Journal

Articles on collecting, identifying, and trading antique Japanese swords. Posts published monthly. RSS feed.

• 1 July 2026

  How to tell a nihonto from a shōwatō

  If you have a WW2-era Japanese sword and aren't sure what you have, this guide explains the visual and structural differences between traditional nihonto and machine-made shōwatō.

  shōwatōguntōidentificationWW2

• 1 June 2026

  Buying your first Japanese sword: a checklist

  A practical guide for first-time nihonto buyers — budgets, where to buy, what papers to require, and the questions every seller should be able to answer.

  buying guideNBTHKauthenticationcollecting