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Buying & Verification ・ 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.
Confirming the existence of the 登録証 and that its details match the blade is the non-negotiable first step before any purchase. Without a 登録証, possession of the sword is illegal in Japan. An NBTHK 鑑定書 is an optional quality indicator; a sword without one can still be purchased legally if the 登録証 is present.
When asking about the 鑑定書, find out whether one exists and what its grade is (Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Jūyō, or Tokubetsu Jūyō). A higher grade reflects higher aesthetic evaluation and typically a higher price. The 鑑定書 is issued by NBTHK (a private organization), not by the police. It cannot replace the 登録証 and does not exempt the owner from any possession procedures.
Chips, rust, and polishing condition directly affect both practical and artistic value. Nicks or deep rust may require re-polishing at significant additional cost. While the 登録証 records length and curvature, weight is not recorded. The tsuba metalwork and tsuka material are also worth checking, but blade condition is the top priority.
Asking about provenance helps confirm the sword has changed hands through legitimate channels. A clear record of previous owners is evidence that the sword was not stolen or improperly traded. The presence or absence of provenance documentation does not affect export permit requirements or the need for a 登録証.
After purchase, you may discover a mismatch between the 登録証 and the blade, or hidden chips and rust. Knowing the dealer's return and warranty policy in advance means you understand your options if such issues arise. Japanese law does not mandate sword returns, and a return guarantee has no bearing on the 登録証 requirement.