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Newbie to nihonto and just about to purchase/import from Jap

Jagchester
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Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

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Hello All,

 

I have a dread fascination with traditional weaponary, being a pracitising sikh, we have a lot in common with the samurai culture/bushido. I also have amassed a collection of sikh swords and a few hanwei blades amongst other items.

 

After 10 years of pondering and dreaming, the time has come to acquire a fine piece of Japanese history. I am looking at a nihonto piece from Aoi Arts. I am very nervous being a first timer and lots of questions if anybody would be so kind as to answer:

 

1. Are NBTHK papers legitimate in guaranteeing a piece's authenticity?

2. I am looking at a Hizen Yukijiro blade, it is priced around £4k and claims to be around 300+ years old is this normal?

3. It is a lot of money to put down and I never intend to sell this blade, however, in the future if I were to in an emergency, would I break even on it?

4. I am extremely nervous on importing to the U.K, what should I be careful of? And HMRC, what do I need to do?

5. Aoi-Arts - many speak very highly of Mr. Tsurtua, I have contacted him, what are others experience with dealing with him?

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Jag Singh

NihontoEurope Proficient

NihontoEurope

Posted
Posted

Hello,

 

1. Are NBTHK papers legitimate in guaranteeing a piece's authenticity?

There are fake papers. Also, there are papers on blades, especially Hizen blades, that are authentic that will not pass today. There are some papers during certain years that are not to be trusted.

 

2. I am looking at a Hizen Yukijiro blade, it is priced around £4k and claims to be around 300+ years old is this normal?

A Hizen blade at that price is normal. There are cheaper and there are much more expensive blades. You must show us the blade and fittings should such exist.

 

3. It is a lot of money to put down and I never intend to sell this blade, however, in the future if I were to in an emergency, would I break even on it?

You will never know. But if you buy it at a fair price today it will certainly not go lower in value. Supply and demand rules.

 

4. I am extremely nervous on importing to the U.K, what should I be careful of? And HMRC, what do I need to do?

Talk to customs and postal services. Check rules.

 

5. Aoi-Arts - many speak very highly of Mr. Tsurtua, I have contacted him, what are others experience with dealing with him?

Not a Scoobie m8!

 

/Martin

Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

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Also, there are papers on blades, especially Hizen blades, that are authentic that will not pass today. There are some papers during certain years that are not to be trusted.

 

Thanks for the swift repsonse Martin. What do you mean by papers on blades that were authentic but will not pass today? And do you know what years those papers not to be trusted were issued in?

 

I would post up pictures but im not aware of the copyright forum rules etc. of posting up images referenced to Aoi arts site.

 

Thanks again,

 

Jag

Veli Proficient

Veli

Posted
Posted

I guess you are considering this blade: http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/12148.html

1) NBTHK Hozon papers for a signed blade are very, very reliable.

2) £4k for an unshortened Hizen Yukihiro Katana in koshirae sounds like a bargain. Please note, however, that there is shintetsu (core steel) showing, which is typical for Hizen blades that have been polished several times. This, I guess, explains the lower price.

3) Any investment is risky. Normally I estimate getting 75% of the investment back if I have to sell, provided I did well when purchasing.

4) You need to prove the age of the blade to the customs; AOI Art estimation paper might do the job. UK members know more.

5) I have only positive experience with Tsuruta-san.

 

Martin: "Not a Scoobie m8!" ??? I am not that good in English, please explain...

 

Veli

Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

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I guess you are considering this blade: http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/12148.html

Please note, however, that there is shintetsu (core steel) showing, which is typical for Hizen blades that have been polished several times.

 

 

Thank you Veli. That is the correct blade! Ah Core Steel.....is this an issue maintenance wise? Is this why the hamon is so prominent?

 

I am 50/50 for buying this. I have checked the signature it seems to be authentic.

 

Thanks again,

 

Jag

SwordGuyJoe Grand Master

SwordGuyJoe

Posted
Posted

The blade doesn't look tired to me and I'll be darned if I could find an opening in the steel and I feel even saying it has loose grain would be an exageration. Looks good to me but it is possible that I am missing something.

Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

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Hi Jag,

Unsolicited advice warning!

You need to study a lot more before you spend serious money on swords. Books and in hand experience 1st; purchase later.

Grey

 

Hi Grey,

 

Advice noted! I was waiting for this comment!

 

Thanks again,

 

Jag

NihontoEurope Proficient

NihontoEurope

Posted
Posted

Jag,

 

I think it was around the 80's.

 

This blade however, is authentic. It seems to have lost its Hizen characteristics due to heavy polishing. Swords are best judged in hand. That is why you should regard my comment likewise.

 

/Martin

Geraint Grand Master

Geraint

Posted
Posted

Hi Jag, welcome.

 

In addition to your research may I suggest that you consider joining the Token Society of Great Britain, perhaps even more useful for you the Northern Token Society. http://www.northerntokensociety.org.uk/NTKS/News.html Great bunch of guys who will be more than welcoming and give you a chance to get to see swords in the company of knowledgeable and welcoming collectors. Many of them will have dealt with Tsuruta san and will tell you that he is good news.

 

They will also be able to advise you about the pitfalls of importing swords. There are some recent changes to the law but having membership of either or both of these two societies will ensure that you have proof of an academic interest and hence are allowed to import. Antique items are allowed a reduced duty, all you have to do is prove it. Again, members of the society will be able to give you great advice on this.

 

Enjoy!

Veli Proficient

Veli

Posted
Posted

Jag,

 

Although it is advisable to learn first and buy afterwards, I think you should be credited for proposing a nice quality blade from a reputable dealer as your first purchase.

 

Veli

IanB Veteran

IanB

Posted
Posted

Jag, Should you wish to join us you would be most welcome. Full details are on our web-site.

Ian Bottomley - Member of the Northern ToKen Society of Great Britain.

Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

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Thank you Veli!

 

Beauty is evident to all I believe. This is a consignment katana and I have made an offer due to the condition of the koshirae and shintetsu. I really want this piece may take a few months saving though! Let's hope it goes well!

 

Thanks again for the support!

 

Jag

estcrh Veteran

estcrh

Posted
Posted
Hello All,

 

I have a dread fascination with traditional weaponary, being a pracitising sikh, we have a lot in common with the samurai culture/bushido. I also have amassed a collection of sikh swords and a few hanwei blades amongst other items.

Jag, while I mostly collect samurai armor and weapons I have noticed the similarities between the samurai and the various warriors of Indian history. Indian armor and weapons are very under rated. If you have some images of your sikh swords you can post some in the The Izakaya section, I would love to see them and I am sure other forum members would to.

viewforum.php?f=56

 

As for purchasing a nihonto, I would suggest that you take your time and do some studying as suggested, eventually you will find a sword that has all the qualities you are looking for and you will be more able to answer at least some of the questions you have asked here with a little bit of study. Searching the past forum posts will reveal a gold mine of useful information, more than you will find in most books, good luck with your search.

Jagchester Rookie

Jagchester

Posted
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Posted

Hi Eric,

 

Thanks for the advice. Yes the similarities in the honour, bravery, principles, disciplines, ethics and respect of the Sikhs are legendary. There were many last stands similar to that of the battle of Thermopylae against the invading Islamic forces with some battles outnumbered 1,000 to 1 with the Sikhs emerging victorious. Even in this day and age, the Sikhs are held in high regard in many countries, with regiments in many armed forces.

 

Thank you for the interest, I will post pictures up as soon as I have access to a laptop, prob Sunday.

 

Jag Singh

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