Navigating the complex world of Japanese swords requires discerning genuine samurai swords from clever forgeries. This guide will equip you with essential knowledge to identify authentic blades by examining critical features like Hamon, Hada, Mei, and Sugata, helping you avoid...
Learn to identify counterfeit Japanese swords (gansaku). This guide explains key indicators of fake katanas, including tang analysis, material inconsistencies, and misleading certificates. By understanding these factors, you can confidently distinguish authentic nihonto from replicas and avoid costly mistakes. 1....
No, absolutely not! Discover the significance of certificates of authenticity for Japanese swords. This article explains how certificates impact value, what information they provide (like sword type, maker, and condition), and why some swords lack them. Learn how to assess...
This is a great little book. It is aimed at beginners to the field but there are still bits of information that seasoned connoisseurs will appreciates. It has an accessible written style and excellent diagrams of features that I’ve never understood or seen such as ‘yo’ and ‘choji ashi’. Highly recommended book.
The Katana I purchased from Tozando is magnificent. It is a work of art. I am deeply grateful for the excellent customer service I received and the beautiful blade.