Best place to buy swords?

[Emanuel]

In Japan, all nihon-to must be registered with a state ministry by law. So I think it's pretty much impossible to find a good sword at a garage sale, when there are plenty of formal venues to sell one for big bucks. I think a while ago the US was a good source for such blades, but due to the popularization of Japanese swords in the media, even the oldest vet will have some idea of the value of a bring-back.

[RhysMichael]

As was noted it depends on what you are looking for but I have had good luck with England and the Netherlands by mail and would love to get over to either of them to poke around in the antique shops

[Jens Nordlunde]

No, I have avoided buying weapons in countries with strict restrictions, besides, what I collect is said to be more expensive in the homeland than in London – if the quality is right.

What kind of weapons are you looking for?

[Yannis]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

what I collect is said to be more expensive in the homeland than in London – if the quality is right.

That is true. Lot more expensive. I said London for few reasons: They had an empire. They had lot of travelers around the world last 300 years. Collecting was mass habit. Lot of auctions, flee markets and antique shops.

Exporting an item is a pain. Importing it in some countries is more pain. Not for England. So

Rule Britannia... Britannia rule the blades!