Newbie question

[Battara]

Glad you're with us too. I'm sure some of our nihonto people will give you better advice than I.

A few things I have learned:

• Study, study, study - knowledge is power and research can help you find what you like, and then you will also be less likely to get screwed.
• Go to reputable dealers with good reputations. You can take a piece back if you discover that something is wrong with it.
• Talk to knowledgeble people or even join a nihonto society. They know the ins and outs, and who the good players are.

I hope this helps. It sure has helped me avoid some very ugly losses. I am still not ready for getting into nihonto - yet (still studying)

Now if you aren't ready for nihonto but are looking for gunto and kai-gunto stuff, I still say the same thing. There are fakes on the market in both nihonto and gunto/kai-gunto stuff out of China.