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Test your knowledge of warriors, famous swords, smiths, and history
Review illustrated guides on sword anatomy, hamon, and curvature before taking the quiz. How to Appreciate a Sword
Intermediate
An intermediate quiz on sori types (koshi-zori, saki-zori, kyo-zori) and reading the era — koto (old sword) vs. shinto (new sword) — from the blade's overall shape (sugata). See the /appreciation sori and era comparison diagrams.
Intermediate
An intermediate quiz on jihada (steel surface texture: itame, masame, mokume) and the names and roles of koshirae components: saya, tsuka, tsuba, fuchi, kashira, menuki, and habaki. Check the /appreciation jihada and koshirae diagrams.
Beginner
A beginner quiz on hamon (temper line) types formed by quenching: suguha (straight), gunome (rounded undulations), choji (clove-shaped), midare (irregular), and notare (wavy). Check the /appreciation diagram for shapes.
Beginner
A beginner quiz on the names and locations of blade parts: nakago (tang), shinogi (ridge), yokote, monouchi, kissaki (tip), mune (spine), and sori (curvature). Try it alongside the /appreciation diagram.
Learn the difference between appraisal certificates and registration documents before you buy. NBTHK Appraisal ・ Registration Guide
Intermediate
An intermediate quiz on the Firearms and Swords Control Law: the mandatory 登録証 for possession, correct steps when discovering an unregistered sword, inheritance ownership-change notification, how the 登録証 is handled in transactions, and how it differs from the 鑑定書.
Beginner
A beginner quiz on the four NBTHK appraisal grades and why a 鑑定書 (appraisal certificate) can never replace the 登録証 (registration certificate) for legal possession.
Beginner
A beginner quiz on the legal role of the 登録証, who issues it (prefectural board of education), the five recorded items, how to match it against the blade, and why checking it before purchase is essential.
Beginner
A beginner quiz on what to confirm with a dealer before buying: the 登録証 (non-negotiable), NBTHK 鑑定書 grade (optional quality indicator), blade condition, provenance, and return/warranty policy.