Tips For Purchasing authentic Japanese Swords

Japanese swords are increasingly becoming popular in the market. These swords will make you a modern-day warrior. They will help you cultivate discipline in your life. They represent simplicity and determination. Owning a sword will make you strong and confident. However, there are certain things worth considering before investing in a Japanese katana sword. Keep reading to find the things you should know before investing in a Japanese sword.

 Law

Carefully review your local laws. Before purchasing a Japanese sword, it’s imperative to ensure that your police department approves the ownership of such tools. In some instances, you may be required to obtain licensing to own an authentic sword. Alternatively, you may be asked to obtain an import permit from your governmental organization.

In case your sword gets confiscated for its misuse, your seller won’t be held accountable for providing insurance or issuing any refunds. So, be sure to observe the purchase protocols.

Customs

If you decide to make an international order, you might have to pay customs fees on its arrival. Thus, it’s important to consult your local customs office to find out how much you’ll be charged.

Insurance

Determine if the seller offers adequate insurance. In most cases, the company will provide coverage if the swords were shipped by the Express Mail Service (EMS). The maximum amount of coverage is often equal to the sword’s original price. And it’ll only apply if your shipment gets lost or damaged.

Once you file your claim, you could receive compensation after EMS has carefully assessed your situation and proved that your sword got damaged during shipping.

Buying Your Sword Online

Purchasing a sword online can be quite tricky. And this is particularly true when it comes to antiques. Japanese swords have become increasingly popular nowadays. Because of this, other countries have been trying to imitate them while neglecting the level of care that the Japanese give their creations.

Katana

The katana swords are popular historical weapons. They’re considered to be collectible items because they were invented 400 years ago. They’re traditionally crafted with a unique type of steel known as tahamagane. It is now easy to craft an authentic Japanese sword.

When combined with the meticulous smelting process, this will result in a tough weapon featuring a sharp edge. Before purchasing a katana sword, it’s best to conduct extensive research to confirm its quality and authenticity.

 For online purchases, it’s advisable to schedule a video chat to have a clear view of the swords. You want to make sure that you’re purchasing the right sword.

Tachi

Tachi swords are much longer and curved. They were commonly utilized by armored samurais during the Muromachi period. They’re older and feature a more prominent curve than katana swords. They were once believed to protect their samurai.

Tanto

Compared to wakizashi, tanto swords are much shorter and supplemental. They were commonly given to brides as gifts during traditional Japanese weddings. The Japanese believed that tanto offered sacred protection and kept evil spirits off.

Wakizashi

These swords were designed for use in small spaces. They offered protection to the samurai warriors when they entered castles where they were prohibited. The swords became more prominent during the Edo Period when people had to identify themselves as military officers.

Sword Maintenance

When shopping around or if you want to craft an authentic Japanese sword, there are specific guidelines you should take into consideration. This will help you to properly care for your valuable antique blade. Scheduling a virtual meeting will provide you with a thorough understanding of the sword’s functionality and how to preserve it.

What To Consider

Before purchasing a Japanese sword, be sure to check your local laws. Katanas aren’t legal in all countries. Certain states have very tight restrictions regarding the use of katanas.

There are numerous restrictions placed on the use of katanas. That’s exactly why true Japanese swords are extremely expensive and rare to find. Katanas are supposed to be sold with the correct paperwork, as well as, licensing documents. It’s important to store them in a safe place and not to openly display them.

Online Purchase

Countless counterfeit Japanese swords are being sold online. So, don’t be tempted to purchase them thinking that they’re authentic swords. Of course, they’re fabricated with high steel grades and they could even be sharp but that doesn’t mean they won’t bend.

Traditional Japanese swords are created with a lot of attention and dedication. They’re hand-crafted and feature the highest quality on earth. Make sure that you’re getting exactly what you paid for. Most companies overprice their swords for nothing. They create counterfeit swords and sell them at exorbitant prices. Before making your final purchase, be sure to perform due diligence.

Becoming A Swordsmith

To become a seasoned swordsmith, you must undertake training with an experienced sword maker for about five months. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll have to pass a certification exam that lasts for eight days. And after being certified, you can start practicing as a sword maker for many years to make.

Depending on the quality of your work, you’ll keep building your reputation until you become a renowned swordsmith. There are currently around 180 respected traditional Japanese sword makers.

Crafting Japanese Swords

Samurai swords are often designed with high-quality steel. The steel is recurrently heated, forged, and layered. It’s then taken through a repeated cycle of folding and tempering. Thick layers of clay are then applied to serve as part of the differential hardening treatment which sharpens the blade and makes it shock-absorbent.

The layering process is repeated until the desired outcome is achieved. They won’t stop until they’re satisfied with the outcome. True swordsmiths are committed to creating high-quality swords that are both elegant and well-polished. It can take up to eighteen months to craft an authentic Japanese sword.

The Bottom-Line

Buying a Japanese sword is a nice decision. Besides decorating your home, a sword is a sign of strength and confidence. It shows that you are determined and focused on achieving your goals. Swords are simple but era effective. Purchase the right Japanese word. Use the above tips and tricks to purchase the best sword today!