Beginner here.

[Chad]

i have a WWII sword, or so i think i have not been able to get it looked at and the research that i have done has not helped me too much. here are some pictures of it i hope they help. Thanks!

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Chad,

Sorry for bad news but this is a recently made fake, most likely Chinese.

Grey

[Chad]

oh well now i know. well i guess i have to keep my eyes open for a real one. time to do some reading!

[SwordGuyJoe]

time to do some reading!

 

Yup. Hopefully, it wasn't too expensive a lesson.

[Wickstrom]

Also just a tip: stay away from ebay, about 85% of the 'Genuine Nihonto' are fakes. If you are looking to get a nice study piece for a reasonable price i would suggest nihontocraft...where i got my first waki

[Chad]

Thanks Andrew ill try that.

[Jamie]

Try these books for a good start.

 

Samurai Sword: A Handbook

~John Yumato

The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library)

~ Kanzan Sato

The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

~ Kokan Nagayama

 

http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Han ... 0804805091

 

http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Sword-Co ... 0870115626

 

http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book ... 4770020716