan Sato, and "The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords" by Kokan Nagayama) and read and study, study, study; join a nihonto club in your area and go to the meetings; go to shows when and where you can so you can see and hold swords. When you are ready to purchase you will find there are some dealers and members of this board who have a good reputation and who will stand behind what they sell.

 

Please be sure to add your name to the post per the rules.

 

Good luck in your adventure in nihonto!

 

Charlie Brashear

[mattr]

Thanks for the suggestions Charlie, I do have a couple books in my library (and am acquiring more) and am slowly making my way this forum and it's archives. For members in the US, do you find gun shows worthwhile to go to?

[Grey Doffin]

Very good Nihonto at very reasonable prices occasionally show up at gun shows. Very bad Nihonto (and even out right fakes) for way too much money occasionally show up at gun shows. Knowing the difference is why taking the time for study is so important.

Grey