Nihonto Blog
What Is a Mumei Blade? The Counter-Intuitive Gu...
An unsigned (mumei) katana can outvalue a signed one. Learn why NBTHK attributes mumei blades, when to buy, and what serious collectors look for in 2026.
What Is a Mumei Blade? The Counter-Intuitive Gu...
An unsigned (mumei) katana can outvalue a signed one. Learn why NBTHK attributes mumei blades, when to buy, and what serious collectors look for in 2026.
Japanese Swordsmiths Today: Who Still Forges Ni...
Quick Summary Japanese swordsmiths today still forge real nihonto, but the field is tiny. Japan has roughly 300 licensed swordsmiths, and each is legally capped at 24 blades per year,...
Japanese Swordsmiths Today: Who Still Forges Ni...
Quick Summary Japanese swordsmiths today still forge real nihonto, but the field is tiny. Japan has roughly 300 licensed swordsmiths, and each is legally capped at 24 blades per year,...
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...