Practical, friendly guide for travelers, collectors, and sword enthusiasts: learn what a katana, samurai sword, or nihonto really is, how to spot an authentic piece, legal & export basics, maintenance, and where to look when you want to buy.

---

Part 1 — Japanese Sword Basics

What is a Japanese sword? — A fusion of art, craft, and history
A Japanese sword (nihonto) — often called a katana or more generally a samurai sword — is both a weapon and a work of fine metalwork. Forged by master swordsmiths over centuries, authentic nihonto are prized for their curved blade, distinctive temper line (hamon), and layered steel structure. Keywords: nihonto, Japanese sword, katana, samurai sword, authentic katana.

History — The story of the samurai blade
From early straight swords to the curved tachi and the classic katana of the Edo period, Japanese swords evolved with battlefield needs and aesthetic tastes. Famous eras: Heian, Kamakura (when forging technology matured), Muromachi, and the Edo peace period (when swords became status symbols and works of art). Keywords: samurai history, tachi, Edo period swords, swordsmiths.

Types of Japanese swords — shape and period matter

• Tachi (太刀) — older, more curved, worn edge-down; used by cavalry and pre-katana warriors.

• Katana (刀 / 刀) — the classic long curved sword worn edge-up by samurai; the most recognized form today.

• Wakizashi (脇差) — short companion sword; commonly paired with a katana as daisho.

• Tanto (短刀) — dagger-size blade for utility or close defense.

• Other polearms — naginata, yari (spears) and other blade-types also exist in Japanese arms tradition.
  Keywords: wakizashi, tanto, tachi, naginata, yari.

---

Part 2 — What Makes a Japanese Sword Special & How to Appreciate One

Sword anatomy — learn the parts
Understanding terms helps you evaluate and describe swords: ha (edge), mune (back), kissaki (tip), nakago (tang), habaki (blade collar), tsuba (guard), saya (scabbard). Keywords: nakago, habaki, tsuba, saya, kissaki.

Hamon — the temper pattern
The hamon is the visible line along the blade created by differential hardening. It reflects the smith’s technique and is a primary indicator of craftsmanship. Look for clarity, naturalness, and a consistent relationship between hamon and overall blade geometry. Keywords: hamon, differential hardening, tempered line.

Jigane — the grain or “skin” of the steel
Jigane refers to the steel texture (hada) seen on the blade surface — mokume (wood-grain), itame (mixed), or masame (straight). A fine jigane is a sign of high-quality folding and forging. Keywords: jigane, hada, mokume, itame.

Nakago — the tang that tells the maker’s story
The tang often bears a signature (mei) or cuts that help identify a smith and era. A properly darkened, age-appropriate tang can indicate authenticity. Keywords: nakago, mei, signature, swordsmith.

Tōsōgu — fittings as art
Guards (tsuba), pommels, and scabbard lacquer work are collectible artworks by themselves. High-quality fittings can significantly raise a sword’s value. Keywords: tsuba, sword fittings, saya lacquer.

How to look at a sword — practical tips for viewing & judging

• Examine shape and polish (not just shine).

• Observe hamon and jigane under good light.

• Check the nakago for age-appropriate patina and mei.

• Ask for provenance/certificates (see Part 3).
  Keywords: how to authenticate katana, view hamon, judge nihonto.

---

Part 3 — Buying a Japanese Sword: Practical Guide for Foreigners

Authentic vs replica — legal and practical differences

• Replicas / decorative swords are usually mass-produced stainless-steel pieces: inexpensive, legal in many places as decor.

• True nihonto are forged from special steels, heat-treated, and often historically significant or certified as works of art. In many countries, owning or importing a real sword entails rules; in Japan, genuine swords over certain criteria must be registered. Always check local and national laws before buying or shipping. Keywords: replica katana vs authentic, decorative sword, legal regulations, import rules.

Where to look — trusted sellers and markets

• Specialty antique sword dealers ( nihonto dealers / token shops ) — best for certified, antique blades.

• Certified art dealers & auction houses — global auction houses and specialist Japanese auctions can sell high-grade pieces.

• Newly made swords by licensed swordsmiths — modern smiths produce shinsakuto (newly-made nihonto) often with papers.

• Museums and exhibitions — good places to learn and find references for reputable dealers.

• Online marketplaces — use caution; require provenance and certifications.
  Keywords: buy katana, where to buy nihonto, certified sword dealer, auction katana.

How to find a trustworthy seller

• Verify membership/association with recognized bodies (e.g., NBTHK — Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai).

• Ask for documentation: registration certificate, paper (origami), appraisal, or provenance.

• Request clear photographs (including nakago and mei) and condition reports.

• Check seller reviews and references; prefer shop visits when possible.
  Keywords: NBTHK, sword appraisal, origami, certificate of authenticity.

Steps to buying a sword (recommended checklist)

1. Decide: decorative replica or authentic nihonto?

2. Research expected price range (see below).

3. Get the seller’s documentation and hi-res photos (blade, nakago, fittings).

4. Ask for condition report and service history (polishing, repairs).

5. Confirm legal export/import requirements with customs and the seller.

6. Use insured shipping with experienced couriers and proper declarations.
   Keywords: how to buy a katana, buying checklist, insured shipping swords.

Export & transport — what to know before you ship

• Japan requires registration for many historical swords; dealers often handle export paperwork.

• Many countries require import permits for edged weapons — consult your local customs or embassy.

• Declare properly, insure the shipment, and use specialized packing to prevent damage and corrosion.

• Be aware of airline and postal restrictions for blades.
  Keywords: export katana, import permit, customs for swords, ship katana abroad.

What to check when buying — how to avoid fakes

• Nakago and mei authenticity — modern fake meisho (famous smith signatures) are common.

• Polish and surface — poor polish can hide flaws or re-tempering.

• Inconsistent hamon or artificially applied hamon — many fakes etch a hamon into steel.

• Provenance & paperwork — lack of paperwork doesn’t always mean fake, but certified appraisal is best.

• When in doubt, seek a second opinion from a recognized appraiser or NBTHK-style organization.
  Keywords: fake katana signs, how to spot authentic nihonto, hamon fake.

Price ranges — a general guide

• Decorative stainless replica: tens to a few hundred USD.

• High-quality modern production sword (functional): a few hundred to a few thousand USD.

• Certified shinsakuto by recognized smiths: several thousand USD.

• Antique, historically important, or NBTHK-certified blades: can range from several thousand to tens or hundreds of thousands USD depending on rarity, smith, condition, and provenance.
  Value drivers: smith’s reputation, age, certification, condition, fittings, and historical significance. Keywords: katana price, how much is a katana, nihonto value.

---

Part 4 — Practical Information for Owners

Japanese sword registration (in Japan)
Japan has a formal registration system for swords classified as edged weapons and cultural items; dealers commonly handle paperwork when selling/exporting. If you are a foreign owner, make sure that your purchase includes proper documentation and that you follow export procedures. Outside Japan, check local registration or licensing rules. Keywords: sword registration Japan, gunpo token registration, export paperwork.

Care & maintenance — protect your investment
Basic routine care (for authentic steel blades) includes:

• Wipe the blade carefully with a soft dry cloth to remove fingerprints after handling.

• Apply a thin coat of choji oil (clove-scented oil commonly used) or light mineral oil to prevent rust.

• Avoid touching the blade with bare fingers (oils/sweat cause rust).

• Keep fittings dry and inspect periodically; seek a professional polisher for any serious rust or damage — improper polishing can ruin a blade’s value.
  Keywords: katana maintenance, how to oil a sword, prevent rust katana.

Storage & display

• Store in a dry, temperature-stable environment; avoid humid basements.

• For long-term storage, keep a thin oil coat on the blade and store in a breathable case.

• If displaying, use a secure stand and consider security/insurance for valuable pieces.
  Keywords: store katana, display sword, sword stand.

Export & legal compliance for owners overseas

• If you plan to take a sword home, confirm export rules from the seller and import rules of your destination country. Some countries require permits or even ban imports of edged weapons. Always get written confirmation and consult your embassy or customs. Keywords: import katana, bring katana home, customs sword import.

---

Appendix

Glossary (short)

• Nihonto — Japanese sword.

• Katana — long, curved samurai sword.

• Tachi — older long sword with greater curvature.

• Wakizashi — short companion sword.

• Tanto — dagger.

• Hamon — temper line pattern.

• Jigane / Hada — steel grain pattern.

• Nakago — tang; often carries the smith’s signature (mei).

• Tsuba — guard.

• Saya — scabbard.
  Keywords: nihonto glossary, katana terms.

Further reading & resources (where to learn more)

• Specialist organizations and appraisal groups for Japanese swords (search for NBTHK and local sword societies).

• Museums with Japanese arms collections (e.g., Tokyo National Museum and other national/regional museums).

• Books and collector guides on nihonto and swordsmithing history.

• Reputable sword dealers and auction house catalogues for pricing and provenance examples.
  Keywords: NBTHK, Tokyo National Museum swords, nihonto books, katana auction.

---

Quick Buyer’s Checklist (printable)

• Decide: decorative or authentic nihonto?

• Request high-res photos: hamon, hada, nakago, mei, fittings.

• Ask for certificates, appraisal, or registration papers.

• Confirm seller reputation and return policy.

• Check export/import laws for your country.

• Arrange insured, documented shipping via a specialist courier.
  Keywords: katana buying checklist, how to buy a sword checklist.