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From blade anatomy, curvature and hamon to reading the registration card and appraisal paper — the basics worth knowing before you buy.
Nihonto carry a lot of specialised vocabulary, and the reasons behind price and condition can be hard to read at first. These diagrams introduce the main points to look for. For authenticity and final judgement, always confirm via the registration card, appraisal paper and a trusted sword dealer.
Nakago, mekugi-ana, mei, machi, shinogi, mune, hamon, monouchi, yokote, kissaki and sori — your map for looking at a blade.
Source: Common sword terminology
The deepest point of the curve changes the blade's overall shape: koshi-zori, kyo-zori (torii-zori), saki-zori, uchi-zori and mu-zori. A basis for dating and pricing.
Source: Common sword terminology
The temper pattern from quenching: suguha, gunome, choji, midare and notare. A key point of appreciation and a clue to the smith or school.
Source: Common sword terminology
How to read the tang that sits inside the handle: the position of the mei, the mekugi-ana, file marks and tang-end shape. Confirm authenticity via appraisal paper and a dealer.
Source: Common sword terminology
The registration card is a legally required document to possess a sword in Japan (issued by the prefectural board of education). An appraisal paper (e.g. NBTHK) is an optional quality assessment and does not replace the registration card.
Note: schematic for explanation only. It differs from the actual format of a registration card or appraisal paper.
Source: Agency for Cultural Affairs, prefectural boards of education, NBTHK
The grain pattern of the steel surface: itame, masame, mokume and ayasugi. A point of appreciation where a school's character shows.
Source: Common sword terminology
The exterior mounting parts: saya, tsuka, tsuba, fuchi, kashira, menuki and habaki. Their presence and quality affect price and appreciation.
Source: Common sword terminology
Read the era from the overall silhouette: koto blades are slender with deep koshi-zori, Nanbokucho blades are grand, shinto blades have shallower sori.
Source: Common sword terminology