Advice on starting a collection

[lazyasian]

Just inherited a nihonto and while I know it is not extraordinary as nihonto go to me it is a masterpiece and it has started a desire in me to begin a collection. I have picked up some reading and know a few of the very basics. Still I am looking for any advice people wished someone had given them when they first started collecting.

 

Some of my questions

 

If you couldn't afford at this point to drop a few thousand for a nice nihonto where would you begin? just looking for opinions here Wakizashi? Koshirae? WWII NCO? etc

 

Ebay is tempting me but I realize while I think I could spot an obvious fake a well done one from only the pictures people post..... Obviously nothing from china, only public auctions, check kissaki shape, hamon, nakago, etc still... I guess I am asking as an amateur can you with some studying actually reliably buy off ebay or any auction site?

 

Are there ways to get a good deal? I am not talking about the obviously bogus $100 buy buy buy ancient Japanese sword but one that you can come away saying wow I am lucky. If so any tips people are willing to share?

 

Any sites you recommend beginning to browse for a beginner without thousands to spend?

 

Anything else?

 

Finally if anyone has a little extra money please look into texting redcross to 90999 to donate $10 to help the Japanese victims or any other reputable channels of donations. Been talking to friends/family in Japan the north is in really bad shape. Even as far south as Tokyo they tell me stores are running out of breads and frozen foods. Not trying to sound preachy but if you can spare anything I am sure it would help.

 

-Cory

[drbvac]

Corey: Best advice I could give you is set up a nihinto bank account while you are reading and go to the odd gun show, military show, flea markets in your area and you may luck out. no rushing thought you may regret it and if in doubt - run away.

[Jamie]

You might start with these books:

Additionally you'll find some good deals here. And there are many linked. Buy Blades in Polish so they do not restoration work. That way you can study upon recieving them.

 

Some tips on Handling:

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

 

Books:

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

[Grey Doffin]

Cory,

The fact that you don't know which corner of Nihonto it is that you want to collect should tell you that you aren't ready to buy yet. Take time, save money, study, study, study, look at every sword you can get access to (sword shows are great for this), and ask lots of questions. When finally you know which corner appeals to you, maybe you'll have the funds and knowledge to buy something you'll love.

Grey

[lazyasian]

Thanks so I have ordered used copies of Yumoto and Sato's books as it sounded like they were the best beginner's guides. Any recommendations on books for fittings?

[sanjuro]

If I couldnt afford to drop a couple of thousand I would save up until firstly I knew what I wanted and secondly until I had enough to buy a decent sword to start with. (NCO swords are not nihonto by the way).

 

You say you could spot a fake from the real thing????????????????? it's very doubtful. Some of the fakes are so good they can fool even the experienced collectors on this board. Your chances of spotting a fake unless of the most obvious type after reading just a couple of books would be zero.

 

As a rank amatuer there is no way you can buy reliably on ebay at the level you are contemplating. Its not a case of some study, its a case of a LOT of study, and the experience of handling as many good nihonto as possible

[lazyasian]

"I think I could spot an obvious fake, but a well done one from only the pictures people post...."

*,but

I am well aware I couldn't spot a well done fake :/

 

Cory

[Ford Hallam]

In other art collecting fields it has long been quite usual for prospective collectors to seek the advice and guidance of reputable dealers. Of course it then becomes a matter of identifying such dealers.

 

I would argue that by following such a route you would have a fine example in hand (and sooner than 5 years of home study relying on books alone) that you may rely on as a bench mark from which to develop your understanding and appreciation of the art form.

[bmlusk1911]

Bottom line up front, if you're not willing to drop serious cash; you're not going to get a showpiece to start with. There's a part of me which desires to find those blades that need a little TLC and help them return to their former glory. But, I realize this is going to be a serious drain on my finances. While I may get a $500 or $1,000 blade at the start, it's going to need a polish ($100+ an inch,) koshirae, etc.... The initial "deal" is going to add up in the long run. I'm OK with that for some blades. It's not so much an assessment of the blade's value itself, but I realize some blades will call to my heart and I'll give in.

 

I personally plan though to save not for those orphan blades that need a home, they'll end up in my collection whether I like it or not. But I have already begun saving for a nice Katana in polish and shirasaya.

 

I have tried to follow the advice of the collectors on this board, but as a "new guy" I know how hard it is to buy literature when you want to feel the weight of a blade in your hand! I was lucky at the Tampa Show, and picked up an O-Tanto which needs a polish and furniture. I was also lucky with my first Nihonto (my wife bought me the Wakizashi posted in the nihonto forum.) Holding and maintaining those blades, taking Toyama Ryu Battodo classes, and seeing the swords at the Tampa Show have taught me more practical knowledge than the reading I've done. The reading I've done though has augmented the practical knowledge of handling these blades. Since you are now entrusted with the care of a nihonto (and being a family heirloom,) take the time to do the reading. You'll read something, go look at your sword and think, "Wow, never noticed that before!" I do that at least once a week.

 

As a soldier, raised in a "warrior" family one of the fields which has fascinated me greatly is learning about the Samurai themselves. I recommend a good translation of "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. It's a great read into the psychology of the samurai.