You may have an interest in antique swords because you are a history buff who loves collecting knowledge, you are a collector of fine antique swords, or you want to find out as much as possible to learn how to make a sword. What ever the case may be, you are not alone. There is a lot of peaked interest around the world in this area.

Some of the most popular antique swords worldwide are the Katana, or the Samurai swords. Today we have glamorized the Samurai’s existence with movies such as Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai, or influences in combat such as in Stars Wars. In actuality samurai swords and armor were used in defense for the Japanese military or the wealthy landowners of the time. Some of the history books even depict these warriors as destroyers of villages and rapist of woman and children. Fighting between the clans pitted samurai warriors against each other in ferocious battles. Personally I would like to keep the honorable, heroic image of the Samurai.

The samurai armor and swords can be very expensive depending on the combination of four things. First check out the quality of craftsmanship of the sword and second, how well it has been preserved. For your third and fourth points, if there is a famous story that is attached to the sword and/or a reputable or famous owner the value will go up. Antique swords with all four of these qualities will be an excellent investment since the value will probably continue to rise the longer you have them. You can also apply these four components to samurai armor and other kinds of antique swords.

Many collectors defer to replicas that are more affordable and available to acquire.

And if that doesn’t suit you, you can always revert to learning how to make a sword on your own. You can make a sword fairly cheap using just foam. Or if you want to put a little more expense into it you can use the best metals. Designing and making swords can be a great hobbie.

So whether you are a collector of antique swords, samurai armor or just want to learn about the history and how to make a sword, keep an eye out in this blog for tips that can help you.

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If you want the true authentic Japanese antique swords then you will want the antique nihonto.  The antique nihonto is for the serious collector or investor of samurai swords.  These are all handmade and hand forged in Japan in the traditional technique of the samurai.  These museum quality swords are one of a kind and date back as far as the Heian Era, early 1000AD.  Nihonto swords have their own registration and certificate of authenticity from the NBTHK (Nihon Bijitsu Token Hozon Kyokai).  The NBTHK is well respected and the premier sword association in Japan.  These swords will range in price $10,000 to $100,000 and more.

The higher end Samurai katana swords can range from $150 to $3000.  These swords are handmade or factory made using some of the finest quality materials.  Modern forging techniques are used.  These swords for the most part are functional and made by some of the industry’s most reputable makers.  Included are Paul Chen, Thaitsuki Nihonto, United Cutlery and others. 

Replicas are another option.  I find them to be more affordable and a better purchase for a novice collector.  They are made to look just like the original Japanese antique swords.  Most of them are made of high carbon steel or stainless steel.  Perfect for the younger collectors or first time collectors.  These make for great wall displays.  You can also find these for $250 and under.

Figure out who you are buying for, what their expectations and preferences are and the price range in which you will spend.  Then click on the following link and go to this website of Antique Swords and Samurai Japanese Swords, browse and see if you find what you are looking for.

Technorati Tags: Antique Swords, antique swords to gift, Japanese swords, katana swords, nihonto, replica swords, Samurai Swords