First Nihonto pick

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

I think "Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords" will not be useful for you, this controversy book needs some knowledge to gain understanding of it.

[Marius]

  Matus said:

but if anyone has a good early Muromachi blade for sale, don't hesitate to contact me :-)

 

Still, the artistic vs practical blade is not very clear to me... any examples please?

 

good EARLY Muromachi won't be cheap

 

I agree with others on the Nakahara book - skip it for now. Sorry, I got carried away...

 

CORRECTION: Skip some parts of it for now.

[Matus]

I already ordered the book, but then will read it after Nagayama... concerning early Muromachi blade - I start to realize, that quality will have its price. For a beginner, it was quite stunning to see 500+ year old blades priced below 3K... thanks to this forum I realized that the age is not the most important aspect and while the blade being rather old, it can well be a metal tsunagi...

 

Cheers,

Matus

[Marius]

  Matus said:

thanks to this forum I realized that the age is not the most important aspect and while the blade being rather old, it can well be a metal tsunagi...

 

Matus,

 

very well said! Your sword will find you. It is karma

[paulb]

long may you think that "age isnt important" I keep telling people that every day but they still look at me with the "poor old fool" expression on their face :D

[Grey Doffin]

Matus,

Do read Facts and Fundamentals, and then read it again. And then read everything you can get your hands on. Make a list of all the English language books (and any other language you can read) and see how many your local library can get for you.

Grey

[smac401]

Keith,

I'm sorry I wasn't exactly clear in my posting, I purchased it as a study piece as I said, but I also purchased the signed tsuba and menuki. I wouldn't have purchased the blade for its undesired quality and multiple faults if it had been naked. Of the blades I have none have these have examples. I have seen them in books and on the net but hands on is the way I have read and been told is the only way most judge a sword faults or not.

I understand the purchase of a bad blade and believe it or not the tsuba and menuki caught my attention the first time I saw it while the blade wasn't an issue because I recognized small faults(warped). The over all price paid was well worth it considering what I got.

On the flip side of that I have several friends that are new to Nihonto as well and I am placing the blade on the loaner shelf for them to use as an example of what to look for when purchasing a good quality blade. Hopefully this and the information given from you guys will keep them from making bad decisions (costly$$$$) in the future. I appreciate all the advice you guys give and it helps to keep me looking and learning. Hopefully I can do the same for others in the future..

 

Steve M.

[drbvac]

Mateus:

 

You know on one level it is almost like asking a girl friend out - beyond the obvious where guys will tell you that she is really a man at some point you take the plunge and go for it on your own initiative and -- there you are -- you are - you got a blade - love her - your first is always a treat!! Please do not be discouraged by the guys who are only trying to make sure you are happy with what you get !

 

That said , my first wife is here 40 years later - my first nihonto - no idea where it is !!

 

Some guys thought one of my girl friends was odd but ---

 

There are always good things about everyone

[Matus]

Hi Brian,

 

I don't feel discouraged, rather on the opposite. Seeing all those blades, just a single click away, it's really easy to let my desire take control. On one hand, desire is OK in fields where I know my subject, but Nihonto is definitely not covered in there... so a straightforward comment is like a cold shower - it wakes me up :-)

 

The only thing that makes a bit sad/jealous - given the time I can afford to devote for Nihonto study, most probably I will be never able to discuss this topic on par with you guys...

 

Nevertheless, my dream of one quality old Nihonto in my collection is still alive :-)

 

Cheers,

Matus

[chrisf]

Matus,hope you're coping well with all this which is not designed to discourage you but hopefully support you in your search for your first sword and it is a positive thing that you are being made aware of the minefield that exists when buying Japanese swords.

I agree with posted comments on the swords you mentioned,I won't be coy,I think the katana should be left well alone,it's tired,poorly fitted and it's pretty expensive in my view.

Wak 1 looks to have tempering issues,which leaves wak 2,stout,mumei wakizashi.I would guess that there are probably more mumei wakizashi extant than any other sword type other than gunto (two in my wardrobe as I write).I think we all write in the hope that anything we can offer will help avoid that dreadful moment when you produce the 'pride and joy' and see faces drop and the unspoken 'why did he buy that?'.

Good luck,'your' sword is out there waiting for your paths to cross.

[drbvac]

Matus:

 

Well on some level the only limit is the money you can spend on the blade and if you have 10-20 grand to spend you have to be fairly careful what you buy - actually the biggest thrill you will EVER get is going to a flee market or yard sale and when people dont know what they have or what its worth - and YOU do cause you have read the books -

 

I bought 10 edged weapons from a dealer who didnt like them cause he had no idea what they were - weird mixture - bayonets, army swords, and an army and navy Kai GUNTO =- GOT THEM ALL for $3000.oo -- he was happy - probably got them for nada - 2 german daggers and the Japanese - I was very happy too and the sale of the Naval Kai paid for the rest .

 

Hard to beat being a knowledgable buyer with a seller wanting some money.

 

That said - if you see one you love and its not over the moon = take it home and love it forever !