The Japanese sword sites linked to in this directory are not particularly numerous, but there are no dead links or useless one page sites here - just the very best sites the internet has to offer...
There are many, many more sites out there of course - but if you don't want to hunt everything down in bits and pieces, the following links are for you...
I have divided my list of Japanese sword sites into two main categories. The first is for those seeking information on Japanese swords. And the second, for reliable sellers - from low end $20 wall hangers to the dizzying heights of $80,000 Antique Nihonto...
For conveniences sake, the following links open in a new window so that you can keep this directory open as a hub.
Enjoy the journey, because the information contained within these sites is just the beginning...!
Dr Richard Stein's Sword Index is one of the oldest Japanese sword sites on the net, and definitely one of the best and most respected. While their focus is on traditionally made and antique Katana, the information there is pure gold for all levels of Japanese sword collector and enthusiast.
Japanese Swords: Q & A
Presented in a questions and answers format, this site may be fairly short, but after reading it you will have a solid understanding of what Japanese swords really are, as well as what they can and cannot do. A great foundation to build upon written in an interesting and easy to read style.
Toyama Ryu is one of the most practical, battle tested Japanese Sword Arts around and these guys frequently USE their blades for Tameshigiri, so they certainly know what they are talking about. Lots of reviews of higher end blades (particularly Hanwei Forge pieces), information on blade geometry, maintenance and much more (as well as links to other sites on sword repair and maintenance).
Usagiya: Information Index
The information pages of the Kashima sisters respected Usagiya (lit. "rabbit shop", though they don't sell rabbits...) have a whole heap of excellent articles on the Japanese sword. While English is not their first language, it really doesn't matter: the quality of the information here makes it one of the best Japanese sword sites around.
Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Gunto)
The bible of WII Japanese sword sites, Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Gunto) is a wealth of information on anyone interested in absolutely EVERYTHING there is to know about these swords.
Nihontocraft
While this website is also that of a reliable seller of papered Nihonto, there are also some excellent and very interesting articles as well as truly beautiful high resolution images. Nicely laid out site and a very enjoyable read.
Meiboku
And old site (started in 1996 and last updated in 2000) but never the less a great one, Meiboku contains a wealth of information on the different blade types, Katana history and even a method of reading the various mei (signatures) on Japanese sword tangs! Some of the links are broken, as can be expected with a site of this age, and it is a bit a "plain Jane" but the info is priceless.
JAPANESE SWORD SELLERS
The following list of Japanese sword sites is graded primarily to the collector's budget.
From bare bones light duty cutters all the way to high end papered Nihonto. But they all have one thing in common, like the informational Japanese sword sites listed above - they are the best in the business.
Trueswords.com
Trueswords sell a large variety of inexpensive Chinese made replicas, from $20 wall hangers to low and mid level Musashi swords ranging from the $50 to $180 price point, many of which have been proven to be considerably more reliable than expected. The best place for an enthusiast on a real shoe string budget or the backyard sword enthusiast looking for a light duty cutter.
SBG Sword Store
Not to toot my own horn too much, but the SBG Sword Store is specialized in providing only the best value for money dojo quality Katana - both our own exclusive line of custom swords and production blades from Cheness Cutlery and the Hanwei Forge at the lowest prices around (and with my sites reputation on the line, it goes without saying that the commitment to customer service is paramount).
I should also note that for US buyers ALL levels of Hanwei's Katana are available at extremely competitive prices upon request. Contact me for additional information.
Bugei Trading Company
James Williams Budgei Trading Company takes Hanwei blades are considered by many collectors to be the pinnacle of the production sword market. Their Katana are customer made for them by Hanwei and feature some of the most stringent QC inspections in the business. While there can often be lengthy wait times, most agree that it is well worth it for the final result.
Japanese sword.com
Trusted sellers of actual antique Japanese blades at relatively low prices (many are within $1500 to $3000). While many of the swords are in need of some serious TLC, they are a great source for anyone who is looking for an antique Japanese sword at an affordable price. They also offer a consignment service for anyone who is looking to sell a genuine Japanese antique.
Aoi-Art.com
Based in Tokyo, Aoi-Art is a premier source for authentic and flawless NBTHK papered Nihonto blades. You could have one of these antique bare blades shipped and fully insured for around the US$15,000 mark, which is quite a reasonable price for an antique bare blade...
Samurai sword.com
These guys specialize in beautiful museum quality pieces for collectors and investors, hand made by 'National Living Treasure' Sword smiths: ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 (though they also have other swords priced from $750)... Of all the Japanese sword sites, this one must be one of the most 'drool worthy'. They also give Free evaluations and fee based insurance appraisals.
FURTHER RESOURCES
While there are many (many) more Japanese sword sites out there, what is listed above is a solid foundation and definitely some of the best around in terms of both information and places to buy Japanese swords at just about every end of the spectrum.
You can find a slew of Japanese sword sites listed here at swordlinks.com though it will take some wading through not all of these are guaranteed to be particularly comprehensive or reliable as the lists above.
You can also check out more information on specific production sword manufacturers at the SBG sister site – Sword manufacturers Guide.com
And of course there is a great deal of information to be found at the various Sword Forums such as SFI, the SBG Sword Forum and Jason Moore's Swords of Might Forum.
While the amount of information available in all these Japanese sword sites is quite impressive, the best works are generally to be found offline.
This book is an absolute font of knowledge on how these beautiful swords are made and a real insight into what makes them so special: the Nihonto enthusiasts bible if you will...
(pictured right).
