Buy a Japanese Sword

Many are the people who, fascinated by the Japanese sword, buy a Nihontō.
There are collectors who have more of different types, or people who buy only the one that they loved.
Nihontō is the traditional Japanese art that has been passed down throughout the ages.
Is not an exaggeration if we say that the Nihontō is a piece of art made by the japanese typical delicacy and unique traditional technique.
Recently it is increasing the number of Japanese Sword lovers who, with the purpose of buy a sword, come to visit Japan.
Of abovementioned Nihontō there are different types.

■ Tachi (太刀) The sword that has been frequently used from the late Heian period to the early Muromachi period is the “Tachi”.
Nowadays there many “Tachi” which, as art objects, are preserved in museums or art galleries here in Kyoto
The blade length is about 70 cm ～ 80 cm, and it strong curvature is the main characteristic.

■ Katana (刀) The “Katana” is the sword that often appears at the television or historical costume drama.
It has been frequently used from the middle Muromachi period to the late Edo Period.
The blade length is more than 60.6 cm.
The main characteristics of this sword are the gentle curvature and the shorter length than Tachi.

■ Wakizashi (脇差) “Wakizashi” is made as a supplementary position of the Katana.
The blade length is more than 30.3cm and less than 60.6cm.
Formerly people who wasn't samurai, such as peasant and merchants, was allowed to carry a wakizashi.

■ Tanto (短刀) Literally短 (Tan) means “Short”, and 刀 (tō) means ”Sword”. “Tanto” is a Short sword.
The blade length is not longer than 30.3cm and formerly it was used for selfdefense.

There are people in Japan who displays in their guest room the sword inherited generation by generation from their ancestors.
In modern Japan is prohibited by law to carry a samurai sword on the street, but is allowed expose it as a piece of art in the private home.
The Nihontō is becoming a popular antiques because just exposing, it presence gives a prestigious touch to the atmosphere.
In Kyoto, where traditional Japanese culture is still deeply rooted and present, were left a wide range of swords some of one are referred to as “Art works”.
In Such Kyoto, our is a shop specialized in Nihontō and Tōken.
Of course we are engaged in the sale, but we are also active on purchasing.
To ensure the satisfaction of our customers and make sure to see for yourself our pieces, we have established a showroom in Kyoto city.
Please let we know in advance if you desire to visit our Show room.
We use a system with appointment.
I think that the best way to buy a Japanese sword is to come to our room, see directly with your eyes, judging, and eventually buy.

Actually there are many shops specialized in selling swords, and some of which sells through internet. But you can not verify the true quality of a sword just watching at the pictures.
For this reason in our shop we don't sell through internet, after watched by your eyes our swords and verify the quality, we negotiate the price.
You can take a reservation by telephone or mail. Please note that the purchase will occur after the direct control of the sword you are interested.

After the purchase of a Japanese Sword, the important thing as a maintenance is "to ensure that it does not rust."
The Nihontō blade is covered with a thin layer of oil, but when that gets old, rust can come out.
Therefore, it’s important periodically remove carefully the aged oil and cover with new oil again.
Our shop also sells the specialized tools for the maintenance.
For details please contact us! , a shop specialized in Swords in Kyoto.