I am a sword nut…
Very often I get asked, “How did you get into Japanese swords???”. Well, early in life I had a chance to go to Hawaii and I was fascinated…. The mixing of Polynesian, Japanese, and US culture had me hooked. As I grew up I liked reading the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. In high school I was on the Varsity Fencing team. College, I studied forging and metallurgy and left with a degree in Engineering. I also studied martial arts in college and further as an adult.
If you combine all of that…. You get a Japanese sword.
Why the website? I had an English teacher in college whom became a good friend ask me what I wanted to do when I graduated. “Be an engineer and design stuff” was my answer. He said “I think you would be happy owning an antique store focused on selling very unique items”. Hmmmm…. Wow, he really had me pegged. Someday I hope to have a physical store where I can not only sell but also teach people about the importance of the Japanese sword from a historic, art, and engineering perspective. Until then, I will do it virtually.
As I started collecting swords and other Japanese art I always look for striking pieces. I like to purchase blades, learn from them, and then let them go. I love sharing new purchases and celebrating other members purchases in our sword group. Going to sword shows is a highlight of my year. Strengthening friendships and making new ones with people also interested in the sword.