Nihonto Blog
Mumei Nihonto Buyer's Guide
Quick Summary A mumei nihonto can be an excellent buy when the blade itself is healthy, the workmanship is clear, and current NBTHK Hozon or Tokubetsu Hozon papers give you...
Mumei Nihonto Buyer's Guide
Quick Summary A mumei nihonto can be an excellent buy when the blade itself is healthy, the workmanship is clear, and current NBTHK Hozon or Tokubetsu Hozon papers give you...
What Is a True Nihonto? Buyer's Definition Guide
Quick Summary A true nihonto is a traditionally forged Japanese sword made in Japan, and for modern pieces that usually means by a licensed Japanese swordsmith. It is not an...
What Is a True Nihonto? Buyer's Definition Guide
Quick Summary A true nihonto is a traditionally forged Japanese sword made in Japan, and for modern pieces that usually means by a licensed Japanese swordsmith. It is not an...
Tachi Sword: Collector's Buying Guide (2026)
Quick Summary Authentic antique tachi swords are among the rarest nihonto on the collector market. Genuine ubu (unmodified) Kamakura-period examples with Juyo Token certification routinely sell for $80,000 to over...
Tachi Sword: Collector's Buying Guide (2026)
Quick Summary Authentic antique tachi swords are among the rarest nihonto on the collector market. Genuine ubu (unmodified) Kamakura-period examples with Juyo Token certification routinely sell for $80,000 to over...
Gendaito: Collector's Guide to Modern Tradition...
TL;DR Gendaito (現代刀) are fully authentic nihonto forged today by approximately 300 government-licensed Japanese smiths using tamahagane steel and centuries-old clay tempering methods. They are not replicas and not iaito...
Gendaito: Collector's Guide to Modern Tradition...
TL;DR Gendaito (現代刀) are fully authentic nihonto forged today by approximately 300 government-licensed Japanese smiths using tamahagane steel and centuries-old clay tempering methods. They are not replicas and not iaito...
Daisho: Japan's Matched Sword Pair Collector's ...
Quick Summary A daisho is a matched pair of Japanese swords, traditionally a katana and wakizashi worn together as the exclusive symbol of samurai status during the Edo period. Most...
Daisho: Japan's Matched Sword Pair Collector's ...
Quick Summary A daisho is a matched pair of Japanese swords, traditionally a katana and wakizashi worn together as the exclusive symbol of samurai status during the Edo period. Most...
Shinto Swords: Collector's Guide to Edo Period ...
Quick Summary Shintō swords (新刀, 1596-1780) are Edo period blades made after Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, known for wider bodies and a more refined, status-driven aesthetic than earlier...
Shinto Swords: Collector's Guide to Edo Period ...
Quick Summary Shintō swords (新刀, 1596-1780) are Edo period blades made after Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, known for wider bodies and a more refined, status-driven aesthetic than earlier...