New Member Looking for Feedback

[Silver84]

I wanted to come and introduce myself, I have always admired Japanese swords and visited Japan for the first time last week and decided I would like to purchase a sword. While in Tokyo I visited the brick and mortar shop of the store I am wanting to purchase from, and I have 3 options and am having trouble deciding and wanted some advice and to bounce ideas off people. I am not sure if it is allowed to put a link to the store or the swords that I am considering, but if so I can reply with that information. I know collecting is about what you like and what looks good to you, so I am just trying to see if my thoughts are correct and if theres anything additional about these swords that makes them special.

All are Wakizashisthe two with Koshiraes are 450,000 yen and the one with only Shirasaya is 350,000 yen.

 

Option 1: 
Signed Sōshū ju ise daijō minamoto tsunahiro, I believe is TSU257 - Hozon Token, Tokubetsu Kicho Token

Reasons for - The sword has a nice Koshirae, the Tsuba has neat figure with gold silver inlay, and the saya is nice. 

Reasons against - I think the two other actual swords may be more interesting, and I don't think I should put much value into the Koshirae in this price range.

 

Option 2:

Signed Tango no kami fujiwara jumyō I believe is JU32 - Tokubetsu Hozon Token

Reasons for - Sword has higher certificate, a double habaki which is nice. The shirasaya is nicer. It is Ubu-ba

Reasons against - The Koshirae is not as nice, the black laquer has cracked/been repaired, and the tsuba looks rudimentary, and not refined. 

 

Option 3:

Signed hida no kami fujiwara ujifusa I believe is UJI22 - Tokubetsu Hozon Token

Reasons for - TH certificate, 100,000 yen cheaper, I like the Hamon. It is wavy while in the other two it is more of a straight line. 

Reasons against - No Koshirae

 

I read some posts about what to consider and I think in my price range the sword itself is more important than the mountings, but I wanted to get some feedback on if any of the swordsmiths are special, if I am considering the right things, or any other advice is appreciated. I am sure I would be happy with any of them but I tend to overthink things.

Kind Regards from Florida. 

[David Flynn]

Just going by your description,  which ever one you like the best.     I don't think anyone would be able to give you any better advice, without photos and better descriptions.

[b.hennick]

I hope that you and your family managed with Helene and the aftermath of that event. There is a sword show in Orlando. You could go there, see many swords and come home with the sword. No shipping, no waiting and you will have a lot of choice. Many members of NMB will be at the show. Between now and then you will have an opportunity to learn more about swords. 

[Lewis B]

Be wary of fancy koshirae. Dealers usually put together koshirae to shift more unappealing blades. You have already mentioned you prefer the look of the 3rd blade with only Shirasaya and that should prioritise the purchase decision. A sword with TH papers trumps Hozon/older Kicho papers. Good luck with your choice. 

 

That said Hawley and Toko Taikan rate #1 smith well above #2 and #3. 

 

#1 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TSU257

 

#2 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/JU32

 

#3 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/UJI22