Japanese Swords

Eleven of the best sites about Japanese swords. Know of another site that should be listed here? Leave your suggestion at the bottom of this page.

1. Richard Stein’s Japanese Sword Guide - Extensive look at Japanese swords, including “graphical glossaries” of the parts of various swords, lists of Japanese swordsmiths and translations of swordsmiths’ signatures, a guide to Japanese military swords, a history of Japanese swords, advice on caring for swords, sword clubs and groups, an extensive look at the art and science of tsuba (sword guards), and more. (home.earthlink.net)

2. Bugei Trading Company - Japanese swords in the style of the ancient Samurai, including katana and wakizashi swords. Also offers custom Japanese swords and accessories such as Japanese sword stands and bags. (www.bugei.com)

3. Nihonto Message Board - Message board “dedicated to the study and preservation of Japanese swords and fittings”. Includes boards for buying or selling swords, information on sword shows, and general discussion. (www.militaria.co.za)

4. Japanese Swords Arms & Armor - Antique Japanese swords of varying conditions and years. Offers good descriptions of each sword and also many images, including closeups, to allow buyers to see the designs and assess the condition of the swords. They also buy swords and accept consignment if you’ve got a Japanese sword to sell. (www.japanesesword.com)

5. Fred Lohman Co. - Offers Japanese sword restoration as well as sword parts and other supplies. (www.japanese-swords.com)

6. Samurai Sword Dealers Facing Ban - March 5, 2007 article on a proposed ban of the sale of samurai swords in England, due to the increased use of them to commit violent crimes. The ban would be against cheaper versions and not against authentic antique swords sought by collectors. (news.bbc.co.uk)

7. The Japanese Sword Society of the United States - “Charitable and educational organization for the appreciation and advanced study of the Japanese art sword and related fields of interest.” Not much going on at the Web site, but you can become a member and get in the loop on their correspondence as well as get the bimonthly newsletter. (www.jssus.org)

8. Japanese Swords at AllSwords.com - Offers both display swords and battle-ready Japanese swords, including samurai, katana, tanto, wakazashi, tashi swords and more. (www.allswords.com)

9. Why I Feel Betrayed… - Japanese swords can cause emotional feelings, as this writer shows when he feels a friend has stolen his idea for a commissioned katakiriha zukuri tanto sword. (v-nguyen.livejournal.com)

10. Shop US More Japanese Swords - Direct importer, distributor, and wholesaler of Japanese swords, as well as other swords, knives and similar products. Carried 50 Japanese swords and related items at our last visit. (www.shopusmore.com)

11. Bushido Japanese Swords and Restoration - Honolulu, Hawaii-based company offers Japanese sword polishing and restoration. Site is very hard to read on many pages. (www.bushidojapaneseswords.com)