Nihonto Blog
Antique Katana Price Guide: What to Expect at E...
Quick Summary Authentic antique katana prices run from around $5,000 for a Hozon-certified Shinto blade up to $200,000 or more for a Kamakura-period masterwork carrying Juyo Token or Tokubetsu Juyo...
Antique Katana Price Guide: What to Expect at E...
Quick Summary Authentic antique katana prices run from around $5,000 for a Hozon-certified Shinto blade up to $200,000 or more for a Kamakura-period masterwork carrying Juyo Token or Tokubetsu Juyo...
How to Import a Katana to France and Europe: Du...
Quick Summary Importing an authentic nihonto to France or anywhere in the EU is entirely legal, provided you follow three overlapping sets of rules: Japanese export regulations, EU customs procedure,...
How to Import a Katana to France and Europe: Du...
Quick Summary Importing an authentic nihonto to France or anywhere in the EU is entirely legal, provided you follow three overlapping sets of rules: Japanese export regulations, EU customs procedure,...
Import a Katana to France and Europe: Complete ...
Quick Summary Importing an authentic nihonto to France or the EU is legal and straightforward when you have the right documents. Antique nihonto over 100 years old enter the EU...
Import a Katana to France and Europe: Complete ...
Quick Summary Importing an authentic nihonto to France or the EU is legal and straightforward when you have the right documents. Antique nihonto over 100 years old enter the EU...
How to Spot a Gimei: Fake Signatures on Antique...
Quick Summary A gimei is a forged or falsely attributed signature on the nakago (tang) of a Japanese sword. Over 80% of blades claiming...
How to Spot a Gimei: Fake Signatures on Antique...
Quick Summary A gimei is a forged or falsely attributed signature on the nakago (tang) of a Japanese sword. Over 80% of blades claiming...
What Is Jihada? Understanding the Grain Pattern...
Quick Summary Jihada (地肌) is the grain pattern visible on the surface of a nihonto blade, produced by the folding and forging process used to work tamahagane steel — and...
What Is Jihada? Understanding the Grain Pattern...
Quick Summary Jihada (地肌) is the grain pattern visible on the surface of a nihonto blade, produced by the folding and forging process used to work tamahagane steel — and...
Hamon Nihonto: How to Read the Temper Line
TL;DR The hamon is the temper line that runs along the edge of an authentic nihonto. It forms during yaki-ire, the quenching process in which differential clay coating causes the...
Hamon Nihonto: How to Read the Temper Line
TL;DR The hamon is the temper line that runs along the edge of an authentic nihonto. It forms during yaki-ire, the quenching process in which differential clay coating causes the...